The Director General of Shipping has issued an advisory for seafarers, employers, and vessel-owners regarding calling to Iranian ports in light of the Iran-Israel war. Seafarers are urged not to sign on or off from any ports in Iran for their safety. Employers are advised to reschedule crew changes to alternative ports to avoid risks.
Stella Maris has launched a new financial resilience program for Ukrainian seafarers and their families, addressing issues like income loss and increased living costs due to the war. With online courses and support services, the initiative aims to empower seafarers with the skills needed for a brighter future post-conflict.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission of New Zealand released a report on a crew member injured on the bulk carrier Poavosa Brave. The accident happened when an on-board crane struck the crew member while hoisting stanchions for securing logs. The incident occurred due to unauthorized work by the bosun, bypassing safety protocols and communication breakdowns.
The maritime education and training sector is evolving, with Lloyd’s Register acquiring Ocean Technologies Group and ICS launching the ICS Academy. This platform offers e-learning courses to ensure best practices and compliance on board. The interactive content allows seafarers to apply practical guidance to real-life scenarios, with courses aligned with industry standards.
Halcyon Health Network Inc. has introduced BrainHealth, a mobile app for seafarers’ mental well-being. It addresses rising mental health concerns among seafarers, offering tools like Mood Tracker and counseling services. The app aims to support seafarers in managing stress and depression, providing resources for mental health awareness and peer connection.
ISWAN’s campaign ‘Safe at sea…it takes all of us!’ offers practical guidance on addressing inappropriate behavior and building support networks in the maritime sector. By promoting allyship between male and female crew members, the guides aim to create a safer and more inclusive work environment for all seafarers.
Maersk’s Equal at Sea initiative has significantly increased the number of female cadets in India, with a rise from 41 to over 350 this year. The company aims for equal gender representation among cadets by 2027. The initiative addresses the underrepresentation of women in the maritime industry, with only 29% of the workforce being female.
The Indian government has launched a white paper emphasizing seafarer welfare, focusing on mental health improvements. Collaboration between the Directorate General of Shipping and the National Institute of Mental Health aims to address severe depression and suicide risks among the 250,000 Indian seafarers. Industry leaders advocate for mandatory mental health resilience training.
New research by the Institute of Human Rights and Business reveals that a significant number of seafarers have been required to pay recruitment fees to secure jobs on merchant vessels. Despite being prohibited, 31% of seafarers have paid these fees, leading to debt and mental health issues. Organizations are working to combat this exploitation.
Goan seafarers marked World Maritime Day by stressing the need for insurance coverage both at sea and on land. GSAI President Frank Viegas highlighted the vital role of seafarers in the global economy and called for better protection of their welfare. The association urged stakeholders to prioritize seafarers’ interests and ensure comprehensive insurance coverage.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac announced a collaboration with Marina to develop the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Magna Carta for Seafarers. The goal is to finalize the IRR by December, addressing issues like ambulance chasing and setting standards for seafarer contracts to enhance protections in the maritime industry.
A team from the international Red Cross visited the 25-member crew aboard the Galaxy Leader vessel, hijacked by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Hodeidah. Coordinated with local authorities, the visit aimed to monitor detention conditions and facilitate communication with families. Crew members from various countries are reportedly in good health, but some face health issues.
A recent study has found that illegal recruitment fees for seafarers are still common in the maritime industry, with 31% of surveyed individuals being asked to pay such fees. This practice goes against regulations and can lead to financial burden and exploitation. It is crucial for the industry to address this issue.
Le Sen, a 54-year-old man, has been sentenced by the People’s Court of Quang Nam Province for his role in the Phuong Dong 05 excursion boat capsizing incident. Sen’s reckless maneuver led to the tragedy, highlighting the importance of adhering to safety regulations.
The American Waterways Operators (AWO) has recognized Crowley’s mariners for their heroic actions in two successful man-overboard rescues. James C. Fowler commended the crews for their instinctive response to protect life, highlighting their character as the driving force behind their actions. The crews were honored with the HERO award for their bravery and dedication to safety.
