The International Labour Organization (ILO) has raised fears of dearth in the seafaring, saying that young people are no longer having interest in becoming seafarers.
The organization has however urged countries who have domesticated the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) to ensure that they ratify the convention.
A copy of the conclusions reached at the end of the Sectoral Meeting on the Recruitment and Retention of Seafarers and the Promotion of Opportunities in Geneva, Switzerland last week was obtained by Shipping Position Daily.
The ILO raised concerns that there are no sufficient berths for cadets and trainees onboard ships. It observed that some ships lack the space to accommodate their cadets and trainees on board, as ships tend to be designed with a view to maximizing space for cargo.
It also stated that loneliness and isolation onboard ships are serious issues for seafarers and may constitute one of the reasons some of them may leave seafaring and why young people may not consider a career at sea.
"There are many positive and attractive aspects to a maritime career. However, there are also challenges and issues that may dissuade some new entrants and may also cause experienced seafarers to leave the seagoing profession"
"The projected seafarer shortage, in particular the shortage of officers, calls for promoting decent work and good practices, addressing problem areas to ensure that there are qualified and motivated seafarers in the future" the report stated.
ILO has charged stakeholders with a role in addressing the complex issue of ensuring cadet and trainee berths. They include shipowners, who are to provide sufficient quality berths, where possible; seafarers’ organizations who are representing the interests of their members; maritime education and training institutions (METs), which are to provide quality trainees and cadets; and governments, which are to approve the training programmes.
The body also stressed the need for improved internet connectivity for seafarers to socialise, saying that "Reduced crewing of vessels, which means fewer people to socialize with on board, increased working time, stress, long periods at sea and other factors, including language and cultural barriers, contribute to increased isolation and therefore result in dissatisfaction with living conditions and in mental health issues"
"Social media and internet connectivity, provided by shipowners at no or reasonable cost, may help solve these issues and is particularly important for attracting young seafarers. However, there are some concerns that unlimited access could also contribute to less social interaction on board ship. Human social interaction should be encouraged"
According to ILO, seafarers being abandoned in prison and criminalized has persisted. It however observed that the problems persist in countries that have not ratified the MLC, 2006.
"If the shipowner fails to make arrangements for, or to meet the cost of repatriation, the flag State has the primary responsibility to repatriate the abandoned seafarers. If it fails to do so in a timely fashion, the Port State or the State of which they are a national may arrange for the repatriation"
"The port State or coastal State or State of nationality is responsible for facilitating the repatriation of seafarers"
"Seafarers are at risk of criminalization following maritime disasters, incidents, accidents at sea or while in port. Some seafarers have also been criminalized on suspicion of participation in maritime crime despite being unaware of such illegal activities on board.
"As a result, they may face detention for long periods of time and lack of compensation. The risk of criminalization is exacerbated by various factors including language and cultural barriers, different legal systems and insufficient knowledge of criminal proceedings and legal recourse. This situation has a negative impact on seafarers and their families, as well as on the attractiveness and therefore the sustainability of the shipping industry"
The ILO has therefore said that seafarers are entitled to fair treatment including access to legal services, appropriate consular protection and due process at all times.
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