Captain Kuba Szymanski, secretary-general of InterManager, reflects on the evolution of news in the digital age, noting the shift from traditional media to a 24/7 online environment filled with sensational headlines. This trend has also permeated maritime news, where misinformation about issues like sexual harassment is prevalent.
While there is a legitimate concern regarding harassment at sea, Szymanski argues that the reported data is often exaggerated and lacks verification. He emphasizes that sexual harassment in the maritime sector is not necessarily worse than in many land-based industries. He highlights the positive aspects of maritime careers, such as long-standing equal pay for male and female seafarers, contrasting it with ongoing pay disparities in other fields.
Moreover, the maritime industry is noted for its diversity, employing millions from Southeast Asia. Szymanski calls for the establishment of a whistleblowing system to enhance accountability and reporting of misconduct, a legal requirement in the EU that remains unimplemented. He urges the maritime sector to promote its strengths and modernize, inviting a new generation to join its workforce.
