In order to promote seafarer welfare, the Mission to Seafarers released an industry study comprising preliminary results from the Executive Roundtable session held during Singapore Maritime Week 2023.
Building upon data from the Seafarers Happiness Index, with supporting insights from sponsors Standard Club part of NorthStandard, Idwal, and Inmarsat, over 100 solutions were identified during the event, organized into the five main areas explored. Solutions proposed included:
The solutions covered a wide range of areas, from standardizing shore leave policies and advancing communication technologies to providing mental health resources and fostering a supportive work environment. They also addressed issues of fair treatment, career progression, living conditions, and effective support and management on board and ashore.
It was truly inspiring to witness the diverse range of ideas and opportunities that were put forward to help address and bridge the gaps in seafarers’ needs to enhance the experience of working at sea.
… said Ben Bailey, Director of Programme at The Mission to Seafarers
Steven Jones, founder of the Seafarers Happiness Index commented that this initiative is about having the imagination, vision and determination to fix the ills which are so damaging to seafarers, and we thank all those who have shared their insights, experience and enthusiasm.
We are keen to keep momentum going and excited to share our own data to bring more transparency of on-board welfare conditions to the debate. We look forward to our involvement in the next developments as they reach a more action-focused stage.
… added George Haysom, CCO at Idwal
The Mission to Seafarers is committed to assessing each solution and determining its feasibility. While some ideas may already be in progress, others may require further exploration and collaboration.
The Mission’s focus will be to translate the findings into actionable work streams, underpinned by an effective action plan, strong partnerships, and targeted goals, which will give the best possible chance of delivering the tangible outcomes that will improve the lives of seafarers.
In the coming weeks, the proposed solutions will undergo careful review to determine the most suitable approaches for addressing the identified issues. A position document will be developed to evaluate these proposed fixes, and individuals interested in specific areas will be invited to participate in the implementation process.
The Mission to Seafarers intends to host an online forum to make further progress, as well as in-person meetings during London International Shipping Week (LISW) in September 2023.
These initiatives aim to facilitate continued collaboration, share progress updates, and foster engagement among stakeholders. Additionally, plans are underway to return to Singapore in 2024 to assess the progress made and drive the project forward.
