Human trafficking affects an estimated 50 million people worldwide, prompting Invisible Traffick, a Northern Ireland charity, to train maritime professionals in recognizing exploitation. Founded by Gayle Bunting after a tragic incident in 2012, the organization aims to raise awareness and empower individuals in ports to combat this grave crime effectively.
In a policy shift, the Indian government has established new deep-sea fishing regulations within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Prioritizing local fishermen and banning foreign vessels, the guidelines aim to enhance opportunities in tuna fishing while emphasizing sustainable practices and technological advancements in the marine fisheries sector. Effective November 4.
Laurent Cadji has announced an expansion of a charity initiative supporting Nigerian seafarers. The program aims to provide education, training, and mentorship, addressing the challenges faced by sailors. Emphasizing investment in maritime communities, Cadji seeks to cultivate a resilient workforce and acknowledge the essential role of seafarers in Nigeria’s evolving maritime sector.
Savvy Navvy has launched an interactive chart annotation tool, revolutionizing boating instruction. Instructors can now create and customize digital charts within the app, enhancing navigation and safety. David Cusworth emphasizes its role in visualizing scenarios and engaging students, making lessons clearer and more memorable. Available to users starting September 22, 2025.
India’s shipping industry is rapidly modernizing, yet a critical skills gap threatens its global competitiveness. While infrastructure investments grow, the shortage of digitally fluent professionals hinders progress. Bridging this gap through upskilling initiatives is essential for leveraging advanced technologies, ensuring India can lead in the evolving logistics landscape.
Fabian Fussek, co-founder and CEO of Kaiko Systems, warns that the shipping industry’s dependence on outdated, paper-heavy compliance processes is overburdening crews and compromising safety. He advocates for digitalization to empower seafarers, not replace them, emphasizing that streamlined processes can enhance trust, transparency, and operational efficiency without sacrificing safety.
At just nine, Dakarai dreams of navigating the seas like his fisherman father. Attending LJM Maritime Academy’s summer camp in Nassau, he discovers the vast maritime opportunities in The Bahamas. Inspired by lessons in navigation and engineering, he declares, “I want to wear a white-on-white cadet suit in the future.”
Mercury Marine has opened its cutting-edge training center in Victoria, Australia, the first in the Asia-Pacific region. The facility focuses on providing marine technicians with hands-on training in Mercury Outboard and MerCruiser engine technologies. Offering expert instruction and practical learning, the center aims to enhance skills and address the shortage of skilled technicians in the industry.
On March 7, 2025, the ITF launched the “Women at Sea” website to empower women in the maritime industry. The initiative aims to create a global network for female seafarers while promoting ITF-affiliated trade unions. During discussions, experts emphasized inclusivity and the necessity of addressing gender-related challenges in maritime roles.
