Discrimination in the Cruise Industry
Discrimination is an ever-present factor worldwide, and on cruise ships that are out in the ocean, things are no different. Discrimination is as present on the sea as it is on land. No matter your position in the cruise industry, discrimination is an ongoing issue for seafarers.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, discrimination is defined as the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of ethnicity, age, sex, or disability. Discrimination can be an attack on any aspect of a person the discriminator chooses. This leaves many doors open for discrimination on cruise ships, against guests and the workers. Discrimination from guests against the workers can happen also. Guests on board cruise ships come in all ages, sex, and ethnicities. Seafarers also come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, a big part originating from Southeast Asian and South America. With such a mixture of people and cultures, it opens the doors for discrimination to occur.
Racial discrimination is something both cruisegoers and seafarers may face due to hatred and ignorance. The discrimination they face can range from avoidance, subtle threats, racial slurs, and even bodily harm against an individual or group. The same goes for sexual discrimination, women and even men could be mistreated and abused while working their contracts. Many of these incidents are sometimes unreported.
Another form of discrimination that continues in the industry is age discrimination. What happens is older members get prioritized and given better opportunities, vice versa for younger crew members depending on the officers. Stereotypes unfortunately follow age groups onto the ships and can hinder them from succeeding in their duties. Fortunately this is recognized by the International Chamber of Shipping, who in 2020, released new guidelines to avoid age discrimination directly and indirectly. This was released in hopes for recruitment, pay and promotions be considered fairly. (Seafarers Rights International, 2020)
Results of an online survey about the perseverance of gender discrimination and harassment off shore done by the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) were released. It had been completed by 1,128 female seafarers, 90% of whom who work on cruise ships. 60% responded having encountered gender discrimination and 66% having witnessed harassment. This paints a horrifying picture of the environment women face as seafarers. (The Maritime Executive, 2022)
In the article, Seafarers Face Bullying, Mental Health Risk by Ina Alleco R. Silverio in 2022, the author goes into detail about what seafarers’ face during the work shifts. These incidents can happen to both veterans and new recruits. It highlights workplace bullying and its evolution through the years in the industry. From blatant racism against Asians, physical violence to emotional and psychological abuse in today’s industry. It truly shows the discrimination seafarers can face in the industry, but also expresses the changes and improvements being made for a better and safer environment for seafarers.
Steps are being taken to prevent discrimination aboard cruise ships and others on the open seas. These steps include (Safety4Sea Editorial Team, 2023):
IMO and WISTA’s bureau to increase the number of women speakers in events.
Maritime UK to deliver a Maritime Roadshow for Girls throughout 2023.
Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA), a group set up with the support of IMO to champion the place of women in the maritime sector.
Ayse Asli Basak, one of the world’s three-port captains, developed an application to allow women to report harassment and any violence they experience on board.
Thome Group, together with Hafnia, Anglo American, RightShip, Rio Tinto, and Wilhelmsen joined forces to launch Maritime Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Innovation Lab
Synergy group provided tailor-made Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to female seafarers.
With the sea being just as hostile as on land, it is highly recommended to be careful and not let your guard down as a guest or seafarer. If anything does happen to you, please report it to the proper chain of command. It is important to see the signs if you see someone being discriminated, everyone should look out for each other for a better work environment and to stop discrimination.
Sources:
https://maritimefairtrade.org/seafarers-face-bullying-working-aboard-ships/
https://seafarersrights.org/new-guide-helps-industry-tackle-age-discrimination-on-board-ships/