Accessibility.SkipToMainContent
Members at work

Members fear for their safety as employer demands return to work in Brazil

1 April 2020

Whilst some Nautilus members are stuck onboard their ships struggling to get home, others are stranded at home contemplating how safe it is for them to return to work.

One member who is working for an offshore services company that operates in Brazil, who asked not to be named for fear of retribution from his employer, has spoken to Nautilus about his concerns around quarantine measures and extensions to trips which are making him reconsider returning to work at all.

'The reassurances which I have received from my company in light of client instructions have left me concerned about hygiene, safety and the mental health of joiners whilst in isolation.

'We are being asked to spend two weeks in a Brazilian hotel prior to joining the vessel on 50% pay. It is not clear yet if we will be provided with decent rooms with balconies or even in a hotel with anything more than basic facilities. We don't know if hotel staff will be taking a high level of health precautions or if they remain on site or travel home every day – increasing the level of risk.

'We are expected to accept half pay for this period and then join the vessel for an extended six-week rotation. We are then asked to volunteer to remain in Brazil during our leave, again on half pay. Something we could be forced to do if we cannot disembark or transit the country.'

The member believes that there is little incentive for him or his colleagues to work within the proposed restrictions, and that his company has underestimated the situation in Brazil.

'The UK Foreign Office advice says that the Brazilian authorities will not permit foreign crew disembarkation in Brazilian ports but our company appears to believe it does not apply to them as we are not a visiting cargo vessel, we are working in Brazilian offshore waters.

'Not only are we at risk of contagion travelling to and from Brazil, there are other concerns for our personal safety in the event of almost inevitable social unrest in Brazil given the president's current attitude to the coronavirus outbreak.'

The member has repeatedly called on his company to alleviate his and other Nautilus members' questions and concerns and has asked Nautilus to intervene on their behalf to investigate ways of improving pay and conditions due during isolation periods.

'As seafarers we understand the need to maintain our service and most of us are ready and willing to step up, however I am unsure if our type of vessel is seen as necessary at this time as we are not directly involved in production or transportation of oil.

'This is placing quite a strain on both myself and my family right now and I am considering resignation instead of taking this huge risk by travelling at this time. Now more than ever, I realise that my safety and that of my family is the most important thing.'


Tags

More articles

Health and safety

Nautilus FAQs on Covid-19 Coronavirus

  • Telegraph
  • 09 June 2020
Health and safety

Nautilus urges Member States to follow new IMO guidance on crew changes and repatriation

Nautilus has urged all International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member States to follow new guidance on crew changes and repatriation during the Covid-10 pandemic.

  • News
  • 01 April 2020
Health and safety

ILO calls for seafarer protection during Covid-19 pandemic

The International Labour Organisation has fired a warning shot to government and employers urging them to respect international labour standards for seafarers and to 'keep a human-centred approach' for all workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

  • News
  • 31 March 2020
Health and safety

New maritime security guidance for mariners operating off West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea

New maritime anti-piracy guidance has been created for seafarers operating off West Africa amid increased attacks in what are already extraordinary global conditions for cargo and container crew keyworkers.

  • News
  • 01 April 2020
Health and safety

ITF Seafarers' Trust pledges £1 million to support seafarers

The ITF Seafarers' Trust (ITFST) has launched an emergency fund to address the impact of the global pandemic on seafarers and their families.

  • News
  • 31 March 2020
International

Indian ports declare force majeure to contain coronavirus spread

Several major Indian ports including the largest private port operators, have declared force majeure as the country tries contain coronavirus spread.

  • News
  • 31 March 2020
Health and safety

BBC shipping forecasts reduced during coronavirus pandemic

Due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has announced that its marine weather service on BBC Radio 4 will change for the foreseeable future.

  • News
  • 31 March 2020
Nautilus news

Nautilus flags UK Government support measures for members

Nautilus has joined forces with the RMT and the UK Chamber of Shipping to demand clarity over specific measures to support the maritime industry from UK Shipping Minister Kelly Tolhurst.

  • News
  • 30 March 2020
Welfare

Nautilus emergency helpline spike in calls due to members' coronavirus concerns

The Nautilus 24/7 emergency helpline service has seen a rapid increase in the number of calls coming into the helpline in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

  • News
  • 27 March 2020