To All V.Ships Seafarers and their Families - 22nd September 2021

To All V.Ships Seafarers and their Families

We all hope that you remain safe and well!

We sent a letter to you at the end of July that focused on the increasing importance of becoming fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Since we issued the last letter, we have seen further industry developments regarding Covid-19 vaccinations.

An increasing number of shipowners are requiring all crewmembers joining their vessels, to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. This is a benefit to you as the risk of infection is reduced and if you did become infected, there is a high probability that the symptoms would be mild.

Having a fully vaccinated team onboard, reduces the risk of the vessel being quarantined which would mean that the vessel cannot trade for a few weeks. This would not benefit you or the shipowner.

In addition, if you and your colleagues on-leave are fully vaccinated, it is far easier to make crew changes, which allows us to relieve you close to the end of your contract.

There are various opportunities to get fully vaccinated. Some of you may have the opportunity of taking the ‘single-dose’ vaccination during a port call. All of you will have the opportunity to become fully vaccinated while on leave by taking advise from your national health authority. If you need any support with this, please contact your local V.Ships crewing team.

As we have previously stated, V.Group fully supports these programmes and encourages all V.Ships seafarers to become fully vaccinated in order to protect themselves, their families, and colleagues.

In my last letter, I provided useful links on Covid-19 vaccinations. This information will help to answer any questions and help you make your personal decision. These links are repeated below.

1) Three-minute video for seafarers produced by the International Chamber of Shipping https://vimeo.com/528215098 2) Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccination for Seafarers and Shipping Companies – A Practical Guide (This is now Version 2 – September 2021)

Coronavirus-COVID-19-Vaccination-for-Seafarers-and-Shipping-Companies-A-Practical-Guide-2.pdf (ics-shipping.org)

Many thanks to all of you. Please stay safe and stay healthy!

Allan Falkenberg

CEO, Crew Management - V.Group

Open the attached to read this letter in Russian (русский), Mandarin (普通话), and Tagalog.