IMO and UNWTO encourage safe cruise shipping

In a joint statement issued on 5 November, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) highlight the importance of the cruise sector for the world economy. The two UN agencies also recognise the efforts made by the industry, countries and international organisations to protect the safety, health and well-being of passengers and crew, as well as the health of the population of destination port states of cruise ships. Since cruise operations were suspended worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry has been reviewing and enhancing its protocols to identify ways to go further in protecting the health of passengers, crew, and the public. The joint IMO-UNWTO statement invites governments to use the European Union guidance on the gradual and safe resumption of operations of cruise ships as well as three framework documents developed by the UK Chamber of Shipping together with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). IMO and UNWTO emphasise that the resumption of cruise ship operations will also benefit the wider maritime community, since passenger ships participate in the Automated Mutual-assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) and are often requested by Rescue Coordination Centres to offer assistance to ships in distress at sea. Finally, IMO and UNWTO reiterate their call to governments to designate all seafarers and marine personnel as key workers and remove any barriers to crew changes.