The ITF and MARINA have signed an MoU to enhance mental health training for Filipino seafarers. This partnership will improve knowledge and skills in mental health and wellbeing for maritime faculties. Collaborative research projects and initiatives will focus on occupational health and safety within the Philippine maritime sector.
The Director General of Shipping in India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sailors‘ Society to improve welfare services for the maritime sector. This collaboration will provide 24/7 support services for seafarers and cadets, enhancing their well-being and safety standards. The partnership aims to benefit the Indian maritime industry by strengthening welfare systems.
The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network’s SeafarerHelp helpline has seen a surge in calls regarding abandonment, mental health issues, and abuse at sea. The rise in cases highlights the struggles faced by seafarers, including unpaid wages and fraudulent recruitment. YachtCrewHelp also reported an increase in contractual problems, underscoring the need for better support.
The life of a seafarer is full of challenges and adventures, from long hours at sea to the constant threat of piracy. However, advances in technology, such as GPS and autonomous ships, are transforming the profession, enhancing safety and communication, and providing seafarers with new tools to navigate their unique world.
Marine insurer Gard releases the Gard Crew Damage Report 2024, analyzing 20,000+ cases over five years to highlight seafarer health trends. Chief Claims Officer Christen Guddal emphasizes crew safety’s impact on operational safety, citing illness and injury statistics, mental health concerns, and recommendations for improvement. The report aims to spark industry dialogue and promote transparency.
Data from the first quarter of 2024 reveals the harsh working conditions faced by seafarers, with increased risks due to geopolitical tensions. The International Bargaining Forum designated the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as ‘Warlike’ zones after a fatal missile attack, while Somali piracy incidents resurged. SeafarerHelp saw a rise in seafarers seeking assistance for contractual issues and ABHDV, highlighting the urgent need for industry unity in protecting seafarers’ rights and welfare.
Cases of seafarers being abandoned by shipowners without resources or support have become a global crisis, with many facing mental health issues. Maritime charity Stella Maris is providing assistance to those affected by this alarming trend. The International Maritime Organization reports a significant increase in abandonment cases, emphasizing the need for industry-wide action to enforce laws and hold negligent companies accountable. Deacon Joseph O’Donnell highlights the role of unlicensed agents in exploiting vulnerable seafarers.
The charity Stella Maris highlights the growing loneliness and depression among Ukrainian sailors due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Port chaplains report distress among seafarers, especially regarding the fear of forced conscription upon returning home. Access to news online exacerbates anxiety, while long periods at sea impact sailors’ well-being.
