Hundreds of thousands of seafarers are currently estimated to be stuck on sea as a result of worldwide COVID-19 restrictions. Afraid of further spread of the virus, governments are hesitant to allow entry to the seafarers. Moreover, hampered by visa restrictions, replacement crews experience great difficulty in traveling towards ports.

Due to this situation, many instances exist of seafarers being stuck at sea for periods longer than a year. Some of them have already experienced mental health issues and physical exhaustion.