Tag: seafarer safety

During LISW 2019, Dr. Grahaeme Henderson, Vice President, Shipping & Maritime at Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Ltd, highlighted how important is for the industry to continue its efforts on seafarers’ mental health and wellbeing and shared examples of Shell’s work towards a zero-incident future.

EMSA published its review on Seafarers statistics in the EU for 2017, based on data extracted from certificates and endorsements registered by EU Member States, Iceland and Norway until 31 December 2017 and recorded in the STCW Information system.

Stena Bulk confirms that they communicated with the crew of the Iranian-seized Stena Impero. This follows the company's decision on asking permission from the Iranian authorities to visit the crew members. 

The President and Chief Executive of Stena Bulk, Erik Hanell, asked permission from the Iranian authorities to visit the crew members of the Stena Impero, which was seized by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, 19 July.

The USCG published a final rule on April 1, 2019, 'Seafarers Access to Maritime Facilities' that requires owners or operators of a maritime facility, regulated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, implement a system providing seafarers, pilots, and representatives of seamen’s welfare and labor organizations access between vessels moored at the facility and the facility gate.

AMSA launched the 'Fatigue Survey - Domestic Commercial Vessels' focusing on the importance of seafarers' wellbeing when onboard. The survey aims to get an insight into how seafarers cope with fatigue in order to develop specific guidance, while also encourage safe management practices.  

The Indian Government launched a mechanism to keep safe the Indian crew members on board Indian or foreign ships and sailing vessels especially in emergency situations like a pirate hijacking or fatal accidents. Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State (I/C) for Shipping stated that the Ministry of Shipping has prepared a Contingency Plan and documented Standard Operating Procedures.

The Panama Maritime Authority issued a marine circular concerning medicine chest and medical equipment, towards the shipping industry, highlighting the importance of seafarers having easy and fast access to medicine, when needed. 

Captain Rajesh Unni, CEO and Founder of ship manager Synergy Group, highlighted that mental health awareness should be a priority on first aid seafarer training, adding that more has to be done to understand and alleviate mental strains of life at sea, as the dangers became more apparent.

Working onboard a ship is a routine; Seafarers - regardless their ranking - live, interact and sometimes perform functions in the same place. Fatigue can trigger sadness and vice versa while active engagement in social life onboard has a real and positive impact on seafarer’s welfare.