SEAFARER

ICS, ITUC and ITF Urge UN To Persuade Governments To Act Urgently

  • UN Secretary-General has been urged by global industrial and shipping leaders.
  • He urged them to persuade 193 member states to act urgently for the welfare of seafarers.
  • Seafarers are currently stuck working on vessels and unable to be relieved of their duties.
  • ICS, ITUC and ITF urged to ensure governments were adopting the 12-step set of protocols.
  • Urged governments to adhere to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

According to an article published in ICS, the UN...

https://mfame.guru/ics-ituc-and-itf-urge-un-to-persuade-governments-to-act-urgently/

Cyprus Unveils Measures To Facilitate Crew Changes Amid COVID-19

  • Cyprus adopted a formal process to facilitate crew changes in the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Seafarers arriving by plane to Cyprus will be subject to 14 days of self-isolation.
  • They have to undergo a PCR-based coronavirus test before departure or on arrival.
  • The agent arranging the crew change is responsible for arranging the transfer.
  • The formal process will ensure the continuity of trade and the well-being of seafarers.

According to an article published in Seatrade-Maritime news and authored by...

https://mfame.guru/cyprus-unveils-measures-to-facilitate-crew-changes-amid-covid-19/

UN Backed Workshop Makes Way for MLC Implementation for Seafarers’ Rights

With more andmore people joining life at sea and working in the maritime sector, it has become of paramount importance that we concentrate on seafarers’ rights and that’s what the UN and EU are concerned about, reports Safety4Sea.

Workshop To Address Seafarers’ Issues

A workshop organized for this purpose by key UN and European instruments took place in Lisbon Portugal, on 18-20 February. The aim of this recently concluded workshop was to help all stakeholders, particularly, developing countries,...

http://mfame.guru/un-backed-workshop-makes-way-for-mlc-implementation-for-seafarers-rights/

The Lonely and Dangerous Life of a Seafarer

The Philippines has supplied more labor on the world’s cargo ships. Aurora Almendral writes for an article published in The New York Times, about the life of Jun Russel Reunir as a seafarer.

Here’s an excerpt from that article.

Life as a seafarer

Jun Russel Reunir now 27, was on his first ocean voyage seven years ago and was sent deep into the bowels of a cargo ship. He shoveled iron ore until his muscles ached then continued shoveling for a dozen hours more.

Mr. Reunir said that he used to cry...

http://mfame.guru/the-lonely-and-dangerous-life-of-a-seafarer/

Seafarers Under Fear of 2020 Non-compliance Blame!

  • Seafarers apprehensive of being blamed for breaches of IMO 2020 regulation.
  • Seafarers Happiness Index survey saw an overall improvement in the index to 7.28 from 6.85.
  • Seafarer fear that tough inspections can get them into trouble with the authorities who impose hefty fines and jail terms.

According to an article published in Seatrade Maritime News, seafarers fear they will take the blame for breaches of IMO 2020 regulation that came into force at the start of the new year.

Happiness Index...

http://mfame.guru/seafarers-under-fear-of-2020-non-compliance-blame/

Mayte Medina, Chief of Office of Merchant Mariner Credential, Commercial Regulations and Standards Directorate, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, the U.S. Coast Guard

Meet Mayte Medina, Chair of the IMO HTW Sub-committee, (Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping) representing the US Coast Guard at IMO.

Mayte was born and raised in Panama and dreamt of becoming a Panama Canal Pilot as a little girl. She ended up working for the Panama Administration for 7 years after she graduated from Kings Point and sailed for a couple of years. Mayte has been working in the development and implementation of domestic and international maritime safety, security and...

https://shippingpodcast.com/mayte-medina-chief-of-office-of-merchant-mariner-credential-commercial-regulations-and-standards-directorate-assistant-commandant-for-prevention-policy-the-u-s-coast-guard/

MPA To Adopt Modern Technology To Ensure Security in Singapore Waters

According to an article published in The Strait Times, as the maritime sector continues to digitalise, Singapore’s port authority is increasingly turning to technology to ensure the security of the Republic’s waters.

Ensuring Security With Technology?

The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) has equipped all 49 of its port inspectors with gadgets such as body-worn cameras and tablets.

Port inspectors are responsible for conducting safety and enforcement checks on vessels in Singapore waters, as well...

http://mfame.guru/mpa-to-adopt-modern-technology-to-ensure-security-in-singapore-waters/

New ILAMA Leads Concentrate on Lifeboat Ventilation

According to an article published in The Maritime Executive, the International Lifesaving Appliance Manufacturers’ Association (ILAMA) has appointed Harry Klaverstijn and Dave Parslow as its new chair and vice-chair respectively. 

Working on new SOLAS requirements

They were elected to the Association’s Board of Directors at its Annual General Meeting in London in July and together bring over 70 years of experience and expertise in the marine and offshore safety industries to their roles. 

They...

http://mfame.guru/new-ilama-leads-concentrate-on-lifeboat-ventilation/

Seafarer Abuse Continues With Low Settlement Offers For Outstanding Wages

Seafarer abuse continues with low settlement offers for outstanding wages

This evening Human Rights at Sea was contacted in desperation by a seafarer and Indian national 34-year-old Vikas Mishra from Jaunpur who had previously suffered 35 months and 13 days onboard the UAE flagged MV Tamim Aldar owned by Eliteway Marine Services Ltd without pay and seeing his family in what has been a widely and internationally reported matter.

Image Credit: humanrightsatsea.org

Since 8th August, Vikas and his fellow crew members have been ashore in the UAE and in his case he has only...

https://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-news/seafarer-abuse-continues-with-low-settlement-offers-for-outstanding-wages/

American Club Publishes Synopsis Analyzing Results of PEME Program

  • Synopsis, distributed by way of Club circular, provides extensive information on conditions of seafarer health encountered in various parts of the world.
  • It also highlights substantial claims cost savings delivered by the program since its
    inception in 2003.
  • The program had deflected illness and illness-related death claims to have a cumulative value of between $2.5 and $3.5 million per annum.

The American Club has today issued a circular attaching a detailed synopsis of the 2017 and 2018...

http://mfame.guru/american-club-publishes-synopsis-analyzing-results-of-peme-program/

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