InterMnanager, ECSA host workshop on large scale rescues at sea during ESW
InterManager and ECSA hosted a workshop onlarge scale rescues at sea during the European Shipping Week, March 2 to 6 2015, to examine challenges faced by seafarers and ship operators when undertaking large-scale rescues at sea.
The workshop focused on recent developments and urged Europe to adopt a more proactivee approach in preventing loss of life at sea.
The meeting helped shipping companies better understand and evaluate the challenges involved in carrying out such humanitarian operations and featured presentations on EU migration policy, ship security and rescue guidance, as well as hearing testimonials from shipowners and ship managers whose vessels have carried out such operations.
Captain Kuba Szymanski, Secretary General of InterManager, said: “This was an important opportunity to share best practice and together consider the challenges faced by our vessels when coming to the aid of large numbers of people in danger at sea.”
Capt. Szymanski highlighted the key conclusions of the workshop as being:
- The need for the IMO to give its full consideration to ensuring SOLAS and all relevant Conventions take into account this new phenomenon of mass rescues
- The need to create alternative escape routes for migrants to help reduce the number of people choosing maritime routes
- The need for shipping companies operating in areas such as the Mediterranean to ensure their vessels and cress are fully prepared for mass rescues
- The need for ISM procedures and shore staff to be aware of emergency procedures in order to fully support ship’s staff
- The need for the shipping industry to work together to implement mass rescue best practice procedures, and
- The need for the General Public to be aware of the excellent job the shipping industry is doing in providing help and assistance to those in danger at sea.
Source:InterManager
