Pratik Bijlani –
A new report by the Diversity@Sea pilot, a Global Maritime Forum (GMF) initiative, has highlighted seven critical areas where the maritime industry must urgently improve to enhance seafarer welfare. The report, “Improving Seafarer Well-being: Preliminary Findings from the Diversity@Sea Pilot Project,” comes at a time of growing concern over the working conditions of the 1.9 million global seafarers who operate outside the jurisdiction of domestic labor laws.
The report’s findings are based on a 10-month global collaboration involving 400 seafarers and 12 major shipping companies, resulting in over 50,000 data points. Key areas for meaningful change include a zero-tolerance policy for abuse and harassment, improved contracts to avoid excessive working hours, enhanced internet access to reduce isolation, guaranteed helpline access for confidential support, and parental support to ensure family responsibilities do not prevent a career at sea. Other recommendations focus on providing inclusive personal protective equipment and establishing transparent training and appraisal systems to promote fairness and career progression.
The findings reveal that abuse and harassment remain significant issues, with estimates suggesting that 8% to 25% of all seafarers experience such behavior, while for female seafarers, the number exceeds 50%. In the first quarter of 2023, there was a 45% increase in reported harassment cases, many involving senior officers.
The pilot project, led by GMF’s Human Sustainability Director Susanne Justesen, involved 12 “first-mover” shipping companies, including Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, bp, Cargill, Chevron Shipping, and others. These companies implemented measures such as ensuring gender-appropriate facilities, providing 24/7 Wi-Fi, and supplying inclusive PPE to better support their crews.
Looking ahead, the Diversity@Sea project aims to publish a comprehensive report and guidelines in early 2025 to help shape a safer, more inclusive work environment at sea, addressing the growing labor shortages and the future needs of the maritime workforce.
Marex Media