seafarer safety

Stena Bulk confirms direct communication with Stena Impero crew

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.

According to the statement, the Master advised the company that everyone was safe with good cooperation with the Iranian personnel onboard.

Erik Hanell, President and CEO, Stena Bulk informed

We do of course appreciate this step of development and that this is a first sign that we will soon see...

https://safety4sea.com/stena-bulk-confirms-direct-communication-with-stena-impero-crew/

Stena Bulk asks Iran to visit crew on seized tanker

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.

According to Mr Hanell’s statement

I can confirm a formal request for permission to visit the 23 crew members of the Stena Impero has been made to the authorities at the Port of Bandar Abbas.

He continued that all of Stena Bulk and Northern Marine...

https://safety4sea.com/stena-bulk-asks-iran-to-visit-crew-on-seized-tanker/

USCG publishes final rule on ‘Seafarers Access to Maritime Facilities’

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 (MTSA), 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, in a timely manner and at no cost to the seafarer or other individuals.

Specifically, this final...

https://safety4sea.com/uscg-publishes-final-rule-on-seafarers-access-to-maritime-facilities/

All vessels should carry medicine test and medical equipment

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.

Specifically, according to the circular, all vessels should carry a medicine test and medical equipment that is in line with the requirements in the current edition of the WHO ‘International Medical Guide for Ships’, and bearing in mind the number of persons on board...

https://safety4sea.com/all-vessels-should-carry-medicine-test-and-medical-equipment/

India launches contingency plan and SOP for Indian seafarers’ safety

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 for this in consultation with the Ministry of Defence.

The SWFS has implemented five welfare schemes for the...

https://safety4sea.com/india-launches-contingency-plan-and-sop-for-indian-seafarers-safety/

Seafarers’ mental health issues should be as important as safety issues

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.

Specifically, during a day-long training session that was conducted in Mumbai, India, Captain Unni noted that 5.9% of all deaths at sea were proven suicides; Yet, when ‘suspicious’ deaths that were probably...

https://safety4sea.com/seafarers-mental-health-issues-should-be-as-important-as-safety-issues/

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