Following the recent events in Ukraine, P&I clubs are seeing increased requests from their members for guidance in connection with the repatriation of Ukrainian Seafarers particularly at the end of their Seafarers Employment Agreement (SEA). Additional to this and in view of the present crisis in Ukraine many Ukrainian seafarers are requesting to be released from their employment contract before the original termination date.

In most cases the contract of employment provides that crewmembers should be repatriated to their country/place of origin.  However, when it is not practical or safe to return the seafarer to their home country or place of engagement then, subject to the applicable law of the contract and the ship’s flag state, Members may agree to an alternative place of repatriation, with the consent of the crewmember. An Owner’s obligations to that crewmember shall continue until that repatriation is completed.

In view of the War in Ukraine repatriation of seafarers to the Black Sea regions will now come with its own complications where Van Ameyde Peoples Team are able to offer P&I clubs and its members assistance to Seafarers terminating contracts at UK ports wishing to return home.

Through our excellent cooperation with UK Border Force Van Ameyde’s Peoples Team can provide members with support on clearance formalities from the vessel, obtaining necessary visas, transportation, hotel accommodation, medical & PCR support prior to onwards departure to their final repatriation destination.

Additional to this Van Ameyde`s People Team can provide regular updates on Foreign Office advice on Russian sanctions & their effects at UK Ports.

For further information and assistance, please contact our Team as below.

Email: crewcare@mcauslands.com       24/7 Telephone +44 7785 734 633