The European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) and the European Transport Workers Federation (ETF), the European social partners for maritime transport, join forces to launch the ‘Seafarers Go Digital’ initiative.
As explained, ‘Seafarers Go Digital’ is a mutual commitment of ECSA and ETF seeking to identify and address the challenges of digitalisation for shipping and seafarers.
The initiative recognises the need to adapt international regulations, training programmes and operational practices so that digital technologies are embraced while the employment rights and well-being of seafarers are safeguarded. The initiative raises awareness on key areas such as onboard digitalisation, cybersecurity, internet access onboard, e-certification, digital skills and attractiveness of the maritime profession and puts forward policy recommendations for further cooperation between the industry and the unions, the policymakers, and relevant stakeholders.
Supporting shipping and seafarers in the digital transition is a key priority for European Shipowners. We need to ensure that seafarers are upskilled and reskilled to work safely with the new digital tools and technologies. Digitalisation can help make the profession more attractive and more diverse, offering career opportunities onboard and ashore and enhancing the participation of women and underrepresented groups.
…said Sotiris Raptis, ECSA Secretary General.
The ‘Seafarers Go Digital’ initiative responds to the need of preparing the maritime professionals for the digital age. Having in mind the need to safeguarding the rights, welfare and safety of seafarers, we want to promote a fair and inclusive digital transition. Digitalisation can be an opportunity and help improve the attractiveness of the maritime professions.
…said Livia Spera, ETF Secretary General.
The ‘Seafarers Go Digital’ initiative was launched today during an event in Brussels, with interventions from Barbara Sellier, Acting Head of Unit Maritime Safety, European Commission, Manuela Tomassini, Head of Department, European Maritime Safety Agency, and Rhiannon Ducas, on behalf of the WESS Project. It builds on the outcome of joint ECSA-ETF projects WESS and SkillSea.
By endorsing these social partners’ commitments and policy recommendations, the initiative aims to harness the benefits of digitalisation while mitigating its risks and contributing to a sustainable and attractive future for seafarers in the maritime transport industry.
Onboard Digitalisation
- Promote digitalisation as a tool and not an objective.
- Mitigate the risk of over-reliance on digital tools and highlight the role of seafarers in using cutting-edge digital tools in the workplace.
- Provide user-friendly tools with built-in familiarisation training for seafarers.
- Ensure seafarers’ involvement in testing and refining digital tools before full rollout.
- Moving away from unnecessary paperwork and administrative workload and procedures to digital procedures, allowing seafarers to focus more on their core responsibilities and reducing fatigue.
- Collaborate on updated international standards for safe shipping digital operations.
Cybersecurity
- Raise awareness of cyber hygiene across industries.
- Highlight importance of human element in cyber-risk management.
- Ensure seafarers’ data protection and offer adequate training.
- Encourage voluntary reporting of cyber incidents.
Automation
- Support for trained personnel for remote controlled, autonomous, or unmanned vessels.
- Consider the human element in all ship-related digital interactions and take advantage of the automation process to improve seafarer employment and working conditions. Anticipate rise in demand for specialist crews and new digital skills.
- Collaborate with all stakeholders on updated international standards for safe shipping operations.
- Note security advantages and cyber risks of remote and autonomous ships.
Internet Onboard
- Disseminate ECSA and ETF guidance among shipping companies to facilitate internet access on board and for seafarers’ appropriate personal use.
- Commit to consider overcoming obstacles to granting seafarers internet access.
- Address health, safety, and well-being concerns from excessive use.
- Promote the establishment of policies for cybersecurity and safe internet use.
- Consider providing training on safe internet use.
- Promote company guidelines on internet access and social media acceptable usage in the workplace.
- Maintain in-person social opportunities for all crew members on board.
