After a long flight, the last thing you want is the stress of figuring out ground transportation. That’s where KD Elite Transportation steps in — providing reliable, professional airport transfers that make the final leg of your journey easy and comfortable. Whether you’re flying into or out of BWI, DCA, IAD, EWR, JFK, or any other airport, we’re here to help you arrive relaxed and on time — or get to your departing flight without the usual rush.
What Are Airport Transfers?
An airport transfer is a scheduled ride between the airport and your destination — booked in advance, handled by a professional driver, and tailored to your needs. No last-minute scrambling, no app errors, and no long taxi lines.
Why Travelers Choose KD Elite
With every ride, you can expect:
New, clean SUVs, minivans, and vans, buses
Professional drivers — background-checked, drug/alcohol tested, and highly experienced
Complimentary bottled water
Reliable, responsive service from booking to drop-off
And while we’re based in Maryland, you can also use our services in nearby states and select locations beyond.
Communication You Can Rely On
We make sure you’re informed and supported throughout your trip:
Booking confirmation email
Reminder email before your service
Day-of text updates with your driver’s name, contact info, and live status (on the way, arrived, etc.)
Flight tracking — we’ll adjust pickup time for delays
Clear meeting instructions based on your airport and flight
Support available if you need assistance anytime
We’ll even help you choose the best pickup time depending on your flight — whether it’s local or international.
Private Transfers — Ride Your Way
Prefer a more direct experience with extra space and privacy? A private airport transfer is the best option for families, business travelers, and anyone who wants a smooth, no-stress trip.
Booking Made Easy
You can schedule your ride online, by phone, or by email — whatever’s easiest for you. Our team is happy to help you find the right option and confirm your details in minutes.
Travel with Confidence
Whether you’re arriving, departing, or booking for someone else, KD Elite Transportation gives you a smooth, professional experience from start to finish.
Call, email, or book online today — and let us handle the ride.
When you’re catching a flight in the United States, chances are you’re stepping into one of the country’s iconic, high-traffic airports. These hubs aren’t just transit points—they’re miniature cities packed with food, shops, lounges, and stories from around the globe. Ready to take off? Let’s tour the most popular airports in the USA, complete with stunning visuals and insider travel tips. And hey, if you’re headed there, don’t forget that KD Elite offers top-tier Airport Transfer services to get you to and from your terminal stress-free.
🌟 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Location: Atlanta, Georgia Passenger Traffic: Over 93 million yearly Why it stands out: It’s the busiest airport in the world!
ATL isn’t just a massive hub; it’s a masterpiece of logistics. With nonstop flights to over 150 U.S. destinations and 70+ international ones, it’s nearly impossible to fly within the States without crossing paths with ATL.
Don’t miss:
A walk through the art-filled underground tunnels.
Southern comfort food at Paschal’s.
🚗 Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Location: Los Angeles, California Passenger Traffic: Around 88 million yearly
Known for its iconic Theme Building and Hollywood-style vibe, LAX is a magnet for global travelers, celebrities, and sunshine seekers.
Don’t miss:
Spotting celebrities while grabbing a green juice at Earthbar.
The futuristic Gateway Pavilion.
🚌 Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Location: Chicago, Illinois Passenger Traffic: 83+ million annually
O’Hare is as bustling as the Windy City itself. With four terminals and a history of ranking among the world’s busiest airports, it’s a key link between the coasts.
Don’t miss:
The neon-lit tunnel between terminals.
Garrett Popcorn for a true taste of Chicago.
🌐 Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Location: Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas Passenger Traffic: Over 81 million
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and DFW is no exception. This airport covers more land than Manhattan and is a huge connector for both domestic and international flights.
Don’t miss:
A massage at the XpresSpa.
BBQ and Tex-Mex at the food court.
💺 Denver International Airport (DEN)
Location: Denver, Colorado Passenger Traffic: Over 77 million
Home to quirky conspiracy theories and the famous blue Mustang statue, DEN is America’s largest airport by land area.
