The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights ruled that Filipino and Indonesian seafarers on Dutch vessels face discrimination, receiving lower wages than their EU counterparts despite equal working conditions. This landmark decision highlights the violation of economic rights and calls for reevaluation of wage practices in the maritime sector, emphasizing equal pay for equal work.
The Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF) has launched innovative training frameworks for seafarers operating ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen-powered ships. These publicly accessible frameworks aim to guide regulators in developing training programs and certification schemes, addressing the diverse needs of both entry-level and senior officers in the maritime industry.
Wightlink, the ferry operator serving the Isle of Wight and Hampshire, has proposed staff reductions impacting up to 50 positions as part of its efficiency project. The RMT union warns that this could jeopardize 160 jobs, threatening industrial action unless plans are retracted. Concerns over safety and service quality have been raised.
On Tuesday, the Indian Coast Guard executed a mid-sea medical evacuation for a Syrian sailor aboard the MV Haje Nafela. The 20-year-old crew member, Abdulkader Yahya, suffered a severe head injury while working. The operation, coordinated from Chennai, successfully retrieved him 60 nautical miles offshore for further medical care.
Ben Shenton, former Chair of the Jersey Lifeboat Association, argues that random breathalyser tests could deter maritime operators from sailing under the influence. During a recent hearing, he emphasized that even infrequent checks might promote safer practices. The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel is reviewing amendments to enhance maritime safety regulations.
The MAIB reported a tragic incident on July 12, 2024, involving the fishing vessel Kingfisher. A deckhand died during creel fishing operations after becoming entangled in a leg rope. Despite quick recovery efforts, he could not be revived. Investigations revealed serious safety oversights, prompting urgent safety recommendations for fishing crews.
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), led by Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, commended Orion Marine Services and Seatransport Ltd for raising salaries for seafarers. Emphasizing worker welfare, Bunu noted that satisfied employees enhance employer success. He urged other maritime companies to adopt similar practices, warning non-compliers may face reporting to NIMASA.
Two ferry crewmembers are on trial in Jersey for the deaths of three fishermen after a December 2022 collision. The Condor Ferries vessel, Commodore Goodwill, struck the fishing boat L’Ecume II, sinking it instantly. The defendants deny charges of gross negligence, arguing the incident was unavoidable despite the prosecution’s claims.
A recent Safetec survey reveals that efficiency demands threaten seafarer safety, with 26% of 30,000 respondents admitting to bypassing safety procedures due to company pressures. Additionally, 20% feel their adherence to safety goes unrecognized, highlighting a critical need for shipping companies to prioritize safety over efficiency to ensure a secure working environment.
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.
