5. Proper implementation of MLC – Providing Adequate Rest Hours
Working on ships is a tiring job. Human error resulting from fatigue and work stress has been a reason for several accidents on board ships. The latest implementation of MLC, 2006 has brought a wave of relief among seafarers. However, strict implementation of rest and working hours on board ships have always been a problem . Seafarers have often complained of lack of sleep and hectic schedule, leading to accidents and injuries.
5. Proper implementation of MLC – Providing Adequate Rest Hours
Working on ships is a tiring job. Human error resulting from fatigue and work stress has been a reason for several accidents on board ships. The latest implementation of MLC, 2006 has brought a wave of relief among seafarers. However, strict implementation of rest and working hours on board ships have always been a problem . Seafarers have often complained of lack of sleep and hectic schedule, leading to accidents and injuries.
As work at ship is physically and mentally taxing, shipping companies should make extra efforts to ensure that their crew is getting the right amount of rest.
6. More Company Support
According to ITF, “Seafarers are among the most exploited and abused groups of workers in the world. Yet their plight is barely recognized by the mainstream media and public opinion”.
A recent incident of a seafarer being jailed in a foreign land because of ship detention came into the limelight. According to the reports, the captain of the ship was imprisoned for more than seven months and neither the company nor the government had taken any substantial steps to get him out. The governments of both the countries were too much involved in playing politics and the shipping company was least bothered, leaving the seafarers at the mercy of the fate and biased laws of the foreign land. When such kind of accidents occurs, the innocent and helpless seafarers are always at the receiving end. They suffer while those in power continue to play their games.
It is therefore important that there are properly written rules and procedures, which are adopted by the shipping companies and respective nations. Hard working seafarers shouldn’t be suffering because of international politics or the fault of the shipping company. More support from shipping companies is extremely important for seafarers to ensure their safe and secure voyage in international waters.
7. Improved Communication Services
When at sea, seafarers long to talk to their loved ones back at their homes. In spite of all the advances in technology, communication systems at sea have not been improved as much as they should. When the ship is at ports, seafarers get a chance to contact their loved ones (But many a times calling cards are not available at ports). Tele-communication is the only medium through which seafarers are connected to their families and therefore an efficient and cheaper mode of communication is desired by all seafarers at sea.
In the last few years, many shipping companies have started providing internet access (mostly limited) on board ships. However, due to the recent financial slack, most of the shipping companies have stopped these services. Moreover, satellite phones are extremely expensive and it’s something that is always kept for emergency situation.
A continuous, uninterrupted internet and tele-communication services is a long-time wish of seafarers around the world.
8. Reduced Paperwork
The ISM code brought a major change in the duties of seafarers on board ships. Along with the routine responsibilities, they are now supposed to take care of a heap of paperwork for administrative purpose. This additional duty, though important, has become burden on seafarers who are already complaining regarding lack of sufficient rest hours.
The increasing amount of paperwork has not only added stress on seafarers but have also made them less focused on their core duties. Though the whole idea of ISM code is to increase the level of safety on board ships, the time allotted for paperwork often clashes with rest hours and other important duties.
Thus, steps must be taken to ensure that the additional job do not become a burden on seafarers, producing results which are opposite to what the code actually intends to generate.
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