Don’t miss:
The mesmerizing peaked roof design.
A selfie with “Blucifer.”
🛬 John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Location: New York City, New York Passenger Traffic: About 61 million
JFK is the gateway to the Big Apple and one of the top international arrival spots in the country. Each terminal has its own character, reflecting the diversity of NYC.
Don’t miss:
A cocktail at TWA Hotel’s retro rooftop bar.
People-watching while grabbing a bagel.
🌐 San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Location: San Francisco, California Passenger Traffic: Over 42 million
With a focus on sustainability and local flavor, SFO is one of the most pleasant airport experiences in the country.
Don’t miss:
Fresh oysters at Terminal 2.
The calm yoga room.
🏠 Traveling Made Easy with KD Elite Airport Transfers
Whether you’re flying into ATL or departing from LAX, navigating airport traffic and finding a ride can be stressful. That’s where KD Elite steps in. Our premium Airport Transfer service ensures a smooth, timely, and ultra-comfy trip to or from your airport.
Why choose KD Elite?
✅ Professional drivers
✅ Clean, spacious vehicles
✅ Reliable, on-time service
So next time you’re headed to one of America’s busiest hubs, let KD Elite take the wheel. We’ll get you to your gate in style.
Ready for Takeoff?
Now that you know which airports are buzzing with activity and style, you’re all set to plan smarter, smoother travels. Save this guide, book your airport ride with KD Elite, and travel like a pro. Bon voyage!
Ask any seasoned seafarer: it’s a mix of sunsets and salt, but also danger and isolation. Far from cities and hospitals, even minor injuries can spiral fast.
A broken wrist, a sudden infection, or even stress-related breakdowns — they don’t wait for the ship to reach port. Medical emergencies at sea are a ticking clock.
That’s where emergency crew change services become literal life-savers.
What Is an Emergency Crew Change?
It’s not your typical shift swap.
Emergency crew change means safely and swiftly transferring a sick or injured crew member from the ship — mid-voyage, if needed — to the nearest facility where they can get treatment. Helicopters, speedboats, and even coordination with coast guards come into play.
This process involves:
Quick evaluation of the crew member’s condition
Coordination with medical teams
Navigating international port permissions
Ensuring backup crew are on standby if needed
It’s complex, it’s fast-paced, and yes — it can absolutely save lives.
Why Are These Services So Crucial?
Seafarers face unique risks: slippery decks, heavy machinery, mental stress, and no instant access to hospitals. Time is the most precious resource in an emergency — and traditional crew rotations just aren’t fast enough.
Here’s why emergency changes matter:
🚑 They prevent minor issues from turning deadly
🕒 They drastically reduce wait time for medical attention
🌍 They bridge the gap between ship and shore-based care
The Human Side of Maritime Emergencies
Behind every emergency call is a human story. A young engineer suffers a deep cut from equipment. A chef collapses from dehydration. A deckhand develops sudden chest pain. These aren’t just statistics — they’re real people, with families waiting at home.
Each timely evacuation is not just a procedure — it’s a second chance.
What It Takes to Get It Right
Providing a successful emergency crew change requires:
Speed – Time lost can cost lives.
Coordination – Dozens of moving parts need to align: ship’s schedule, port authority permissions, weather conditions.
Communication – Everyone involved, from ship to shore, needs to be on the same page.
It’s not easy. But when done right, it works beautifully.
How Ships Prepare for the Unexpected
Vessel owners and ship managers now include emergency response protocols as part of regular safety planning. That includes:
Regular drills and crew training
Updated medical kits onboard
Having contact info for emergency response providers ready
Insurance and legal prep in case of cross-border logistics
Being prepared means staying ahead of danger.
3 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know
🌊 Evacuations sometimes involve drones now — for remote communication or even delivering lightweight medical supplies!
⏱️ Average time from call to evacuation in high-risk zones? Just 2-4 hours (when well-coordinated).
🧭 Many countries have fast-track visa/entry protocols for emergencies at sea to avoid red tape delays.
