This weekend promises plenty of shipping news what with Sunday’s opening of the expanded Panama Canal and tomorrow’s IMO-backed Day of the Seafarer.
The IMO’s theme this year to celebrate the hundreds of thousands of seafarers is ‘At Sea For All’.
The theme has a link with the 2016 World Maritime Day theme, “Shipping: indispensable to the world”, emphasising that seafarers serve at sea not just for the shipping industry or for their own career purposes but for all of us – and, consequently, they are also indispensable to the world.
IMO secretary-general Kitack Lim commented: “This year, on June 25th, the Day of the Seafarer, we are once again asking people everywhere to show their appreciation for the seafarers that quietly, mostly unnoticed, keep the wheels of the world in motion.”
Many well known names have rallied this week to support tomorrow’s seafarer celebration.
Frank Coles, the ceo of simulator firm, Transas, said: “In today’s evolving industry the role of the seafarer must not be overlooked… Give the seafarers the tools to do their job, give the seafarers the automation to take away the monotony and allow them to focus on the main task. Improve efficiency by leveraging technology, and also giving empowered seafarers the ability to work with their colleagues ashore in a truly modern connected world.”
Meanwhile, the Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI) has announced this week it has developed the concept of a seafarers’ onboard charter – a best practice charter that can be adopted by shipowners and operators to further enhance the welfare of seafarers beyond the mandatory standards of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).
Alastair Fischbacher, CEO of the SSI, said, “Seafarers are the lifeblood of the shipping industry and critical to its future sustainability. The charter sets out some simple measures that enhance their welfare, living standards and working conditions to ensure that we attract and retain the best talent by ensuring a reputation for shipping as an industry where people can build rewarding careers.”
Gerardo Borromeo, vice chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), took the opportunity to highlight the courage that is currently being displayed by seafarers, of all nationalities, with respect to the rescue at sea crisis taking place in Europe and in the Mediterranean.
“Seafarers move the world, and in doing so they also make tremendous sacrifices, staying away from home and family for extended periods of time. But they can also be called upon to take on other extraordinary tasks, beyond the call of normal duty.
“The shipping industry fully accepts its humanitarian responsibility to come to the assistance of anyone in distress at sea. But one aspect of this terrible situation, which is often overlooked, is the effect that this is having on merchant seafarers.
“Many seafarers have now been involved in large-scale rescue operations, saving the lives of thousands of people, and witnessing great suffering. It has to be remembered that seafarers are civilians, they are not professional rescue personnel.”
Captain Kuba Szymanski, secretary-general of InterManager, praised seafaring as a career, saying: “With so many opportunities, including in growth areas such as cruise ships, super yachts and renewable energy developments, it is paramount we ensure that the next generation views working at sea as a viable and exciting career option too. Seafarers in all their forms are indispensable to the world and are essential for the long-term sustainability of the sector, both at sea and onshore”.
The Day of the Seafarer has even elicited comments from Ban Ki-moon, the secretary-general of the United Nations. He noted how seafarers’ work can be dangerous and difficult.
“At sea for up to a year, they may face loneliness, isolation and exploitation,” the UN boss said, adding: “They deserve appreciation for their efforts and compensation for their labour. On this Day of the Seafarer, let us advance the work of those who make shipping possible in a way that promotes our global vision of a life of dignity and opportunity for all.”
