A global energy major has banned seafarers from 15 countries from joining its oil and gas tanker fleet as part of its Covid-19 coronavirus containment strategy.
The company advised crew that seafarers from Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand and Italy would not be allowed to on-sign from Tuesday March 10.
Seafarers that had visited any of those countries would also not be allowed to on-sign, the company said in a statement to senior officers, which was tweeted by 'The Secret Captain'.
The account – @TheSecretCapt – first launched in January and appears to be from a master in charge of commercial vessels in the Straits of Hormuz, Far East and Asia.
The energy major has also put restrictions on crew changes. Crew changes will no longer be allowed in China, South Korea or Egypt.
Agents in Singapore have reported similar restrictions are being imposed there.
'More and more ports are refusing to allow crew changes, irrespective of where you have been trading,' TheSecretCapt said.
'All onboard are wondering when they will get home to see their loved ones.'
TheSecretCapt indicated that there was considerable concern over seafarer job security due to the restrictions. 'Colleagues at home on leave will stop being paid when their leave expires. They are ready to rejoin ships but due to these restrictions they cannot.
'Its miserable out here.'
Nautilus Members who are concerned or are experiencing difficulties related to the coronavirus outbreak are advised to contact their industrial organiser for assistance.
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