IRU, the world road transport organisation, IATA, the International Air Transport Association, ICS, the International Chamber of Shipping, and ITF, the International Transport Workers’ Federation, have come together to make an urgent plea to the world’s heads of government and the United Nations Agencies to remove restrictions hampering the free movement of transport workers, and guarantee and facilitate their free and safe movement.
On the first day of London International Shipping Week, the International Chamber of Shipping has published new and updated guidance to protect seafarers and shipowners against the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
Shipping companies should take a mental health emergency as seriously as a physical one. A seafarer experiencing a mental health crisis might feel no longer able to cope. This is particularly true in the current pandemic. This document has tools to help shipping companies, Masters and seafarers handle such a situation and to spot suicidal behaviour.
Version 1.0 of these guidelines were withdrawn in February 2026 and replaced by Version 2.0, Crewing Agency Guidelines. These guidelines have been produced to help shipping companies choose reputable manning agencies and to ensure that seafarers are recruited in line with the requirements of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC, 2006).