SUR assists in repatriation

The Seafarers' Union of Russia assisted the MV Priestley crew members in signing off from the vessel after the expiration of their contracts. 

There were the shipowner's representatives, not the seafarers, who contacted the SUR. A new ship manager faced the problem related to the repatriation of 7 crew members of the tanker: the seafarers' contracts had expired when the vessel had been under previous ship manager operation. 

The company asked the Union to assist in arranging at Ust-Luga the signing off from the vessel of 4 Sri Lankans and 3 Indonesians, since there were problems with obtaining transit visas for the 7 foreigners. 

SUR representatives contacted the border and immigration authorities, explaining that the crew members had been on a voyage for a long time and their contracts had expired, and the next port of call of MV Priestley won't be soon. 

Due to the interest of all parties in assisting the seafarers and well-coordinated interaction, the foreign seafarers were able to repatriate from St. Petersburg. Before leaving, they thanked the SUR and the authorities for their prompt assistance in addressing their issue. 

Photo – ILO