Cyprus supports seafarers with actions
The Deputy Ministry of Shipping, on the occasion of Maritime Day, which was established in 2011 on the initiative of the International Maritime Organization and is celebrated every year on 25 June, highlights the important role of people at sea and their huge contribution to global shipping.
Cyprus honours and recognises the role of seafarers through specific actions and initiatives, showing its appreciation to seafarers who are the most important aspect of the global shipping industry.
In his remarks, the Deputy Minister of Shipping to the President, Mr. Vassilis Demetriades said: "Our appreciation of our seafarers is not limited to verbal remarks but is demonstrated by actions and even through times of crisis and difficulties that we have had to face."
These actions focus on how Cyprus has facilitated crew changes and repatriation beyond 60.000 seafarers since the day of the COVID-19 pandemic, the vaccination coverage of 40,000 seafarers through the implementation of a national programme and its leading role in the formulation of a global vaccination programme adopted in a resolution by the International Labour Organisation.
Regarding the war in Ukraine and the thousands of seafarers who do not have access to their wages, the Deputy Ministry of Shipping listened to the demands of the shipping industry and, in cooperation with Cyprus' financial institutions, created a framework that facilitates the opening of current accounts for seafarers who are now able to receive their wages and support their families.
"In the coming period we are launching initiatives to highlight at European and international level another major issue that plagues seafarers which concerns the criminalisation of the seafaring profession as there are several cases of seafarers being involved in legal adventures and facing unjustified criminal charges. We are a state with a significant international maritime reach and we will not stop taking actions and playing a leading role in highlighting and solving the problems faced by seafarers.
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