In London, Tanzania and Qatar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 24, 2025, to mutually recognize seafarers’ certificates. This agreement, signed by officials from both nations during the International Maritime Organization Assembly, aims to enhance safety, competency standards, and employment opportunities for Tanzanian seafarers in Qatar.
Officer Lee Tae Young of South Korea was awarded the IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea for his heroic actions during the sinking of the Geum Seong No. 135 in November 2024. He saved 12 crew members, demonstrating remarkable courage and leadership, and received recognition at a ceremony in London.
IDsure is thrilled to partner with the Bahamas Maritime Authority to introduce the world’s first fully digital and tamper-proof Seafarer Record Book. This innovative solution ensures secure, instant credential issuance for seafarers, revolutionizing maritime credentialing by enhancing trust and transparency while streamlining operations for shipowners and training institutions.
The Seafarers’ Health and Welfare (SHS) organization highlights the need for financial transparency and effective communication in the maritime industry. Chair Kuba Szymanski asserts that trust is vital for attracting talent. By improving mental health support and working conditions, the industry can better meet modern challenges and enhance seafarer retention.
The latest Annual DEI in Maritime Review reveals a pressing demand for equitable workplaces among nearly 10,000 surveyed seafarers and shore-based professionals. Key findings highlight the positive impact of DEI training, though gaps persist, particularly for middle managers. The report emphasizes the need for accountability and open dialogue to combat harassment.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has streamlined procedures for crew members on Indian flag vessels engaged in coastal trade by eliminating the sign-on/sign-off and shore leave pass requirements. This change aims to ease the burdens previously faced by seafarers, allowing port authorities to manage crew operations more efficiently.
The United Seamen’s Service honored Crowley mariners at the 2025 AOTOS Awards, celebrating their bravery and commitment to safety. The crew of the tanker Stena Immaculate received special recognition for heroic actions during a North Sea collision, while El Coquí earned accolades for rescuing stranded U.S. boaters in the Atlantic.
Discussions on seafarer welfare often focus on safety and fair pay, yet the financial support they provide to families is crucial. Sending money home can be stressful due to delays and high fees. Improving payment conditions can enhance seafarers’ mental well-being, fostering a more positive work environment and reducing anxiety.
Months after the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, the cargo ship Dali’s crew remains stranded. Legal issues from the accident, which occurred nearly 20 months ago, leave nine members grappling with immigration challenges and uncertainty. Their plight underscores the complexities of maritime law and the human impact of such incidents.
Capt. Zulaika Florin, a master mariner with Hafnia, was honored as Seafarer of the Year at the 2025 Crew Connect Global Awards. Recognized for her exceptional leadership in navigating challenges, she stands out among five global nominees, highlighting the importance of resilience and commitment in the maritime community.
On November 9, three Vietnamese seafarers were arrested by the Busan Coast Guard for attempting to forcibly enter the captain’s cabin of a Panamanian-flagged cargo ship at Gamcheon Port. The violent confrontation, involving an axe, raised serious concerns about safety and underlying crew issues, prompting investigations into their motivations.
The Australian Government has launched the Maritime Skills and Training Initiative (MSTI) with a $13.8 million investment over four years. This program aims to provide sea time access for 20 trainee seafarers, addressing skill shortages and enhancing workforce capabilities in the maritime sector, crucial for economic growth and safety.
Dutch shipping companies are under fire from the Equal Justice Equal Pay Foundation, which claims they underpay foreign seafarers, especially from the Philippines and Indonesia. With over 13,000 supporters, the foundation demands changes within three weeks, citing wages often below half of their Dutch counterparts. The KVNR defends the current pay structure.
The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) has partnered with the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) to enhance welfare support for Filipino seafarers. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, aims to improve seafarer wellbeing, share anonymized helpline data, and strengthen maritime research in the Philippines.
The crew of the oil tanker Talara, anchored near Iran’s Bandar Abbas port, is reported safe by Columbia Shipmanagement. The vessel was seized by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards last week, raising concerns about maritime safety. Communication with the captain was re-established, confirming all 21 crew members are unharmed.
