Interview with Mr Brian Thomas on the importance of crew libraries onboard
Mr Brian Thomas, Director at Marine Society, gave to Safety4Sea an exclusive intrerview on the importance of crew libraries onboard and how they contribute to maritime safety.
S4S: Could you describe your organization, from establishment to date. Which services and products does Marine Society provide?
BT : The Marine Society is the world’s original seafarers’ charity.
Founded in London in 1756, it recruited boys and men for the king’s navy and the mercantile marine. In an age when most manpower for the sea services were pressed men (that is, they were there against their will), it was a radical departure from established practice.
Even more radical was the idea of providing education and practical training to those it recruited. Each recruit was given rudimentary lessons in literacy and numeracy, and all were taught elementary seafaring skills.
In 1786 the Society purchased a merchant ship the Beatty, which was converted to a training ship and renamed Marine Society. The Society thus became the first organisation in the world to run a training ship to introduce the skills of seamanship.
Also important was the fact that the Society gave its recruits a suit of clothes (the first time ratings ever wore a uniform), and stressed the importance of personal hygiene (at the time far more men were dying at sea from disease than enemy action).
The Marine Society proved to be highly effective. By 1763, the Society had recruited over 10,000 men and boys; in 1772, such was its perceived importance in the life of the British nation, it was incorporated in an Act of Parliament.
Admiral Nelson became a stalwart supporter and trustee of the charity, such that by the time of the Battle of Trafalgar (1805) at least 15% of British manpower was being supplied, trained and equipped by The Marine Society. The relative professionalism of these men, the great British naval hero readily acknowledged, played a part in his victories.
The contemporary role of the Marine Society remains remarkably similar to its early precepts.
It offers high quality, flexible learning provision that’s focused on the needs of maritime professionals.
There’s also a range of well-managed services for those at sea to enhance well-being and to promote professional development.
S4S: Brief Description of the Crew Library service, books covered
BT : For the past 92 years one of the most widely acclaimed activities of the Society has been to provide a crew library service.
When the service begun in 1919 many at sea were illiterate, and it was felt books – as the tools of learning – would inspire seafarers to self-betterment.
But the idea of making available a regularly refreshed library of books for the benefit of the crew was met with derision in some quarters.
This especially so amongst ship-owners, who were invited to make a contribution towards its cost. But social and political pressures coalesced to make the service happen, though throughout the twentieth century the refrain that if you educate seafarers then they will simply leave the sea was seldom far from the lips of parsimonious ship-owners.
S4S: Why is it so important for every ship to be equipped with a crew library?
BT : Today the Marine Society delivers a crew library service to hundreds of ships throughout the world, making available more than 120,000 books annually.
It’s a high quality and flexible service that ensures those away at sea have access to the books they want to read.
The service is entirely customisable, tailored to suit the requirements and tastes of those onboard. The default option is to offer a 60/40 fiction/non-fiction ratio.
Specially selected easy to read books designed to promote the use of English as the international maritime language for crews whose first language is not English can also be supplied.
The traditional model for crew libraries was to offer hardback books on loan. After a few months the entire library would be discharged and a replacement taken onboard. Ships would off-load and pick-up their new library at shipping hubs throughout the world.
Whilst a hardback exchange library service is still available, most companies prefer the convenience of non-returnable paperback books. This is the preferred model today. Each library of paperbacks carries a guarantee that the books it contains are all up to date titles.
The non-returnable paperback option means there is no commitment from the ship/company to ensure the books are returned to the Society. Once onboard the books do not have to be accounted for and may be freely dispersed amongst the ship’s company and read by many at their leisure.
S4S: What are the benefits of a Crew Library Service?
BT: 1. Reading promotes literacy and education. It keeps the mind alert and facilitates the acquisition of new skills.
2. English is the recognised language of the sea. Reading basic English texts helps increase the vocabulary and comprehension of non-English speakers.
3. For many reading is an important leisure activity, promoting relaxation and well-being and providing comfort to those experiencing social isolation at sea. It is a stress-buster, when working at sea makes more demands on the individual than ever before.
4. Crew libraries are a cost-effective way to promote crew well-being and can contribute to a corporate safety strategy by providing the means by which seafarers can relax at sea when off watch.
6. Crew libraries are a valuable information resource: all manner of reference and educational texts can be provided, offering valuable information on such issues as exercise, lifestyle choices, physical well-being and mental health.
S4S: Is it mandatory for every ship to keep these books?
BT : There is another reason to use the Marine Society’s book services, one that might hold particular appeal for ship-owners.
The ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) provides comprehensive rights and protection at work for the world’s 1.2 million seafarers.The Convention aims to achieve both decent working conditions for seafarers and secure economic interests in fair competition for quality ship-owners.
Recognising the merits of the provision of books at sea, the MLC recommends (B3.1.11) that companies ensure their ships are equipped with a regularly refreshed supply of quality books for the benefit of sea staff.
The Marine Society can ensure compliance by providing an affordable yet high-quality service.
For further information regarding Crew Libraries , visit www.marine-society.org/libraries
Brian Thomas is a Director at Marine Society