The Swedish Club, in collaboration with Mental Health Support Solutions, has launched “Our Family and the Sea: A Check Your Pulse Wellbeing Guide for Seafarers and Their Loved Ones.” This guide offers strategies for managing stress, enhancing communication, and supporting children’s emotional needs, emphasizing the importance of family connectivity for seafarers’ mental health.
Recent developments in seafarer employment include a new global minimum wage, increasing from $690 in January 2026 to $715 by January 2028, following negotiations by the International Chamber of Shipping and the International Transport Workers’ Federation. Concurrently, the UK’s Employment Rights Bill is reforming seafarers’ rights, enhancing protections during redundancies.
The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) has released guidance to enhance seafarers’ mental wellbeing amid the maritime industry’s shift to zero carbon. The publication emphasizes the psychological challenges posed by regulatory changes and advocates for a people-first approach, highlighting the importance of communication and psychological safety in the transition.
The Global Maritime Forum introduced the “Sustainable Crewing Guidelines” during Singapore Maritime Week to enhance seafarers’ working conditions and combat an expected shortage of 90,000 professionals by 2026. These guidelines, based on the Diversity@Sea program, focus on creating safer, more inclusive maritime workplaces by addressing key issues like harassment prevention and career advancement.
The Philippines Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has revolutionized the processing of seafarer certificates through digital transformation, resulting in faster processing times, reduced costs, and elimination of queues. With an average of 4,000 daily applications in 2024, Marina now completes evaluations within 5-7 days and issues certificates within a day, streamlining the process for seafarers.
John Canias, a former seafarer, stood up for his rights in 1998 when asked to sign lower-wage contracts. Despite being blacklisted by his manning agency, he found a new purpose working with the ITF in 2001. Now a Maritime Operations Coordinator, he advocates for seafarers’ rights worldwide, emphasizing the importance of unions in times of need.
The North Sea incident continues to unfold, with one seafarer arrested for gross negligence manslaughter. The missing crew member of the “Solong” vessel is presumed deceased, while survivors receive support. Investigations by the MAIB and Humberside Police are ongoing, with collaboration from US and Portuguese authorities to determine the cause of the collision.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is conducting a thorough investigation into the disappearance of Filipino seafarer Ralph Bobiles. The DMW has suspended the license of the manning firm responsible for Bobiles’ deployment due to lack of cooperation. Speculations of suicide were rejected, and the DMW is committed to ensuring accountability and justice.
Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS), part of OneCare Group (OCG), now offers support for seafarers’ families. Seafarers face mental health challenges at sea, but their loved ones also feel the strain of separation. MHSS provides therapy for children with special needs, recognizing the impact on Filipino families.
Transport Canada discovered 40 deficiencies on the Nordic Malmoe, including a sexual harassment complaint towards a female cadet. Nathan Smith intervened after receiving an email before the ship arrived in Vancouver. Safety violations and crew wanting to leave led to the ship’s detention. Seafarers face isolation and mistreatment, highlighting the need for prompt action.
A recreational fisherman discovered a missing seafarer from the bulk carrier Double Delight off Blacksmith Beach. The man had gone overboard and was found floating in the water by the fisherman, who happened to be a doctor. The miraculous rescue was described as a “miracle” by the Mission to Seafarers director.
Dianne Alilin, president of Senator Crewing Manila, shares her journey as a Filipino seafarer’s wife. From long-distance communication through letters and satellite calls in the 90s to her current leadership role, Alilin’s experiences have shaped her compassionate approach to caring for seafarers. Her story reflects the changing landscape of the maritime industry.
The Mission to Seafarers’ latest Seafarers Happiness Index report shows a slight increase in satisfaction to 6.99 in the second quarter of 2024. However, concerns about a “digital divide” and training disparities highlight the complexity of life at sea. Addressing welfare inequalities remains crucial for every seafarer’s well-being.
Seafarers in international trade often find newer, fancier ships offer better quality of life and career growth. Idwal survey data confirms general cargo ships lag in crew connectivity and overall quality compared to other vessel classes. Lack of internet access on 13% of ships is concerning for crew welfare. General cargo ships also struggle with maintenance, crew health, and workload management.
Crewing provider Danica reports that recruitment of seafarers is getting harder, with 70 percent of crewing managers finding it more difficult to find qualified crewmembers. Salaries are rising as the market gets more competitive, with 60 percent of shipping firms raising wages for officers and ratings. Pay is the main reason for employees to change jobs.
