Some Issues Impacting Seafarers and the Possible Solutions
It has been a trying time for many seafarers these last few years. Although the global pandemic slowly wanes, it still shows its effects across the maritime industry. The challenge of recuperating from the global pandemic has been an uphill battle for Seafarers, who have felt the weight of the changes that have been implemented in the industry as a consequence. The new variants that have appeared during the pandemic, along with the continuing changes in regulations and port restrictions in countries around the world are just some of the many obstacle’s seafarers have had to face.
To this day, easy access to the internet has been difficult for many seafarers on board ships. Communication has been an especially important basic need for seafarers during these difficult times. Mandatory isolation due to COVID and the hardships cause by the Russian invasion have added to the lowering of seafarer morale and their emotional wellbeing. Internet connectivity is now a mandatory right and is one step in a larger effort to make it easier for seafarers to communicate with loved ones. Discussions are ongoing because many ship owners may seek to charge seafarers for internet access and there is worry the fees will be unfairly high. But the path is set for change, and the updates to the Maritime Labor Convention is a positive first step. (ITF Seafarers, 2022)
Other challenges some seafarers have been facing is the ongoing Russian invasion of the country of Ukraine. Ukrainian seafarers make up around 4% of the global workforce. As a consequence to the Russian invasion, seafarers in Ukraine still cannot leave their country due to conscription laws. Those men that are eligible to serve cannot leave. With the war ongoing and no end in sight, it is hard to tell when this might change. The International Transport Workers’ Federation, the Marine Transport Workers’ Trade Union of Ukraine, and V.Group have been accommodating the families of Ukrainian seafarers out of the country and providing onsite support. (ITF Seafarers, 2022) Cruise companies have also been helping seafarers from Ukraine by extending the contracts for those who wished to stay and with the repatriation of others. Repatriation for seafarers that were stuck in Ukrainian waters has been a challenge as well.
More can be done to help seafarers during the Ukraine crisis. The Seafarers International Relief Fund (SIRF), an organization that is trying to address the issues of basic human welfare for seafarers and their families during the Ukraine crisis, launched and appeal to the Maritime Industry to support seafarers. (International Chamber of Shipping, 2022)
With all these situations that have been affecting seafarers the world over, their mental well-being is among the most important matters that are of great concern. During the pandemic, drastic changes had to be implemented to the safety measures on board ships in order to control the spread of COVID infections. This in turn dramatically affected the lives of every seafarer and the negative impacts are still being felt to this day. Being kept in isolation in their quarters over long periods and only coming out to work their shift, eroded morale on board ships. Anxiety among the crew is an issue as well. To help combat this issue, there are companies such as Mental Health Support Solutions that provide support for seafarers as well as a 24-hour hotline. There are also websites like SeafarersHelp.org dedicated to providing resources for seafarers that are struggling with their mental health.
Unions are working hard to help with other seafarer matters, such as crew workload, contractual issues, and extensions, bullying and crew tensions due to the Russian invasion or discrimination, as well as their employment rights. There are many obstacles to overcome, but the foundations are being set to help seafarers that are being impacted to get back on their feet.
References
International Chamber of Shipping. (2022, March 21). Press Release: Seafarers International Relief Fund launches urgent Ukraine crisis appeal to support seafarers and their families. Retrieved from International Chamber of Shipping: https://www.ics-shipping.org/press-release/seafarers-international-relief-fund-launches-urgent-ukraine-crisis-appeal-to-support-seafarers-and-their-families/
ITF Seafarers. (2022, March 24). Industry coordinates to help Ukrainian seafarers and their families evacuating Odessa. Retrieved from ITF Seafarers: https://www.itfseafarers.org/en/news/industry-coordinates-help-ukrainian-seafarers-and-their-families-evacuating-odessa
ITF Seafarers. (2022, May 16). Seafarers win commitment to mandatory internet access in international law. Retrieved from ITF Seafarers: https://www.itfseafarers.org/en/news/seafarers-win-commitment-mandatory-internet-access-international-law#:~:text=Seafarers%20win%20commitment%20to%20mandatory%20internet%20access%20in%20international%20law,-16%20May%202022&text=Seafarers'%20groups%20have