Nautilus International is working on behalf of cadets with Evergreen, who have contacted the Union after not receiving seatime since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019.
As a reason for denying seatime the company cites 'significant restrictions' in China and east Asia that prevent embarkation by cadets and 'unacceptable risk' relating to Covid-19.
However, Evergreen operates globally with vessels in South America, North America and Europe – yet the cadets are not being taken onboard.
The company's actions could lead to some cadets having their cadetships extended by up to five years. Alternatively, they may have to rely on other companies making berths available to them, but there is still backlog elsewhere due to the pandemic.
Nautilus is currently liaising with the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) to find a solution to the issue and obtain the required seatime for the cadets.
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