"Seafarers are a key priority and we, along with our clients, are putting all our efforts into bringing them home and reuniting them with their loved ones at this difficult time," said Roger Storey, managing director, CF Sharp Crew Management, Singapore.

The Philippines-headquartered crew specialist said the seafarers returning home were collected by buses waiting on the tarmac and taken straight to the Manila hotel where they will undergo compulsory quarantine. They were met there by CF Sharp staff who explained the rules to them and provided support.

Mr Storey praised Norwegian Cruise Lines for their support in assisting seafarers to get home. Most merchant ships have suspended crew changes for the immediate future and Mr Storey says his firm is working with seafarers to enable them to obtain financial aid from the Philippine Government's Support for Seafarers scheme, administered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

With most airlines drastically reducing their flights and all embassies suspending operations until further notice, Mr Storey says CF Sharp has suspended its crewing operations and all shore employees' efforts are currently focused on supporting the company's at-risk crew to return home.

Most of Sharp's staff in the Philippines are now working from home, while the company's offices in Manila are again being 'deep cleaned'.

Mr Storey advised: "Returning Filipino seafarers need to be made aware of the changes to normal life and business and of course the necessity of keeping safe and avoiding unnecessary risks of exposure to Covid-19. We are all working together to keep everyone safe."

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