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GAC Singapore is sounding a call to action for the maritime industry to ensure seafarers can take much-needed shore leave.
It has joined forces with Shell and the Mission to Seafarers in a groundbreaking initiative to promote and facilitate shore leave for crew when the call at the bustling port.
Legal right
Under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC), seafarers have the right to paid annual leave and shore leave for the benefit of their health and well-being. Support for provision of shore leave is also laid down by the International Maritime Organisation in the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and SOLAS Amendments (ISPS Code).
Challenges
With vessels often under pressure to achieve fast turnaround times in port, alongside other restrictions, crew members often lack to chance to take advantage of shore-based welfare services and experience the world around them, potentially adding to their isolation and compromising their emotional security.
Things got worse in 2019 and 2020 due to Covid-19, which saw many ports and terminals around the world introducing restrictions that prevented seafarers from coming ashore. Some have still not lifted those restrictions. And even when the rules permit shore leave, the cost of transportation at isolated ports can be prohibitive.
Sofie Bager, GAC Singapore’s Managing Director, says: “As we navigate the complexities of modern shipping post-pandemic, the welfare of seafarers remains a paramount concern. These dedicated individuals spend long months at sea, ensuring the smooth flow of goods and resources across the world.
“As such, we must do what we can, in collaboration with our partners, to encourage and facilitate shore-based leave for crew members docking at Singapore, enabling them to have the mental space to enjoy one of the world’s most influential maritime hubs and a city renowned for its efforts in reducing the stigma associated with mental health, particularly following the pandemic.”
Joint effort
GAC is part of a new collaborative initiative in Singapore to ease the process for shore leave. The initiative is sponsored by Teng Huar Lee, Shell’s General Manager, Maritime Operations, Asia Pacific Middle East, and Toh Soon Tok, the Mission to Seafarers’ Singapore Port Chaplain, along with launch boat and land transportation service providers.
“Providing opportunities for shore leave whenever operationally possible allows seafarers to recharge and reconnect with the world outside their vessels,” says Shell’s Teng Huar Lee. “As part of this initiative, we at Shell are doing our part. A happy, engaged crew is also a safe and productive crew.”
Desmond Goh, GAC Singapore’s QHSSE Manager, says: “We aim to explore and understand the challenges faced by Shell when it comes to current constraints on shore leave for vessels calling at its terminals in Singapore. To do so, we are brainstorming ways to enable and enhance shore leave for seafarers, exploring solutions including updates to terminal information booklets, and engaging local authorities.”
As part of the initiative GAC and Shell conducted a survey of seafarers earlier this year to understand more about the key challenges and their causes.
Ensuring that these challenges are met and giving crew the time to visit ashore is the next logical step for this initiative.
First test
Theory was put into practice in July when a group of seven crew members from the Shell-managed LNG tanker ‘AAMIRA’ experienced the benefits of going on shore leave in Singapore during a vessel call. Among them was a young Singaporean cadet who was able to spend the day with her family thanks to the scheme. Her crew mates enjoyed some welcome rest and relaxation with recreational activities arranged by the Mission to Seafarers Singapore.
“We hope our involvement will inspire more companies to prioritise and facilitate shore leave, ensuring that crew members have the opportunity to rest and rejuvenate during time at sea,” says The Mission to Seafarers’ Toh Soon Kok. “By supporting shore leave, we can improve the quality of life for those who work tirelessly at sea.”
A guide to the process will be shared with all Shell vessels calling at Singapore to encourage them to grant their crew members shore leave.
Looking ahead
Although this initiative marks a significant step forward, more work needs to be done and the next phase of the initiative will engage state bodies.
“We will be collecting input from seafarers and local partners to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to further refine the process and expand the initiative,” says GAC’s Desmond Goh.
“Looking forward, we hope the initiative can also be rolled out beyond Singapore to ensure that crew members, no matter where they dock, can have the shore leave they need to improve their mental and physical health. Together, we can create a maritime environment where the well-being of those who power global trade is prioritised and celebrated.”
