Clarification Needed On MIQ For New Zealand Crews | Scoop News – Scoop.co.nz

Friday, 22 October 2021, 1:20 pmPress Release: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The union representing New Zealand seafarers is askingthe Government to provide more clarity around MIQ rules forcrews working in international waters.

Maritime UnionWellington Branch Secretary Jim King says MUNZ memberscant understand the logic of a decision to make them stayisolated on their ship.

18 New Zealand seafarersaboard the MMA Vision, managed by New Plymouth-basedKingston Offshore Services, have been on board the vessel ininternational waters.

The crew returned negativeCOVID-19 tests before spending 19 days working at sea, buthave been denied an MIQ exemption.

Mr King says thereis no obvious reason for the crew members to be isolated asthey had not been in contact with anyone else.

TheMaritime Union fully supports strong measures to protecteveryone from COVID-19, but in this case it seems the rulesneed reviewing.

He says there is some confusionabout the apparent different treatment of crew members onthe interisland ferry Aratere, which recentlyreturned from Sydney after maintenance at the drydock.

Mr King says consistency is essential.

TheMMA Vision had been undertaking survey work of thesea floor for the new Southern Cross Cable, a major projectto increase New Zealand's internet capacity.

TheMaritime Union was awaiting a response from maritimeauthorities on theissue.

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Clarification Needed On MIQ For New Zealand Crews | Scoop News - Scoop.co.nz