BIMCO has unveiled a new film titled “Seafarers Deserve Fairer Seas” to raise awareness about the urgent need for governments and stakeholders to protect the global maritime workforce. This initiative coincides with the release of a position paper, “Supporting Maritime Workforce Sustainability,” highlighting the challenges faced by seafarers, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions and inadequate protections. Currently, approximately 20,000 seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf, facing significant mental strain due to heightened risks.
Watch the film: Seafarers
David Loosley, BIMCO’s Secretary General and CEO, emphasized the human cost of geopolitical unrest, stating that disruptions in global trade affect not only the economy but also the families of those on board vessels. He expressed concern over the criminalization of seafarers, especially in cases involving drugs or environmental incidents, urging governments to ensure that due process is followed and to reject liability regimes that presume guilt.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a push for seafarers to be recognized as key workers, a status now acknowledged by the EU and supported by recent amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention by the International Labour Organization. Loosley called on all nations to recognize the vital role of seafarers in global trade and economic stability.
BIMCO’s revised position paper underscores the need for a holistic approach to maritime workforce sustainability, focusing not just on legal protections but also on welfare, training, and safety culture. The aim is to create a resilient and attractive profession for seafarers, placing people at the heart of ship design and operations.
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