at SEA nr. 2 - 2022 UK version by SEA HEALTH & WELFARE

SEA SEA HEALTH & WELFARE for seafarers

How do young seafarers get off to a good start onboard? 04 Make your body fit for the working life 18 Do you need entertainment on the ship? 28

Issue 02 | 2022

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CONTENT

THEME: YOUNG PEOPLE AT SEA

ARTICLES AND INSPIRATION

A TRUSTED COLLEAGUE GIVES SECURITY IN A NEW WORLD 04

Prevent long-term illness by exercising in your spare time

DANISH SHIPPING COMPANIES BOOST MENTORING SCHEME 08

How to strengthen your body for working life

Ask the consultant: new requirements for safety data sheets

Your ship could be the next Welfare Ship of the Year

Harmful noise must be taken seriously

“IT’S NOT LIKE A FAIRYTALE WITH DOLPHINS CONSTANTLY LEAPING BY THE BOW”

SHIP’S OFFICER BY CHANCE

DHRUVA’S FIRST JOURNEY WAS AN EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTERRIDE

THE HARDEST THING IS TO BE FAR AWAY FROM YOUR FAMILY

Publisher

Højnæsvej 56 2610 Rødovre, Denmark Editor in chief René Andersen Executive editors Jacob Christensen Torsten Mathias Augustsen Contact Troels Leth tle@shw.dk / +45 3140 5713

New guide: Get an overview of psychological well-being on board 25 New recommendation for cargo ship compartments

Librarian’s recommendations for those who love a good thriller

We love podcasts

Graphic novels, Manga, Fantasy and Science Fiction

Authors Kirstine Thye Skovhøj, Irene Olsen, Ester Ørum, Pernille Voigt Nordstrand, Anne Ries and Troels Leth Design and Graphic Production Kailow A/S, CSR & Environmental & OHS certified Print run 3.000 Published three times a year Subscribe/unsubscribe: atsea@shw.dk Front cover: Knud Mortensen Pupils from MARSTAL NAVIGATION SCHOOL

– THEME: The young seafarers –

A TRUSTED COLLEAGUE

GIVES SECURITY IN A NEW WORLD There can be a lot of questions that need answering when young seafarers start a life of work at sea. 22-year-old Amanda Jespersgaard gets feedback, support, and security from 40-year-old Karina Kærvang Jensen, who gets to share her own experiences and enthusiasm for shipping in return.

By Kirstine Thye Skovhøj, Journalist

22-year-old Amanda Jespersgaard is excited. Since she landed an internship with MAERSK SUPPLY SERVICE she has been looking forward to hearing which ship she is joining and where in the world it will be. It is a dark winter Thursday night at her home in Aalborg, Denmark when she gets the call. Three days later her internship begins, and she must be ready to sign on to MAERSK LIFTER – an offshore tug/supply ship – in Montrose, Scotland.

in front her in the chilly winter night, she clearly remembers. “Just at that very moment it occurred to me what I had gotten myself into. There was no way back. I had to meet lots of new

Finally, she can finish packing her bag, and finally she knows which ship she will be spending the following 11 weeks on. Amanda Jespersgaard has never been out travelling on her own before. That is why she appreciates that she is joining the ship together with a female cadet from SVENDBORG MARITIME SCHOOL.

and wondering: Have

“We flew to Aberdeen and drove in a big taxi bus from the airport to the harbour. It was time for the crew to change, which meant we were quite a few people joining the ship at the same time.” The big ship was like an immovable giant

I pictured myself ”being alone and not knowing what to do they remembered that I am joining the ship today?

”

people and learn lots of new things. I was extremely excited and tense, but I also had a good feeling. I had been at school for half a year, where I had heard lots about what I was now finally about to experience for myself,” Amanda Jespersgaard says. The next hour went by with dragging all her carefully packed luggage on board,

greeting the captain, and opening the door into the cabin that would be her home for the coming weeks. “I was very surprised. The cabin had a desk, a bed, a sofa, and a very nice bathroom – much better conditions than I had dared hope for.” As well as her luggage, Amanda Jespersgaard brought half a year of schooling from MARTEC, a maritime school in Frederikshavn where she is studying Maritime Transport and Nautical Science. She also had a stream of good advice from her mentor Karina Kærvang Jensen, who works as a Decarbonisation Integration Manager at MAERSK SUPPLY SERVICE in Copenhagen. Karina Kærvang Jensen works with energy-optimizing the MAERSK fleet and creates projects to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to MAERSK SUPPLY SERVICE’s green profile. The two seafarers were matched by DANISH SHIPPING´s mentoring agreement, which Amanda Jespersgaard discovered