Wrapping Up
In a world where crews sail thousands of nautical miles away from help, emergency crew change services are the unsung heroes. They’re not just about getting someone off a ship — they’re about getting them home safe.
No frills. No drama. Just fast action when it matters most.
Want help preparing your vessel or company with best practices? Bookmark this guide and share it with your operations team. You never know when it might come in handy.
When we talk about maritime logistics, we usually picture giant container ships, satellite-tracked routes, and high-tech port cranes. But let’s zoom in on something less flashy — yet absolutely essential: Cash-to-Master (CTM) services.
You might not hear much about CTM, but without it, a lot of things onboard ships can grind to a halt. Here’s why this seemingly old-school method is more relevant than ever in 2025 — and why it might just be the lifeline your vessel needs at sea.
⛴️ What Is Cash-to-Master Anyway?
At its core, CTM is pretty simple: it’s the process of delivering physical cash directly to a ship’s captain (aka the “Master”) while the vessel is in port. But don’t let the simplicity fool you — this system is vital.
That cash is used to cover a bunch of day-to-day onboard expenses like:
Crew wages (especially when bank transfers aren’t an option)
Local port charges and agency fees
Emergency repairs
Provisions and supplies
Imagine being out at sea with a broken part, no fresh food, or an unpaid crew. Yeah… no good.
🧭 Why CTM Still Matters (Even in the Digital Age)
You’d think in a world of contactless payments and cryptocurrency that CTM would be a thing of the past. But nope — in 2025, it’s still going b. Why?
Well, for starters:
Seafarers from developing countries often rely on physical cash to send back home.
Many ports still operate in a semi-cash economy.
Urgent situations can’t wait for wire transfers to clear.
CTM keeps things moving when Wi-Fi, banks, or time just aren’t on your side.
🛠️ Behind the Scenes: How CTM Actually Works
Here’s how the magic happens:
The shipowner or operator requests a cash delivery.
A trusted agent in port coordinates the funds.
The cash is physically delivered to the captain — safely and securely.
Sounds simple, but there’s a lot of coordination behind the scenes. Compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) laws, local currency controls, and security logistics all play a part.
And yeah, sometimes it’s literally a person carrying a suitcase of cash to the ship.
🌍 CTM in 2025: Challenges and What’s Next
Even though it works, CTM isn’t without its headaches:
Rising banking regulations make large cash withdrawals tricky.
Currency restrictions in some countries create delays.
Security risks are always a factor.
But forward-thinking CTM providers are adapting. Expect to see:
Smarter tracking tech for real-time delivery updates
Tighter AML compliance to meet new global standards
More hybrid options (some cash, some digital wallets)
🧑✈️ Why Masters Still Rely on CTM
Ask any ship’s captain, and they’ll tell you: having cash on hand means peace of mind. It’s the difference between a smooth port call and a nightmare.
For the crew, too, CTM can be a lifeline — it pays their wages, buys their meals, and makes the ship feel a bit more human in the middle of the ocean.
🚢 Wrapping It Up
In short? Cash-to-Master is still a cornerstone of maritime operations. It may not be glamorous, but it’s reliable — and in a world that’s constantly shifting, that’s worth a lot.
So next time you see a massive cargo ship docking at port, remember: behind the scenes, a simple envelope of cash might be what’s keeping the whole thing afloat.
When it comes to supporting high-level events — especially official visits — reliability, professionalism, and flawless logistics are what truly matter.
KD Elite Transportation has been providing transportation for international delegations, including visitors from Europe, for the past three years. Recently, KD Elite Transportation was honored to provide service during an important event held on the grounds of the White House in Washington, D.C.
For us, it was more than just a trip. It was a sign of trust and a testament to our ability to work under increased responsibility — coordinating with protocol teams, following secured routes, and meeting all safety requirements with precision.
Our drivers are trained professionals who can adapt to any conditions. Our fleet is modern, comfortable, and fully equipped for both business and government-level transportation needs.
