ITF News Update
18 Kenyans Stranded on Cruise Ship Due to SID Policy Implementation
A recent docking of a Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) cruise ship in East African ports has resulted in eighteen Kenyan crew members being denied entry into Mexico. The ship has become entangled in a complex situation involving immigration requirements imposed by Mexico and three other countries.
Navy arrests vessel for alleged crude oil theft
LAGOS—The patrol team of Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Beecroft, under the Commander/Maritime Component Commander Operation, AWATSE, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, has arrested a motor tanker, SAISNIL II, for alleged crude oil theft.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/02/navy-arrests-vessel-for-alleged-crude-oil-theft-2/
Detained shadow tanker released after Russian crew pay dispute
Product tanker leaves Gibraltar after two-week detention following crew complaints and ship defects. A shadow fleet tanker [Electra] held after its Russian crew members complained of not being paid for two months has been released by authorities in Gibraltar.
Fatigue blamed as two seafarers killed by huge waves on Greek reefer
Accident report reveals that weary bosun took his team back out on deck to finish task he claimed had been completed the day before. A tired bosun made a tragic error in leading his team back out on to the deck of a Greek reefer in dangerous weather off South Africa, an accident report has revealed.
Seafarers Happiness Index 2023Q4: Seafarers’ happiness levels about interaction with crew on board
In its Q4 2023 Seafarers Happiness Index report, the Mission to Seafarers noted that the percentage of happiness about seafarers’ interaction with crew on board, has fallen to 6.97/10 from 7.42/10.
Ships diverted from Red Sea pump out more emissions in bid to speed up
Operators ditch ‘slow steaming’ to compensate for longer journey around the Cape of Good Hope. Emissions from container ships, car carriers and dry bulk ships diverting from the Red Sea are set to increase as much as 70 per cent as vessel operators increase speeds to compensate for the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope.
https://www.ft.com/content/554caa2e-4789-46e1-ac7f-a90cdbd84bbf
TUC calls for seafarers to be protected in Red Sea crisis
In a letter to the UK government regarding the current war in Palestine, the TUC urged ministers to help bring about an end to escalating violence and support a just peace, and addressed the impact of attacks off the coast of Yemen on maritime workers.
Anglo Eastern Group to hire more Indian women seafarers
Anglo Eastern Group to hire more women, contribute to gender diversity in shipping sector. Anglo Eastern Group, one of the largest employers of Indian seafarers, has said it would recruit more women seafarers as part of a drive to increase gender diversity in the shipping sector.
What is difference between Flag State and Port State?
While a Flag State is the nation that provides legal registration to a boat or ship, a Port State maintains the legal inspection of boats docked at their harbour adhering to the guidelines issued by the International Maritime Organization.
https://www.news9live.com/knowledge/what-is-difference-between-flag-state-and-port-state-2437099
Share the gains of Red Sea disruption with seafarers
As shipping company earnings benefit from disruption in the Red Sea the Singapore Maritime Officers Union (SMOU) has called on companies to remember seafarers when it comes to bonuses.
https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/crewing/share-gains-red-sea-disruption-seafarers
Seafarer shortages, safety challenges top list of OSV owner worries
Owners worry a lack of trained crew could become a safety risk on offshore support vessels (OSVs) as the sector undergoes an upturn in a cyclical industry. Chief executives voiced their concerns during a panel debate at Riviera Maritime Media’s Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, in London, UK, 8 February 2024.
Two vessels involved in Trinidad oil spill
Port of Spain (AFP) – At least two vessels, a barge and a tugboat, were involved in the accident last week that sparked a massive, ongoing oil spill in Trinidad and Tobago, the government of the Caribbean nation said Wednesday.
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240214-two-vessels-involved-in-trinidad-oil-spill
Alaska senator introduces new bill to strengthen coastal workforce, fisheries, and infrastructure
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski introduced the Working Waterfront Act, legislation that includes more than a dozen provisions aimed at boosting the workforce, energy and shoreside infrastructure, food security, and economies of coastal communities in Alaska and across the country.
Seafarers Happiness Index reveals low morale in workforce
DNV has emphasized the challenges that seafarers encounter at sea while reviewing methods to address these issues. In its recent ‘Maritime Energy Transition Summit’ webinar on 8 February, DNV discussed the importance of the workforce’s well-being.
https://www.porttechnology.org/news/seafarers-happiness-index-reveals-low-morale-in-workforce/
IMO TO REVIEW SEAFARER TRAINING STANDARDS
The IMO sub-committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping agreed on a roadmap for a review of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and the accompanying STCW code.
https://www.thedcn.com.au/region/international/imo-to-review-seafarer-training-standards/
IMO’s Sub-Committee examines human side of shipping
The Sub-Committee on HTW focuses on the human side of shipping. They cover matters from training and certification, guidance addressing issues for instance fatigue, to updating and revising IMO model courses.
https://www.porttechnology.org/news/imos-sub-committee-examines-human-side-of-shipping/