While the voting procedure for the 2018 SAFETY4SEA Awards is open, Ben Bailey, Director of Advocacy, The Mission to Seafarers, talks about ‘Seafarers’ Happiness Index’ project for which the organization has been shortlisted in the ‘Initiative’ category alongside a number of other distinguished nominees. The success of this index is that it actually gives to seafarers a platform to share their hopes and concerns, a voice to be heard, Mr. Bailey mentions and challenges industry stakeholders to stop referring to seafarers as ‘Human Element’ as this sounds ‘robotic’. Furthermore, Mr. Bailey notes that shipping industry needs to do more to support crew that seek assistance. In this regard, the Mission commits to promote, encourage and drive the safety of seafarers; working in over 200 ports worldwide as wells as with industry colleagues, The Mission to Seafarers helps to raise seafarer’s welfare and wellbeing.
SAFETY4SEA: Your organization has been shortlisted for the 2018 SAFETY4SEA Awards in the ‘Initiative’ category alongside a number of other distinguished nominees. What is the background and the key drivers behind this nomination/shortlisting?
Ben Bailey: The Seafarers’ Happiness Index by The Mission to Seafarers provides a unique snapshot to the lives of the men and women on whom this industry and the world depends. The Mission to Seafarers has provided welfare facilities to crews for over 156 years – we are uniquely placed to give them a voice and a platform to share their hopes and concerns for their working life. We are champions for seafarers’ wellbeing, welfare and human rights. The Happiness Index gives them a platform to be heard.
S4S: How has your initiative influenced industry’s landscape? What are the key areas of attention?
B.B.: The Seafarers’ Happiness Index was only relaunched in 2018. It has provided the industry a space in which to discuss the vitally important issue of seafarers’ welfare and wellbeing. We want the Index to be a live barometer of what life at sea is truly like. We want to challenge the industry to think more creatively about how it supports the men and women who work at sea, and we want to be a part of the conversation.
S4S: If you could change one thing about the shipping industry, what would it be and why?
B.B.: We want the industry to stop referring to seafarers as the “Human Element”. It sounds robotic and like they’re a problem. Seafarers are the life-blood of this industry, and we want to celebrate them. The industry should be championing seafarers and their wellbeing much more than they do.
S4S: What is your key message for enhancing safety culture ashore and onboard?
B.B.: We have to be prepared to have difficult conversations and to act to address the difficulties a life at sea brings. The Mission to Seafarers exists to enhance the life of seafarers and their families around the world. But we can only do that if we listen to our service users and respond to their needs. The industry must do more to create a space where crews feel they can open up and seek the assistance they need.
You may cast your vote for the Seafarers’ Happiness Index by The Mission to Seafarers at 2018 SAFETY4SEA Awards dedicated webpage till 7th of September 2018!
The views presented hereabove are only those of the author and not necessarily those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