We’re proud to be trusted not only by corporate clients, but also by representatives of official institutions.
KD Elite Transportation is more than just a ride. It’s trust, proven over time.
At KD Elite Transportation, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch service to our passengers. There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing about positive experiences from those who use our services. Here are some real stories from our satisfied customers that highlight what sets us apart in the passenger transportation industry.
1. A Smooth Ride from Cruise Terminal
Heloise A. (Google Review):
” We were on a cruise when the Baltimore bridge collapsed. Royal Caribbean bussed us to Baltimore Port. I called KD Elite to let them know our ETA of 4:30 pm. They were supposed to pick us up that morning. When our bus arrived at 5 pm, KD was waiting for us in pouring rain and took us to Best Western Plus hotel in Baltimore. Amazing company!!!! Clean new vans too!!”
2. Hassle-Free Transportation
Tina (Tripadvisor Review):
“KD Elite Transportation surprised me with a great service! Very nice, polite, punctual staff made the ride pleasant and hassle-free. The transplantation vehicle was clean, comfortable, spacious. I would recommend that company with a great pleasure! Way to go!”
3. Professional drivers
Carmine V (Tripadvisor Review):
“We’ve been using KD Elite for years now without a glitch. They are professional drivers. Very courteous and pleasant with a little humor to boot. Your luggage is treated well. Vehicles are state of the art kept clean and Mercedes Sprinter Vans I believe. Kudos to all who make this a great trip for us every time.”
4. Exceptional Service
Dave H. (Tripadvisor Review):
“We could not have asked for any better service than what we RECIEVED! from being picked up at the motel, to being shuttled to the cruise ship. Explained what to do once we return from our trip and our Driver explained where KD Elite would be waiting for us, and He was!! GREAT JOB KD ELITE !!”
5. Efficient, Fast, Professional
Morganna L. (Tripadvisor Review):
“We’ve used KD Elite several times over the years to get from our hotel to the port for cruises. They are always on time, always where they say they will be. Very professional and efficient operation. The drivers are accommodating and drive safely.”
At KD Elite Transportation, we pride ourselves on delivering reliable, comfortable, and stress-free shuttle services. But don’t just take our word for it! All testimonials are from real clients, and you can check them out on our Google and TripAdvisor profiles.
We Want to Hear from You!
Have you recently used our shuttle services? We’d love to know about your experience! Sharing your story not only helps us improve but also assists potential clients in making informed decisions. Whether it was a smooth ride to the airport, transfer to a medical appointment, shuttle service or a pleasant journey to your event, your feedback is invaluable.
At KD Elite Transportation, our goal is to provide a reliable, comfortable, and stress-free transportation experience for all our passengers. These testimonials are a testament to our commitment to excellence. We look forward to serving you and making your journey a pleasant one.
Why Choose KD Elite Transportation for Meeting & Event Transportation in Baltimore and Washington DC
At KD Elite Transportation, we understand that seamless transportation is the cornerstone of successful meetings and events. Our commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction make us the preferred choice for your transportation needs in the Baltimore and Washington, DC areas. Here’s why you should entrust us with your important occasions:
Punctuality: Time is of the essence when it comes to meetings and events. We will ensure that you and your guests arrive on schedule, every time.
Professional Drivers: KD Elite provides well-maintained, clean, and comfortable vehicles driven by professional, experienced, background-checked, and drug-tested drivers.
Customized Services: We tailor our services to your specific needs, from coordinating complex event logistics to providing personalized transportation solutions for your guests.
Reliability: We always have backup plans in case of unexpected issues, reducing the chances of last-minute transportation problems.
Affordable rates: We offer competitive rates for all our vehicles, so you can find the perfect option for your budget without compromising on quality or service.
Convenient booking: Whether it’s a corporate meeting, airport pickup, or a special event, we offer flexible booking options (phone call, email, quote form, online booking) to accommodate your specific requirements.
