NOW that the Covid-19 pandemic appears to be manageable and routine activities are gradually allowed in the “new normal”, a critical group of workers is still facing undue distress because of the authorities’ assumption that they are, at best, inconsequent, and at worst, don’t exist.

They are global seafarers – those serving on board merchant ships, cargo vessels, ferries, dredgers, etc – who ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential goods and services. They are the “fifth emergency service, alongside police, the armed forces, and medical and fire services”, as said by Natalie Shaw, director of employment affairs at the International Chamber of Shipping.

Many are still unable to leave their ships upon the completion of their duties due to nations refusing to issue transit visas or agencies imposing ludicrous diktats, such as insisting that crew members be “quarantined on board the vessel for at least 14 days” before disembarking or proceeding with the journey to their home countries, despite them having been tested for Covid-19.

Also, those intending to commence their tour of duty are barred entry by some nations, despite having tested negative in their countries of origin.

Such a lackadaisical attitude by nations and agencies disavows the fact that seafarers are key workers, as expressed by the International Maritime Organisation in its theme for this year’s “Day of the Seafarer”, which is celebrated around the world on June 25 annually.

Appeals for special arrangements to facilitate the hassle-free movement of these workers without putting them at risk of infection have been made by the International Transport Workers’ Federation and the organisations concerned, but many countries are not conceding.

This attitude is causing undue stress for those stuck on board, as well as financial hardship for others hoping to join ships and provide for their families.

I sincerely appeal to these nations, including Malaysia, to consider the plight of seafarers suffering in silence. They sacrificed so much in the early days of the pandemic, and are still being indirectly penalised due to bureaucratic processes and rigid, uncaring procedures. – June 20, 2020.

* Captain Abdul Aziz Abdullah reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.