The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is proposing new amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention to better support seafarers. These changes include internet access at sea and improved dietary requirements. The consultation period for industry feedback is open until January 22, 2025, with the amendments set to take effect on December 23, 2024.
OneCare Group (OCG) has partnered with RightShip’s Zero Harm Innovation Partner Programme to prioritize seafarers’ mental health and professional development. Through their collaboration, OCG aims to empower seafarers with resources to handle the unique pressures of maritime life, ensuring their safety, health, and mental resilience. The OCG Mobile App provides 24/7 access to health resources.
A fisherman escaped from abusive crewmates by jumping overboard, spending three days at sea before being rescued by a merchant ship. Enduring mistreatment and threats, he made the daring decision to flee, facing the risks of survival in the open ocean. His courageous escape and rescue shed light on the dangers in the maritime industry.
The Supreme Court of Philippines has recognized heart ailments in seafarers as work-related and compensable due to their risky working conditions at sea. Companies often deny liability, attributing conditions to lifestyle choices. However, long years of service and heavy responsibilities can contribute to heart diseases. The harsh working environment at sea poses risks.
The Maritime Labour Convention 2006 has proposed new amendments to improve seafarers’ living and working conditions. These changes, open for consultation, aim to address lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic. The amendments focus on seafarers’ health, diet, financial protection, and connectivity with loved ones. Feedback on the proposed changes is welcome until January 22.
The International Seafarers’ Welfare & Assistance Network (ISWAN) reported a surge in seafarers seeking help for violence, bullying, and discrimination on ships. Calls to the helpline increased due to crew abandonment, mental health issues, and abuse at work. The industry faces challenges like fake recruitment agencies, harassment, and discrimination, with reports of abuse rising by 28%.
India has issued a warning to seafarers and ship owners, advising them to avoid traveling to Syria and to stay away from the country’s ports. Crew change operations should be rescheduled, and security measures on board vessels should be enhanced to prevent potential risks. The situation in Syria remains unpredictable.
The US Coast Guard and the crew of the orange juice tanker Orange Ocean rescued solo sailor Kirill Vladimirovich Mikhaylov 420 miles north of Puerto Rico. The sailor’s vessel burst into flames and sank, prompting a swift response from Coast Guard Sector San Juan and the AMVER network.
The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network’s SeafarerHelp helpline has seen a surge in calls regarding abandonment, mental health issues, and abuse at sea. The rise in cases highlights the struggles faced by seafarers, including unpaid wages and fraudulent recruitment. YachtCrewHelp also reported an increase in contractual problems, underscoring the need for better support.
A group of seafarers in the Philippines raised concerns about DMW Assistant Secretary Jerome Pampolina’s involvement in drafting the IRR of the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers. The CSP pointed out his past association with a law firm representing manning agencies, urging him to step back for transparency.
The Dutch Coast Guard faced challenges in the North Sea during a severe storm, rescuing a cargo ship named Valday drifting towards the shore near Rotterdam. Despite crew injuries and difficult weather, they managed to airlift an injured crewmember to safety and secure a towline, ensuring the ship’s safe return to port.
Bikram S. Bhatia’s PhD dissertation at the World Maritime University uncovered discrepancies in seafarers’ work/rest hour reporting within the shipping industry. Using the ITFRAM, his research highlighted seafarers’ record adjustments and PSC officers’ high compliance rates. The study emphasized the need for systemic changes to enhance safety and fairness in the industry.
The Indian Coast Guard successfully rescued 12 seafarers stranded in the Arabian Sea after their vessel sank. With assistance from the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, the crew was located and found to be in good health. This collaborative effort highlights the commitment to maritime safety and security in the region.
The third meeting of the Joint ILO-IMO Tripartite Working Group in Geneva adopted Guidelines on Fair Treatment of Seafarers detained in connection with alleged crimes. These guidelines aim to protect the rights and interests of seafarers during investigations and detention. They will be presented to the IMO Legal Committee in March 2025 for adoption.
The recent survey on disparities within the seafarer community revealed alarming rates of psychological and sexual harassment among women and LGBTQ+ members. The lack of DEI training for senior ranks was also identified as a concern. Despite challenges, there were positive aspects, highlighting the need for a more inclusive maritime industry.