Local Expertise: With years of experience in the region, we can offer insights into the best routes, traffic patterns, and local attractions to enhance your event experience.
Quality Control: We control maintaining high service standards, prioritizing passenger safety and satisfaction. Flights will be tracked for early arrivals, delays, or diversions. From meticulous planning to route optimization, we focus on the details, so you can focus on your event.
When you choose KD Elite Transportation for your meeting and event transportation needs, you’re choosing reliability, professionalism, and a commitment to exceeding your expectations. Let us elevate your journey, so you can focus on making your event truly memorable.
Call us today at 410.777.5553 or send an email to Sales@kdelitetrans.com and one of our representatives will assist you with your transportation needs. You can also use our user-friendly online booking form on our website.
If you are traveling, finding a decent and affordable means of transportation is very important. While a plane ticket will be your most significant expense, taxi, bus, and train tickets can also become quite a considerable expense if you do not find the best deal. In this article, we will guide you through the best ways of getting around. Since KDElite operates in the USA, our list will include companies that work primarily in the US.
We will list many transportation methods, including rental cars, buses, taxis, and trains. Let’s begin.
Rental Cars
This is a perfect option for people who know how to drive. If you temporarily rent a car, you can go anywhere anytime. This is much better than getting a taxi since you can have your schedule and pace. A taxi or bus cannot contact you with such flexibility. Still, you will be required to have insurance and a license, so make sure you comply with the laws of the country you travel in. Also, double-check the agreement with the company giving you the car. There may be some surprises in there. But overall, rental cars are a great option, especially if you rent a small vehicle. Sometimes, a rental car is bundled with your hotel room rental or plane flight. Look for such deals – they can make this mode of transportation even more inexpensive.
Services like Expedia and Kayak can be used to get a car quickly, and you can use it for travel all over the country. They work well on all US territory.
Trains
Trains are probably the most inexpensive mode of travel on this list, and they are the best way to conquer long distances between cities and even countries. For example, trains in Europe can get you between multiple countries quickly. They are better than planes, in one way – they require much less hassle and have fewer security checks. You will not have to wait for a long time while your baggage is being checked. They are also better than cars at long distance travel since you can relax and watch the scenery. Some trains also offer beds to rest in while you are traveling. Staff in most trains will assist you with packing your baggage away.
Good train companies are Amtrak, a federal railway company in the USA, Deutsche Bahn for Germany, and National Rail in England.
Private Services
In recent years, many private transportation services have appeared on the market. Examples of these are Uber, Lyft, and many others. This is like a taxi service; only it is possible to get it almost anywhere in the world. This service can also help deliver or carry baggage from one place to another.
Uber and Lyft are very inexpensive. They are the best methods for any travel if you intend to save money. They are the best way to travel inside a city or between nearby towns. They are also readily available; you are almost always one phone call away from getting a ride to any location.
A separate kind of this service is called shuttling services. A good example is Super Shuttle. This service can help you get to and from airports all over the USA, and it is a good choice if you intend to fly.
Rental Campervans
This is a fun way to travel with great comfort. It is much more expensive than a car or train, but the van will be all yours. It would be best if you also considered that you are getting a home and a means of transport. High-end camper vans can be as comfortable as a rental flat or small hotel room. This is the best choice for recreational travel since it provides both comfort and mobility and gives you complete control of where you go.
If you rent a van during the peak season, it will be more expensive, but if you get one when no one is renting, you can get a great RV for a modest price.
Conclusion
KDElite can provide all of these services to you for a very reasonable price, and you can use us for shuttling to airports and traveling all over the country in a comfortable car or van. However, for long-distance travel, you should consider using a train. Visit our Airport Transportation service page.
Baltimore is one of the most recognizable cities in the USA and is most known for serving as the background city for many crime and drama movies. This adds to its charm since it is one of the best vacation places. KDElite will be glad to help you get to and from this beautiful city, and in this article, we will list some reasons to make this your next place to go.
