Photo: Wilhelmsen Crew change in Singapore A group of high-profile charterers have released a set of best practices for charterers to help facilitate crew changes. The recommendations, published by the Global Maritime Forum, are designed to help both long- and short-term charterers put into action the recommendations of the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change. The Neptune Declaration was signed by over 800 companies to address the COVID pandemic’s impact on seafarers, and urges that: seafarers be recognised as key workers; gold standard health practices are established and implemented for seafarers; collaboration between shipowners and charterers is increased to facilitate crew changes; and connectivity is maintained between maritime hubs for seafarers. In particular the Neptune Declaration states that no charter should contain clauses preventing necessary crew changes.