A crew member on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship attacked multiple individuals, including security crew members, a nurse, and a female passenger. The incident involved a new crew member from South Africa, Ntando Sogoni, who displayed erratic behavior. Despite the incident, the ship’s security protocols and surveillance systems ensured the safety of all onboard.
The UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Jordan’s Ministry of Transport signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation and knowledge exchange in the maritime sector. This partnership aims to advance maritime education, training, and sustainable development, reflecting a commitment to international standards for seafarers.
Cruise operator Royal Caribbean Group is seeking to hire thousands of workers to keep up with the record demand for cruises worldwide. Bookings hit a new high in 2023, prompting the company to increase its workforce. With plans to hire over 10,000 employees and commission new ships, their growth strategy is in full swing.
The IMO’s Legal Committee approved new guidelines to protect seafarers detained overseas. These guidelines ensure due process for seafarers working on ships in foreign countries. IMO Secretary-General emphasized the importance of seafarer well-being, calling the guidelines a significant step in addressing challenges they face. A task force will enhance the database on seafarer abandonment.
In a shocking revelation, Dubai-based ship management company Middle East Marine LLC faces scrutiny for the worst case of serial seafarer abandonment. Over 100 seafarers endured abuse and neglect, prompting urgent calls for action. Despite violations, authorities have been notably absent, compounding the suffering of exploited seafarers.
Tanker owners’ association Intertanko conducted a survey with over 5,400 seafarers, revealing high satisfaction levels with their careers. Workload was a major concern, with Filipinos most likely to feel overwhelmed. Female officers reported gender-based misconduct. Many seafarers aim to transition to shore-based roles due to family reasons and workload. Resilience among Filipino seafarers was noted.
The ITF has accused Middle East Marine LLC of neglecting over 100 seafarers, prompting calls for intervention from the UAE government and Palau shipping authorities. Seafarers from India, Indonesia, and Myanmar faced appalling conditions such as lack of wages, food, and medical supplies. The situation highlights the need for industry accountability.
The IMO has finalized guidelines to protect seafarers detained in foreign jurisdictions. Chaired by Gillian Grant, the guidelines aim to ensure seafarers’ rights to due process during investigation and detention. Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the importance of seafarers’ well-being. The guidelines will address challenges faced by seafarers and promote fair treatment.
The Maritime Industry Tripartite Council (MITC) was created to support Filipino seafarers and enhance industry standards. Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista emphasized the importance of collaboration between government, management, and labor sectors to improve seafarers’ skills in the evolving global maritime landscape.
Iran released the crew of a seized Portuguese-flagged ship connected to Israel, maintaining control of the vessel. The Revolutionary Guard took the MSC Aries container ship with 25 crew members in the Strait of Hormuz, citing retaliation for an Israeli attack. The ship remains in Iran’s custody for violating maritime laws.
A crew member on a 120-day voyage around the world is missing at sea aboard Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience ship. The ship turned back to search for the crew member but has since been released by coastguard authorities. The crew member, from India, was reported missing off the coast of Spain.
Award-winning Tyne and Wear caseworker Gwen Rayner showcases the intricate interventions needed to assist seafarers in accessing housing, care services, and entitled benefits. Through house visits and assessments, she has significantly improved the lives of retired seafarers, providing mobility solutions and navigating complex care and financial assessments.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, announced that all crew members of the MSC Aries have been released after being seized…
German maritime specialist Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS) has observed an increase in Indian seafarers reaching out for mental health…
In 2019, the captain of the submersible Conception was sentenced to four years in prison for the tragic fire that claimed the lives of 34 people off the California coast. Jerry Nehl Boylan, 69, was found guilty of “sailor manslaughter” for his role in the disaster. The National Transportation Safety Board cited poor oversight by the ship’s owner as a contributing factor to the tragedy.