Places to visit
National Aquarium
This is one of the most extensive aquariums in the world. It is located in the Inner Harbor. Go to Pier 3, where you can find over 750 different kinds of fish and other sea animals. There is sea life from all over the world here, and you can also see many interactive exhibits of different places. The staff will be happy to guide you all over the Aquarium. This is the best place to visit if you take your children.
Inner Harbor
The Inner Harbor can be considered the centerpiece of this city, and it is the favorite place for the citizens of Baltimore. The Aquarium is located there, as well as lots of other attractions. Many stores and interests can be found in this place. You can even watch a real cannon get fired if you are there at the right time.
Ravens and Orioles Games
Watching a professional game in real life can be a fantastic experience, so it is advised to watch a baseball or football session while in Baltimore. Camden Yards is the best place, and the tickets are not too expensive.
It may be a good idea to buy the tickets a while before you go there, because this is a very famous game, and many people will be trying to come there.
Walters Art Museum
This place gives you a one-of-a-kind experience of all world art in one place. You can see things from Ancient Greece, Egypt, Rome, and many other cultures in one place. There are also lots of Medieval exhibits there and lots of collections of Renaissance art. This is a place to visit if you love history.
These collections have been amassed for over two centuries, and this museum remains one of the world’s best free museums.
Babe Ruth Museum
This is a place for sports fans, and here, you will see lots of baseball exhibits. Please plan to visit it after seeing the Oreole and Raven games.
George Peabody Library
Libraries are always on the list for sightseeing, and this grand library in Baltimore is no exception. You will be able to enjoy lots of rare books here. However, this is only one of the reasons to visit it. The building is so majestic that people see it just for the architecture.
With five tall floors, this building is enormous, and over 300 thousand historic books are stored inside, many of which are rare.
Fell’s Point
This is the place to go if you want to see more of Baltimore. While the Inner Harbor is beautiful, it is geared towards tourists, and if you want to see more local scenes, visit Fell’s Point. Some people find the city charming, and if that is the case with you, this place should be on your to-do list.
Green Mount Cemetery
Visiting a cemetery might seem strange, but it is pretty worth it since many of the USA’s most notable people were buried here.
Edgar Allen Poe’s House
Visiting the home of one of the most famous writers in the world is undoubtedly a thing to do if you are traveling to Baltimore. You can tour the building where he lived, and you will also be able to see lots of exhibits of his writing there. There are also artifacts from when he lived, so you can see what daily life was like then.
Fort McHenry
This is primarily a war museum, and it covers all the history of the War of 1812. This fortress successfully defended Baltimore from the British army. The USA’s national Anthem mentions this fort. It is listed as a Historic Shrine and is open for anyone to visit.
What to Eat and Drink
Traveling somewhere always involves going to restaurants, so here is a list of places to visit and eat.
Eat Blue Crab
While this is a rare delicacy in other states, it is plentiful here, and you can enjoy lots of it here. Most importantly, it is fresh and caught in the wild. Faidley’s serves the best blue crab and is located in the Lexington Market area. Lexington Market is also a place you should visit if you love eating well. All the food there is seasoned with Old Bay spice, perfect for any seafood.
Crab Cakes
This is another way to enjoy fresh crab, both the blue variety and other kinds. Most people prefer to have crab cakes. The authentic Chesapeake crab cakes can be found here, and nowhere else, so this is a must-have if you are traveling to Baltimore.
Natty Boh
The National Bohemian beer is another defining feature of Baltimore. It has been brewed here since 1885, and this is one of the things you must try while visiting. It is perfect for drinking with crab or anything seasoned with Old Bay spice.
Attman’s Deli
You will need to eat plenty if you tour Baltimore on foot, so you should visit Altman’s—plenty of snacks and meals here, like Coddies, sandwiches, and salted cod. There are many local delicacies to try here.
The Horse You Came in On Saloon
This place is believed to be the last place Edgar Allen Poe visited. Also, he saw this bar many times before, all through his life. It is notable for being the only bar in Baltimore to stay open during the Prohibition, making it the city’s most defiant place. It embodies the overall rebellious and fierce attitude of this city. It is also the oldest bar, opening in 1775.
