The vast majority of vessels in the Dutch shipping industry sail according to irregular schedules that are usually determined by the cargoes per voyage – the so-called tramp trade.

Tramp trade can be truly global in nature, with voyages taking up to a number of weeks in duration. However, short trips, last minute changes in the sailing schedule and last minute (un)loading stops occur on a regular basis. This is so-called ‘deep sea shipping’, where crew changes can often, but not always, be planned for a maximum period of a few weeks.

The other part of the Dutch tramp trade involves a sailing area that is generally limited to European waters. This is ‘short sea shipping’. Voyages tend to be short; most commonly with an average duration of less than a week and last minute sailing schedules are common. In short sea shipping operations, the next (or second from next) port of call is often only known at short notice, or it can change at the last minute. Crew changes are naturally planned well in advance, but in many cases the port where a crew change will take place is only known at the last moment; sometimes only a few days in advance.

Multiple and multi-annual visas would also minimise the need to issue visas at borders when signing off.

The issue of visas for seafarers demands a fast turnaround of a maximum of a few days. Regulations must take this into account in order to match the unpredictable nature of the shipping industry.

In addition to issuing visas in the seafarer’s country of residence, the possibility of obtaining a visa at the border remains an essential part of the regulatory framework – thus enabling the issuance of visas in the event of unforeseen circumstances. These include a change in the sailing schedule of the ship, humanitarian reasons or temporary closure of consular posts.

From an operational point of view, it is necessary that seafarers are able to travel to and from ships for necessary crew changes without hindrance. And, in the context of positive employment practices, it is important for seafarers to have access to shore leave during port calls.

The lessons learned from the issuance of visas during the coronavirus pandemic, and European Commission initiatives to establish digital visas are valid reasons to restart the discussion of visas for seafarers at European level.