ITF News Update
IMO/ILO Conference on Work at Sea Highlights Collaboration
The Joint IMO/ILO Conference on Work at Sea held on November 13 involved the sharing of best practices, views and experiences on: ensuring the rights of seafarers and fishers; identifying gaps in the current regulatory framework, including in relation to responsible management; and exploring how governments, industry, IGOs and NGOs can collaborate to improve the relevant international maritime legal framework.
https://www.marinelink.com/news/imoilo-conference-work-sea-highlights-509413
UN workers’ rights watchdog rebukes UK government over failures on P&O Ferries scandal
The UN workers’ rights watchdog, the International Labour Organization (ILO), has rebuked the UK government over failures following the P&O Ferries scandal, in which 800 seafarers were sacked illegally – and demanded that the UK beef up worker protections. The ILO has called on the UK to increase sanctions on companies that ignore the law and ensure that workers can get their jobs back.
The Growing Cyber Threat To Global Shipping
The cyberattack that paralysed several major Australian ports was a sharp reminder of what governments and experts say is a growing threat to shipping, the lifeblood of the global economy. The attack on DP World’s ports — which handle 40 percent of Australia’s freight trade — forced them offline for days and was the latest in a series of breaches at ports around the world in recent years.
https://www.barrons.com/news/the-growing-cyber-threat-to-global-shipping-ef3cd7e5
Filipino Sailors Injured by Russian Missile to Be Brought Home
Filipino seafarers on board the ship damaged by a Russian missile in the Black Sea are due to be repatriated, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Sunday. In a radio interview, the DMW officer in charge Undersecretary Hans Cacdac stated that they were already arranging with the manning agency for the crew members’ quick repatriation.
Indian seafarers onboard vessel ‘Advantage Sweet’ safely brought back from Iran
All the 23 Indian seafarers onboard vessel Advantage Sweet, which was seized in the Gulf of Oman, have been safely repatriated to India from Iran. Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said that the Ministry is dedicated towards safeguarding the welfare and rights of the Indian national seafarers.
Alex Tinsley’s seafarer client released from Indonesia – an illustrative case
Seafarer Siyaab Salam has been released from Indonesia after months held unreasonably in the aftermath of a maritime accident, in a case illustrating some little-known issues affecting seafarers. Mr Salam was the Chief Office of the MT Aashi, a vessel which ran aground in February 2023 in poor weather conditions off Nias Island, Indonesia, spilling its cargo of bitumen.
New wave of training programs helping women set course for maritime industry work
When Jackie Parry first took to the high seas, she noticed several things – one being that there weren’t always women around. She set out to change that, and now runs SisterShip Training with her husband Noel through an organisation offering training courses and accreditation in the maritime industry, based on the Sapphire Coast of NSW.
8 Filipino seafarers in limbo months after arrest over alleged drug transport
MANILA, Philippines – Eight Filipino seafarers have been in limbo for around three months since they were arrested by Algerian police which discovered suspected cocaine aboard the container vessel they were working on, a consultant from their manning agency said.
Tackling with sexual harassment onboard: Reporting is vital
A recent report by the Seafarers’ Charity, titled ‘The port-based welfare needs of women seafarers’, shed light on the welfare needs of women working on cargo ships, and emphasized that women need to feel confident and secure to express their concerns and fears.
https://safety4sea.com/cm-tackling-with-sexual-harassment-onboard-reporting-is-vital/
EU and neighbourhood countries commit to enhanced fisheries management control in the Mediterranean and Black Sea
Among the main measures, the EU and neighbouring countries agreed within the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) to launch new tools to keep track of the activities of all fleets fishing in the Mediterranean and the Black Seas and sharing the various multiannual management plans (MAPs).
https://en.portnews.ru/news/356172/
Crew change wellbeing and travel costs in focus at Crew Connect Global 2023
As the crewing and manning sector looks forward to gathering in Manila next week for the Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect 2023 conference, ATPI Marine Travel is preparing to place the spotlight on post-Covid transformation of the global crew travel market and show how more integrated workflows and tools can optimise the entire crew change logistics value chain.
American Club: How to manage seafarers’ mental health challenges
American Club released the “Addressing and Managing Seafarer Mental Health Challenges” document in cooperation with the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI), to provide guidance and assist help seafarers and ship operators better understand the factors that contribute to mental health challenges for seafarers and what can be done to prevent and mitigate such effects on crews.
https://safety4sea.com/american-club-how-to-manage-seafarers-mental-health-challenges/
Nigeria Records No Piracy Incident In 2 Years – NIMASA
Nigerian Marítime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), on Tuesday, said no piracy incident was recorded on Nigerian waters in the last two years.
https://leadership.ng/nigeria-records-no-piracy-incident-in-2-years-nimasa/
AMSA Backs Seafarer Welfare at 2023 DCN Australian Maritime Awards
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) congratulates the Port Community of Port Kembla, who received the Seafarers Welfare Award last night at the Daily Cargo News (DCN) 2023 Australian Shipping and Maritime Industry Awards.
https://www.miragenews.com/amsa-backs-seafarer-welfare-at-2023-dcn-1125045/