Filipino seafarers were disappointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s failure to mention the Magna Carta of Seafarers in his recent SONA. ALMA Maritime Group highlighted the absence of this crucial legislation, particularly Section 59, which addresses ambulance chasing in the industry. ALMA is actively advocating for the rights of Filipino seafarers and engaging with key government officials to address this issue.
The latest Seafarers Happiness Index report reveals a growing disparity in working conditions at sea, with two distinct classes emerging. While the overall happiness index has seen a slight increase, concerns remain about the digital gap in access to modern communications and training. Seafarers on different types of vessels experience varying levels of well-being, highlighting the need for equal resources for all.
OneLearn Global, an eLearning provider in the OneCare Group, launches ‘Mastering Sire 2.0: A Comprehensive Guide to Inspections’ for tanker crews to comply with SIRE 2.0 procedures. The program offers immersive learning experiences with 360-degree images and tailored content. After 15 hours, crew members become SIRE 2.0 specialists, enhancing safety and efficiency in the maritime industry.
The Mission to Seafarers’ latest Seafarers Happiness Index report shows a slight increase in satisfaction to 6.99 in the second quarter of 2024. However, concerns about a “digital divide” and training disparities highlight the complexity of life at sea. Addressing welfare inequalities remains crucial for every seafarer’s well-being.
Dianne Sampang reported on the recent foiled hijacking attempt in the Gulf of Aden, where two Filipino seafarers were confirmed safe. President Marcos reassured the public of all Filipino seafarers’ safety in Yemen after an Israeli attack on Hodeidah port. The incident highlights the risks seafarers face and the need for swift responses to threats in conflict zones like Yemen.
Sixteen seafarers from Syria and India are stranded in Hodeidah, Yemen after Israeli airstrikes hit the area. The ITF has assisted eight Syrian seafarers to find refuge in a hotel, with efforts ongoing to help the remaining eight return to India. The seafarers are traumatized and the situation is exacerbated by recent airstrikes and the hijacking of another ship crew by Houthi rebels.
A recent study has revealed high levels of physical and verbal aggression, as well as sexual harassment, towards women seafarers. The research emphasizes the need for better reporting procedures in the maritime industry. Women seafarers experience twice as much harassment as men, with many reporting incidents of sexual harassment. The study calls for increased awareness and training to prevent workplace harassment.
The National Transport Safety Board criticized the master of the American Mariner for multitasking during a complex maneuver, leading to the vessel touching bottom in Sault Ste. Marie. With only the master on the bridge and a crew of 19, the NTSB emphasized the need for proper staffing to ensure safe navigation in confined spaces. The incident resulted in $600,000 in repair costs.
The EU has updated the Schengen Borders Code to strengthen border management, including classifying seafarers as essential workers. This decision aims to improve coordination within the EU and equip member states with better tools to address challenges at external and internal borders, especially during health emergencies. The update underscores the EU’s commitment to supporting essential workers in the maritime industry.
A fire on a Nigerian oil company’s floating storage unit led to the successful rescue of all 19 crewmembers by the Nigerian Navy. The 30-year-old FSO in the Delta State region caught fire on July 18, with video footage showing the dramatic rescue operation. An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire, highlighting the dangers of the oil industry.
The Seafarers Union of Kenya is advocating for government assistance to repatriate four Kenyan seafarers abandoned in Oman. With no wages for seven months, they are stranded on the ship Mv Saharla. SUK is seeking help for crew members like Salim, Idd, Omar, and Tella, emphasizing the need for tighter regulations on recruitment agencies to prevent such incidents.
The firefight on the Maersk Frankfurt continues into its second day, with the Indian Coast Guard providing assistance. The containership is stopped south of Karwar, India, with one seafarer missing. Despite efforts, the fire has not spread. Additional resources have been deployed to control the blaze, highlighting the dangers of container fires in the industry.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has launched a search and rescue mission for 25-year-old Vishnu Babu, a crew member who fell overboard from the cargo ship MT Resolute in Melaka waters. The operation, covering 43.5 square kilometres, is focused on the area where Babu went missing, 11.8 nautical miles from Klebang shores. Collaborative efforts with marine police are underway to locate him.
Seafarers navigating the Red Sea face the constant threat of terrorist attacks, leading to mental health issues like stress, fear, trauma, and PTSD. Clinical psychologist Alexander Dimitrevich notes the significant distress and potential long-term consequences for these individuals. The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, driven by a desire to terrorize, add to the stress and anxiety experienced by seafarers, highlighting the urgent need for support.
The new Chancellor of RMU, Alhaji Fanday Turay, vows to elevate academic standards and forge stronger ties with industry partners. At the recent BoG meeting in Accra, Turay emphasized his dedication to diversity, inclusion, and investing in learning resources. With a focus on innovation and critical thinking, he aims to prepare students for success in the maritime sector.
