Shipowners recognise the importance of shore leave to seafarers. Shore leave can help to mitigate fatigue and reduce stress from long voyages and a long time away from home. Providing access to shore leave can, however, be challenging.

This document sets out principles for providing shore leave during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and contains information on the international maritime obligations surrounding the provision of shore leave by state authorities and shipowners, and for seafarers.