Photo: Marcus Hand The Philippines status as the world’s largest supplier of seafarers to international shipping took a huge hit in 2020 as the Covid-19 pandemic caused extended lockdowns and border closures, and the resulting crew change crisis. According to Philippines Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) figures published by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) of the Philippines the total number of seafarers deployed overseas from the country dropped 54% in 2020 to 217,223, compared 469,996 in 2019. The sharp drop in numbers deployed to international shipping was across all ranks officers and cadets, but the fall was largest in the non-maritime sector which provides hotel staff to cruise ships, a growth area for the Philippines crewing industry in recent years.