Philippines National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) has revamped its Management Level Course (MLC) for Marine Deck Officers, now condensed to 28 days from 55 days, aligning with industry standards. Approved by Marina, the course focuses on essential managerial skills for senior positions in the maritime industry. The updated curriculum enhances decision-making and leadership skills.
Lloyd’s Register’s Maritime Decarbonisation Hub and Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping have released reports addressing the upskilling needs of future seafarers in the transition to alternative fuels. Focusing on ammonia as a promising fuel, the reports highlight safety hazards and propose comprehensive training programs to ensure seafarer safety.
Namibia’s Minister of Works and Transport John Mutorwa has introduced a new maritime labor law to improve seafarers’ rights. The amended Labour and Maritime Convention of 2006 aims to address working conditions on boats and ships. Mutorwa emphasized the importance of creating a comprehensive instrument that incorporates international standards for seafarers’ well-being.
Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) has expanded its reach by opening a new Maritime Training Centre (MTC) in Ghana, offering courses for cadets, officers, ratings, and hospitality crew. This move strengthens BSM’s ties with the Regional Maritime University and demonstrates their commitment to developing African seafarers to meet the growing demand in the region.
The Southampton Crown Court in the UK recently handed down sentences to the master of a North Sea cargo ship and the company operating the vessel for their roles in a fatal accident in 2021. The master admitted to failing to operate the ship safely, while the company was found guilty of operating its ships unsafely.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is pursuing legal action against a manning agency for abandoning four Filipino seafarers in San Diego. Secretary Hans Cacdac highlighted the vulnerability of seafarers in the fishing industry and vowed to hold the agency accountable. The DMW also plans to enhance protections for OFW fishers this year.
On February 15, the MSC Baltic III ran aground near Lark Harbour, Newfoundland, after losing power during a severe winter storm. Canadian SAR teams quickly responded, rescuing 20 crew members, five of whom were injured. The operation showcased effective coordination amidst harsh weather, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in maritime emergencies.
Seafarer retention rates have improved, with 90% of shipping companies raising crew salaries in 2024, according to Danica Crewing Specialists. While concerns remain about a shortage of skilled seafarers, salary hikes have helped reduce turnover. However, challenges persist in recruiting experienced professionals, leading companies to diversify their recruitment strategies.
A recent seminar at the Myanmar Seafarers Federation office aimed to educate seafarers on investing in houses and land plots through loans. Captain U Soe Min Aung highlighted the importance of real estate investments for retirement planning. The event emphasized the need for housing among seafarers and the potential for generating income through property ownership.
At the recent Capital Link Forum in Athens, shipping organizations expressed deep concerns about seafarer safety amid escalating geopolitical tensions and piracy. Industry stakeholders underscored the necessity for improved safety protocols, emphasizing a collaborative approach among governments and leaders to safeguard maritime professionals facing diverse threats in an increasingly complex environment.
The NextWave Seafarers Project, led by IMO and KSA, aims to address global seafarer shortage by providing training to 20 cadets from LDCs and SIDS through Bahri Shipping Line. It aims to promote gender diversity, create a talent pipeline, and inspire similar programs worldwide. Collaboration is invited to build a resilient maritime workforce.
The International Chamber of Shipping, Lloyd’s Register OneOcean, and MARINA in the Philippines are collaborating to digitalize seafarer certification processes. This pilot project aims to streamline certification systems, reduce administrative burdens, and improve efficiency. By exploring digital pathways, the initiative seeks to enhance accessibility, security, and regulatory compliance in the maritime industry.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is rapidly developing interim training guidelines for alternative fuels, emphasizing seafarer safety amidst emerging technologies. With a dual approach, the guidelines will address both generic training and specifics for various fuels. Industry experts stress the urgency, as alternative fuel ships are already entering service.
The ITF reported a sharp increase in seafarer and vessel abandonment in 2024, with Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia Pacific most affected. Seafarers abandoned rose to 3,133 from 1,676 in 2023, while abandoned vessels increased to 312. The report highlighted specific regions with high abandonment incidents and emphasized the need for better regulation.
The recognition of training certificates for Filipino seafarers received a boost with the signing of a bilateral agreement between Marina and the Maritime Administration of Latvia in London. This agreement aims to recognize STCW certificates issued by Marina, ensuring training and competence assessment adhere to international standards, strengthening maritime cooperation between the two nations.
