The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is calling on UAE maritime authorities to assist 19 stranded seafarers in the Persian Gulf. These crew members, primarily from India, face dire conditions aboard an oil tanker due to fake contracts and lack of insurance, having been trapped for 15 months beyond the Maritime Labour Convention’s limits.
Martin Hedman, director of mental wellness practices at VIKAND, stresses the urgent need for a collective detox in the maritime industry. Resilience, while valuable, can become toxic under excessive demands, leading to burnout. To protect seafarers’ mental health, the industry must prioritize support and empathy over relentless workloads.
The maritime industry is undergoing a digital transformation, integrating smart technologies and autonomous systems. While this enhances efficiency, it also introduces technostress among seafarers. Challenges such as techno-overload and techno-complexity increase anxiety, impacting mental health. Addressing these issues through training and support is crucial for safeguarding crew well-being.
The Ampol terminal at Kurnell, Captain Cook’s historic landing site, poses challenges for oil tanker crews seeking shore leave. The distance from Sydney and high taxi fares often keep them aboard. Marine pilot Michael Kelly’s Opal Card initiative offers public transport access, enhancing seafarers’ well-being and connection to the city.
Fabian Fussek, co-founder and CEO of Kaiko Systems, warns that the shipping industry’s dependence on outdated, paper-heavy compliance processes is overburdening crews and compromising safety.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.
Twelve seafarers aboard the Gas Falcon off Beira, Mozambique, have been stranded for ten months, unpaid and without basic supplies. Captain Muhammad Aslam reports severe mental health impacts among the crew, comprised of three Pakistanis and nine Indonesians. The situation highlights a growing crisis of seafarer abandonment worldwide.
A recent report by Sailors’ Society reveals the alarming prevalence of bullying and harassment at sea, with active seafarers facing such behavior up to ten times more than non-seafarers. The report highlights the disproportionate impact on female cadets and LGBTQ+ individuals, urging the maritime industry to foster a safer, more inclusive environment.
In response to recent deadly attacks in the Red Sea, the Philippines may limit its nationals from working on vessels in high-risk areas. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is focused on ensuring safety and transparency, requiring risk assessments and immediate reporting of incidents to protect Filipino seafarers and their families.
The maritime industry’s digital transformation is driving a need for seafarers to develop skills in data literacy and AI interaction. Training programs must evolve to prepare crews for technology-enhanced vessels, emphasizing the importance of soft skills alongside technical knowledge for effective decision-making and operational efficiency amidst industry challenges.
Philippines Authorities are considering stricter regulations for Filipino seafarers in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden due to increasing vessel attacks. DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac emphasized the need for monitoring these incidents, especially after the assault on the MV Eternity C. Shipowners must reroute vessels and ensure seafarers are informed about risks.
Philippine authorities worked with local crewing agencies to resolve a pay dispute involving a crew stranded on a cargo ship in the Iloilo Strait. The crew, facing unpaid wages and provisions, refused to sail due to safety concerns. Intervention led to the repatriation of six Filipino crew members for medical evaluation.
Myanmar’s junta has banned seafarers’ work permits for those over 25, effective July 1, impacting essential employment documents. The Department of Marine Administration is rejecting applicants above this age for training programs, raising concerns among older individuals seeking careers in the seafaring industry. Exceptions exist for those already in training.
Neck pain poses a significant global health challenge, particularly among seafarers subjected to heavy lifting and awkward postures. The World Health Organization notes an increase in prevalence linked to an aging population. Unique maritime risks, such as slippery decks, contribute to chronic pain, impacting mobility and quality of life.
During the 2025 International Day of the Seafarer in Accra, Captain Georgina Jopap urged seafarers to report harassment, emphasizing the toxic atmosphere created by bullying. She advocated for understanding rights onboard and called for confidential reporting channels. Captain Catherine Haizel and Lawyer Francis Bebuksi supported these initiatives, promoting a safer maritime environment.
This year’s International Day of the Seafarer focuses on the “Harassment-Free Ship” campaign, aiming to eliminate bullying in the maritime industry. The International Maritime Organization has introduced an interactive world map to guide seafarers in accessing support and reporting channels. Mandatory training on harassment prevention begins January 1 under the STCW Code.