Hotels
There are lots of hotels to choose from in the Baltimore area. Gorgeous House, next to JHU, is the best place to stop, according to many visitors in Baltimore. However, many others have mentioned En Suite in Fell’s Point. Midtown Inn is also an excellent place to stay. They are not too expensive, and their service is pretty good. But most importantly, all of Baltimore’s best sights are directly accessible from them.
The beginning of the coronavirus pandemic brought about a crisis, which caused thousands of laborers aboard ships to become stuck. They could not leave their boats, while other sailors could not come aboard the ships they were supposed to work on. Over 400 thousand people were stuck in one way or another at the peak of this crisis, and even in May 2021, there were 200 thousand people still unable to be repatriated. Even today, this problem has not been fully resolved, and many people are still unable to leave their ships.
Why is this crisis significant?
Over 90% of all world trade is done by ships. Almost all raw materials and finished goods are shipped by sea. Over 1.6 million people are working on boats today, and they run the world economy by transporting oil, lumber, food, and other vital resources. Most seafarers are from China, Indonesia, Russia, and others.
Why did this happen?
After the pandemic, most countries limited all travel to keep their population from contracting the virus. To this end, they restricted all access to the ports and airports for citizens of other countries. Because of this, loading and unloading goods was possible, but the ships’ crews had to stay onboard. This caused them to overwork and remain aboard the boat longer than their contract allowed. Usually, they never stay aboard a ship for over six months, and international conventions prohibit visiting for over 11 months.
Why is it a human rights issue?
Crew changes are crucial because people cannot be stuck on a ship for long. It isn’t good for their mental and physical health. Also, the crew at sea will often work 10-12 hours and seven days per week without rest.
Sailors stuck aboard their ships report having such adverse effects as anxiety and stress, both mental and physical. The most painful thing is homesickness. Some people were trapped aboard their ships for over a year, which is unacceptable. This is a violation of human rights. IHRB has said that crew change is one of the most important things to do in 2021, as it is one of the most extreme human rights issues.
What are the challenges involved in resolving the crisis?
Arranging a crew change in the current situation with coronavirus is a challenge. Alternative transportation must be found to move the crew off the ship. Visas must be made, and flights via unrestricted airlines must be organized. Since the coronavirus restrictions have caused many airlines to be limited, this will also be more difficult to do, and most require people to be vaccinated or tested for coronavirus.
Ships may even have to deviate from their courses to help the sailors get home. This costs time and money, and many documents must be signed. This is why crew change has become so much of a challenge.
What are governments doing?
Maritime Labour Convention says it is illegal to make people stay aboard for over 11 months, and reminding governments of this is the primary way of solving the crew change problem. Processes of exchanging crews have already been put in effect this way, but many more people remain stuck aboard their ships, being unable to land or return home.
The UN Secretary-General has alerted governments that these seafarers are vital workers – the world economy relies on them to stay supplied with resources and goods. Seafarers require medical care and protection of their human rights. The Secretary-General called governments to make exclusions for seafarers to ensure ship crew changes. Sailors must be given priority since they are vital workers and must be given ways to get home. Also, the UN agencies have stated that seafarers must be prioritized for vaccination so they will no longer be at risk of coronavirus infection.
What about businesses?
Many organizations, including the International Human Rights organization, have been pushing businesses to do more to alleviate the crisis and help the crews of their ships get to safety. Companies that hire people are directly responsible for ensuring their rights are respected. Businesses that run maritime industries can and should ensure that their workers are cared for.
There are limitations, of course. There are crew change laws implemented that limit crew changes. A crew change cannot occur while the cargo is aboard the ship. These laws can restrict sailors’ rights and lessen their protection. Some businesses do this, even though it is unlawful.
Therefore, companies and organizations interested in protecting the rights of sailors and seafarers must take action and alert governments to these problems with human rights.