Filipino seafarers face ongoing abandonment and abuse, often accepting these as norms due to fear of job loss. At the International Conference on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Captain Jasmin Labarda emphasized that many remain silent, fearing disbelief or retaliation. The Manila Declaration seeks to uphold maritime workers’ rights and enhance accountability.
On September 2, 2025, the Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety, and Well-Being was adopted, establishing eight commitments to enhance sailor welfare amidst global challenges. Key commitments include upholding human rights, enforcing labor conventions, and ensuring seafarers can refuse unsafe assignments without retaliation, promoting corporate diligence and international cooperation.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is calling on UAE maritime authorities to assist 19 stranded seafarers in the Persian Gulf. These crew members, primarily from India, face dire conditions aboard an oil tanker due to fake contracts and lack of insurance, having been trapped for 15 months beyond the Maritime Labour Convention’s limits.
The Indonesian government has granted $1.3 million in scholarships to the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) for maritime training programs benefiting 96 seafarers. The initiative includes a Training of Trainers course and a program on Assessment, Examination, and Certification, ensuring compliance with international maritime standards.
Martin Hedman, director of mental wellness practices at VIKAND, stresses the urgent need for a collective detox in the maritime industry. Resilience, while valuable, can become toxic under excessive demands, leading to burnout. To protect seafarers’ mental health, the industry must prioritize support and empathy over relentless workloads.
Skuld Club recently highlighted the critical risks of fatigue onboard vessels, stressing its detrimental effects on crew health and operational safety. Prolonged exertion, disrupted sleep, and high stress contribute to impaired performance and increased accident risks. To address this, Skuld advocates for adherence to IMO rest hour guidelines and improved crew wellbeing practices.
On August 26, 2025, a ceremony at the Myanmar Seafarers Federation in Yangon focused on the repatriation of illegally employed seafarers. Captain Soe Min Aung addressed their challenges, while four seafarers shared harrowing experiences from Oman. The event underscored the need for safe employment and the protection of maritime workers’ rights.
Marina Starovoitova has made history as the first woman to command a nuclear icebreaker, the Yamal. Announced on August 20, 2025, during the Dreamer concert in Nizhny Novgorod, her leadership marks a significant milestone in Russia’s nuclear industry, emphasizing security and efficient navigation in Arctic waters.
The maritime industry is undergoing a digital transformation, integrating smart technologies and autonomous systems. While this enhances efficiency, it also introduces technostress among seafarers. Challenges such as techno-overload and techno-complexity increase anxiety, impacting mental health. Addressing these issues through training and support is crucial for safeguarding crew well-being.
The Directorate for Shipping (DG Shipping) has clarified rumors regarding a potential ban on foreign maritime competitors. They assure that valid seafarers are unaffected by misconceptions. A 30-day validation period for RPSL agencies has been introduced to enhance transparency and protect Indian seafarers while upholding international standards.
A crew member from the Sun Princess is missing after going overboard while en route to Istanbul. The incident occurred during navigation through the Dardanelles Strait. Despite extensive search efforts, the individual has not been found. The cruise line has altered its itinerary and is supporting the crew member’s family.
The Ampol terminal at Kurnell, Captain Cook’s historic landing site, poses challenges for oil tanker crews seeking shore leave. The distance from Sydney and high taxi fares often keep them aboard. Marine pilot Michael Kelly’s Opal Card initiative offers public transport access, enhancing seafarers’ well-being and connection to the city.
Indian seafarers constitute the largest group of abandoned crew globally, with 899 out of 3,133 reported cases in 2024. Many remain stranded for months on vessels like the Anka cargo ship, facing dire conditions. The prevalence of “flags of convenience” complicates accountability, highlighting the urgent need for better regulatory oversight.
Fabian Fussek, co-founder and CEO of Kaiko Systems, warns that the shipping industry’s dependence on outdated, paper-heavy compliance processes is overburdening crews and compromising safety. He advocates for digitalization to empower seafarers, not replace them, emphasizing that streamlined processes can enhance trust, transparency, and operational efficiency without sacrificing safety.
A joint report from the ITF Seafarers’ Trust and the World Maritime University reveals troubling trends in seafarers’ shore leave. Over a quarter report no shore leave during contracts averaging 6.6 months, while one-third go ashore only once or twice. Urgent action is needed to prioritize crew well-being and improve retention.
