Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak has changed the world of work. But global trade is still recognized as an essential business, and maritime transport as an engine of globalization cannot be paused. Since the onset of the pandemic, few governments have allowed seafarers – who transport more than 90 per cent of global commodities – to leave their ships and return home. The travel restrictions related to COVID-19 have led to a crisis of occupational health and safety (OHS) at sea. Drawing upon 29 interviews, this paper explores the OHS challenges faced by international seafarers during the COVID-19 outbreak.