The UK Department for Transport’s official statistics for seafarers in the UK Shipping Industry in 2024 revealed a total of 23,700 active UK seafarers, with a slight decrease from the previous year. The majority were male, with higher female representation among Uncertificated Officers and Ratings. The data also showed variations in nationality, gender, age, and certification.
Crews from a log boat at Eastland Port recently sparked curiosity as they disembarked for shore leave. An Eastland Port spokeswoman confirmed that under Alert Level 2, crew members can come ashore if their vessels meet stringent health protocols, including a 14-day quarantine and approved health declarations to ensure community safety.
International shipping lines are actively recruiting officers and crew members, with over 300,000 seafarers needed globally in the next five years. Major companies emphasize the demand for qualified candidates, urging potential recruits to prepare adequately to meet international standards and seize these promising job opportunities in the maritime industry.
The ICS Academy, initiated by the International Chamber of Shipping, revolutionizes maritime education by offering seafarers tailored e-learning that emphasizes best practices and compliance. With features like a mobile app for offline access and innovative courses such as 3D engine simulations, it merges traditional knowledge with modern digital learning solutions.
The Maritime union RMT criticizes the decrease in UK resident seafarers despite an increase in seafarer jobs. Only seven percent of UK Ratings hold these jobs, with most demand met by non-EEA seafarers. RMT calls for better regulation of working conditions and Tonnage Tax reforms to support UK Ratings in the maritime industry.
Companies going bankrupt and workers losing their jobs is common in capitalist societies. However, abandoned ships present a different scenario. When a ship is left in a foreign port with no support, dwindling supplies, and services shutting down, it signifies a complex situation. Crewmembers are left in uncertainty, relying on welfare agencies.
A dramatic rescue captured on video shows Volusia County Fire Rescue’s acting division chief leaping onto a runaway boat to save an unconscious man. His swift actions shut down the engine, enabling assistance. The incident underscores the courage of first responders and highlights the importance of boating safety in critical situations.
The International Maritime Organization’s HTW sub-committee has drafted interim guidelines for training seafarers on ships using alternative fuels. Recognizing safety risks, these guidelines aim to address the growing use of sustainable fuels. Additionally, the NextWave Seafarers project seeks to combat seafarer shortages by offering training opportunities to cadets from developing nations.
The ITF and MARINA have signed an MoU to enhance mental health training for Filipino seafarers. This partnership will improve knowledge and skills in mental health and wellbeing for maritime faculties. Collaborative research projects and initiatives will focus on occupational health and safety within the Philippine maritime sector.
The captain of the German factory trawler Helen Mary was arrested in Cork, Ireland after a sea interdiction by EFCA. Suspected of EU fisheries law violations, the vessel was inspected for multiple offenses, including safety concerns. This incident follows previous scrutiny by Greenpeace and highlights the need for stricter regulations on industrial fishing vessels.
Shivdev, a 58-year-old Indian captain and retired Navy officer, has gone missing after slipping into the Mediterranean Sea off Egypt. The incident occurred on February 15 while he was aboard the Vessel Onyx. His family is urgently seeking assistance from authorities, as search efforts have yielded no results.
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.
