The International Day of the Seafarer, celebrated on June 25, shines a light on the importance of safety at sea. The International Maritime Organization launched a campaign to recognize seafarers’ role in maintaining a secure maritime environment. IMO Secretary-General Dominguez praised seafarers for their dedication and urged them to share safety tips and practices to enhance maritime safety.
Seaspan’s team in Sri Lanka partnered with the Arunodhaya Foundation for International Seafarers’ Day, supporting children with mental and physical challenges. They provided essentials, entertainment, and a meal, showcasing their commitment to community impact. Ceyline Shipping Limited, Seaspan’s recruitment partner, has been instrumental in providing top maritime personnel for nearly two decades. This initiative reflects Seaspan’s dedication to making a positive difference.
Indian seafarers are struggling to compete with those from other developing countries due to a lack of guidance and investment from Indian shipping companies, experts say. Despite India’s significant share in the global workforce, candidates from countries like Ukraine, Russia, and the Philippines are gaining ground. Efforts to address these challenges were emphasized on World Seafarers Day.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has confirmed the safety of all 27 Filipino crew members aboard the MV Transworld Navigator after an attack by Houthi rebels. Secretary Hans Cacdac stated that the seafarers are now out of the high-risk area and uninjured. Plans for repatriation are in place, emphasizing the importance of reuniting the crew with their families.
Dr. Odunayo Ani, President of WISTA, thanked Nigerian seafarers for their vital role in global trade on the Day of the Seafarer 2024. Emphasizing safety, Dr. Ani commended seafarers for ensuring smooth maritime operations. She praised their dedication in various activities like fishing and transportation. The annual observance honors seafarers’ hard work and contributions to the global economy.
Seafarers are voicing concerns about the mental health implications of decarbonisation and the fear of being blamed if things go wrong. A survey by ISWAN and the Shipowners’ Club reveals the hidden costs of the green transition, showing a significant impact on job satisfaction. The industry must address these issues and involve seafarers in the transition towards zero carbon.
Seventy-eight Filipino seafarers have refused sailing through high-risk areas like the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea due to increased attacks. The Department of Migrant Workers is working with stakeholders to ensure compliance with this right. Seafarers who opt out will be repatriated, emphasizing their safety and protection from discrimination. Recent events highlight the dangers faced by these seafarers.
Sailor’s Day (25 June) acknowledges the vital role of seafarers and focuses on safety tips at sea. MedSea provides practical steps to prevent common injuries and illnesses among seafarers, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management programs. Chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes are prevalent, highlighting the need for proper care and prevention measures for seafarers.
The shipping industry mourns the loss of a seafarer in a drone boat strike, urging action to protect those at sea. With Day of the Seafarer approaching, it’s crucial to recognize their sacrifices and address challenges they face. Governments and international bodies must work together to ensure safety and uphold freedom of navigation principles.
A UK university and a tech firm have joined forces to revolutionize maritime safety through virtual reality technology. With funding from Innovate UK, this partnership aims to create immersive VR scenarios for training maritime professionals in emergency response and safety practices. By integrating cutting-edge technology, they hope to set a new standard for safety training in the industry.
A new trend in India sees seafarers resorting to admiralty arrests of vessels to secure compensation for injuries sustained on the job. This legal tactic allows aggrieved seafarers to hold their employers accountable and seek the financial recompense they deserve. By utilizing admiralty arrests, Indian seafarers are strategically settling injury compensation claims and ensuring fair treatment.
Kongsberg Maritime has achieved Approval in Principle from DNV to shift the Chief Engineer role from ship to shore-based Remote Operations Centre (ROC). This advancement paves the way for uncrewed vessel operations, with the Chief Engineer now able to oversee and control systems on multiple vessels from a single workstation. The trial includes the world’s first electric container vessel, Yara Birkeland.
BIMCO outlined the new SOLAS amendments improving safety of Pilot Transfer Arrangements for ships. Drafted by IMO committee, these rules will be adopted in 2024 and effective from 2028. Shipowners must ensure compliance with updated standards by specified dates. Emphasis on obtaining ladders from approved suppliers and conducting thorough inspections to prevent accidents and comply with regulations.
The crew of the cargo ship Dali involved in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collision will be allowed to return home after being available for depositions in ongoing investigations. Foreign nationals from India and Sri Lanka, they were initially requested to stay in the U.S. for civil litigation. The investigation into the bridge collapse continues, with some crew members assisting.
The Department of Migrant Workers in the Philippines is grappling with conflicting reports on the fate of a Filipino seafarer from the MV Tutor. Despite the US claiming his death, the DMW has not confirmed it as he remains missing. The department continues to support the seafarer’s family and awaits details on a new search operation, standing by them during these difficult times.
