An annual survey of global seafarers highlights the need for continued investment in personnel for the maritime industry’s future. While wages have stabilized, seniority bonuses are rising, particularly for experienced second engineers. However, mental health issues are increasing, with 44% reporting stress. Positive trends include improved training satisfaction and enhanced welfare measures.
The Seafarer Connect initiative has marked a milestone with its 50th Wi-Fi unit installation at Australian ports, enhancing internet access for seafarers. Operated by the Tas Bull Seafarers Foundation, this program provides free connectivity, enabling crew members to connect with family, manage finances, and access telehealth services while docked.
Seafarers face significant challenges in accessing shore leave, with a 61% decline in time spent at welfare centers since the pandemic began. A study revealed that nearly 70% of crew members now have less than two hours ashore, highlighting barriers like short port stays and company restrictions affecting their well-being.
The latest Seafarers Happiness Index from The Mission to Seafarers shows a notable decline in seafarer happiness, dropping to 7.05 out of 10. Contributing factors include worsening wages, health concerns, and training opportunities. Crew interactions have also diminished, while improved digital connectivity offers a glimmer of hope amid ongoing challenges.
InterManager is urging seafarers to participate in a global survey addressing fatalities in enclosed spaces, despite improved safety measures. In 2023, 14 incidents resulted in 34 deaths, primarily in bulk carriers. The survey seeks insights from those affected to enhance training and hazard awareness, aiming to reduce these tragic occurrences.
The Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Ministry, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Mission in Egypt and Eritrean authorities, successfully repatriated six Sri Lankan seafarers detained in Eritrea. This operation reflects the ministry’s commitment to the welfare of Sri Lankans abroad, ensuring their interests are safeguarded through diplomatic efforts.
The shipping industry is evolving with autonomous systems and AI, raising concerns about seafarers’ safety and well-being. The STEER project, by The Nautical Institute and Lloyd’s Register Foundation, aims to assess these technologies’ real-world impacts, focusing on seafarers’ operational efficiency and mental health, ensuring their welfare amidst innovation.
The Sailors’ Society has launched an emergency appeal for seafarers and families affected by a devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Cebu, Philippines. With over 70 fatalities and ongoing aftershocks, the charity is providing essential supplies like food and clean water, while preparing to reach the hardest-hit areas as conditions improve.
International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed deep sorrow over the death of a seafarer following the Houthi forces’ missile attack on the MV Minervagracht. He condemned the aggression against commercial shipping as violations of international law, emphasizing the need for peaceful dialogue to protect maritime workers and global trade.
In the coming decade, maritime insurance is set to evolve from a reactive tool to a proactive supporter of seafarer safety. Industry leaders stress the importance of prioritizing crew welfare, enhancing operational efficiency, and integrating safety measures into policies. This shift aims to improve the lives of those working at sea.
Elena, the wife of imprisoned seafarer Ali Albokhari, is fervently seeking justice as her husband endures a 30-year sentence in Turkey for drug charges linked to a seized ship. She claims the verdict lacked proper evidence, highlighting her husband’s despair and advocating for broader awareness of seafarer criminalization.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is enhancing its initiatives to prepare seafarers for the energy transition in shipping. It has released interim guidelines for training on alternative fuels and technologies, establishing a global framework for crew training. Specialized protocols for various fuels will support mandatory training under the revised STCW Convention Code.
Spliethoff’s cargo vessel, Minervagracht, was attacked by an explosive device in the Gulf of Aden, injuring two crew members. The ship, traveling east from Djibouti, suffered significant damage and is currently battling a fire. Spliethoff is cooperating with authorities and supporting the affected seafarers during this crisis.
Recent developments in seafarer employment include a new global minimum wage set to rise to $690 by January 2026, endorsed by the International Chamber of Shipping and the International Transport Workers’ Federation. Concurrently, the UK Government’s Employment Rights Bill aims to enhance seafarer protections, particularly regarding collective redundancies and employment standards.
The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights ruled that Filipino and Indonesian seafarers on Dutch vessels face discrimination, receiving lower wages than their EU counterparts despite equal working conditions. This landmark decision highlights the violation of economic rights and calls for reevaluation of wage practices in the maritime sector, emphasizing equal pay for equal work.
