Maritime
“Our lobbying efforts with European governments have seen a welcome
increase in Search and Rescue resources such that the call on merchant
ships to undertake harrowing rescues has been reduced, but not eliminated.
However, until the United Nations takes a direct role in this situation it is
difficult to see how the appalling death toll can be reduced,”
consider that significant growth in shipping could return within
the next 5 years. Employers must recognise that decisions made in
these difficult times should not inhibit the future sustainability of
the industry. Investment in training and recruitment is an essential
part of assuring good industrial health.
“We are experiencing a transition into a ‘smart’ era, which
will feature integrated technology and automated functions and
systems. Certainly, there will be a continuous challenge to ensure
that seafarers’ skills reflect their changing roles on board ship,” he
explained. “Seafarers may no longer be required so much to use
machines but rather to collaborate with them.”
Esben Poulsson paid tribute to the contribution of seafarers who
operate merchant ships, living and working away from home,
contributing to economic development and the improvement of
living standards worldwide.
As the amendments to ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)
that come into force in January approach, Mr Poulsson praised the
MLC and its intention of ensuring worldwide protection of seafarers; establishing a level playing field for countries and shipowners
committed to providing decent working and living conditions for
seafarers; and protecting them from unfair competition from
substandard ships.
He also spoke about the humanitarian tragedy being played out
in the Mediterranean and the unprecedented numbers of migrants
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at tem p t ing t he d ang e ro u s s e a c ro s s i n g to Eu ro p e i n
com p l etel y unsuitable craft. “Our lobbying efforts with
European governments have seen a welcome increase
in Search and Rescue resources such that the call on merchant
ships to undertake harrowing rescues has been reduced, but not
eliminated. However, until the United Nations takes a direct role in
this situation it is difficult to see how the appalling death toll can be
reduced,” he said.
On another front, he highlighted a recent piracy attack on
a merchant ship off Somalia, the first for several years, and gave
a warning that the threat has not been eradicated and that
self-protective measures must be continued in order to avoid the
terrible consequences should there be another hijack.
Mr Poulsson also highlighted the need for shipowners, maritime
administrations and training providers to continue to work together
to ensure full compliance with the new STCW training regime, that
takes full effect in January 2017, so as to prevent any disruption to
the operation of the world fleet due to any lack of seafarers holding
appropriate certification.
In conclusion, Mr Poulsson returned to the issue of future
proofing training, warning: “Changes may well be rapid and a
failure to respond with equal speed may leave training needs
assessment trailing in their wake.”