– THEME: The young seafarers –

Karina Kærvang Jensen was 20 when she first signed on. She clearly remembers the strong emotions associated with starting a whole new life at sea. The picture is from one of Karina’s first trips to sea on board the gas tanker HENRIETTE MAERSK, where she was a trainee. Photo: private

when she contacted DANISH SHIPPING to get help finding shipping companies that offer internships. “It was a great idea for me to get a mentor because I have never been out sailing before. The questions I had for Karina were very concrete and simple and also big and profound: How much shampoo to bring? How is everyday life at sea?” Amanda says and continues: “I felt very nervous about the part of the journey where you step out of the airport and have to find your way to the ship. I pictured myself being alone and not knowing what to do and wondering: Have they even remembered that I am joining the ship today?”

COMFORT FROM A FELLOW SEAFARER Karina Kærvang Jensen and Amanda Jespersgaard each live in different parts of Denmark and have not met in person yet. Until now, they have had online meetings and phone calls, and they’ve been communicating through messages and emails.

On board the ARNOLD MAERSK as a ship’s officer. As part of DANISH SHIPPING’s mentoring scheme, Karina Kærvang Jensen shares the many experiences she has gained in the maritime industry.

For the inexperienced cadet, it gives comfort and security to know she has a direct line to her experienced mentor before signing on to the ship, and also during her first stay aboard MAERSK LIFTER. “To have Karina as a mentor gives me the opportunity to get my questions answered straight away. They are not necessarily the same questions as when you are at school before your internship.” During her first signing, the two of them had an agreement that Amanda should let Karina know how she was getting on after two to three weeks of her new life at sea. “I wrote her an email and told her how I was, and that I had settled in. All along, we had the agreement that if I experienced something difficult, felt lonely, or something else, then I could call Karina anytime. That gives a great sense of security because you don’t always want to call your parents. It’s nice to have a third party – a trusted colleague. Having that has really given me great comfort;

it’s great that I always have the option of reaching out to my mentor.”

EXPERIENCES GETTING PASSED ON Karina Kærvang Jensen clearly remembers the first time she joined a ship as a 20-year-old. She still remembers the strong feelings associated with signing on to the ship; how she tried not to get too overwhelmed; fearing meeting the captain; slowly getting to know the jargon, and discovering that the theory you learn behind the school desk doesn’t always fit with reality. From her own time as a cadet and later as a Maritime Officer at MAERSK LINE and SCANDLINES, Karina Kærvang Jensen brings her lived experiences to bear on the conversations she has with her young mentee. She underlines the importance of being open and cooperative, at the same time as being true to yourself. “As a young seafarer – whether you are a woman or a man – it is very important to earn respect through the way you treat your colleagues on board. You meet many

– THEME: The young seafarers –

Amanda Jespersgaard has not yet met her mentor, Karina Kærvang Jensen. But their email dialogues have had a big impact on her since she first boarded a ship. Photo: private

different nationalities and cultures, and for some cultures it can be quite surprising to meet a female seafarer,” Karina Kærvang Jensen says and elaborates: “Some see the shipping industry as quite old fashioned, and male dominated. Luckily, more young people and more young women are entering our field of work. I quickly found out that you get respect when you have clear boundaries, stick to who you are, and work hard.”

CULTIVATE THE COMMUNITY AND BE YOURSELF Mentor Karina Kærvang Jensen sees it as her mission to support the effort to get more young people to join the Danish shipping industry. This is why she both volunteers as a mentor and is also a part of the international network Women In Shipping (WIS). “As a mentor, I can help make the transition from school to ship softer. I think that for some younger people, the combination of theory and the very practical approach can be challenging, as can the need for a seafarer to have a very problem-solving mindset and be able to cooperate with everybody on board. Those things are also strengths of the education and will open many doors – not only at sea.”

Because of this, she has done all she can to prepare Amanda Jespersgaard for how important it is that you, as a seafarer, enter the community onboard with an open mindset and the will to make things work: “On a ship you are forced to be with the people who are there. You must be able to cooperate because you are very dependent on each other. You quickly learn to be a problem-solver,” Karina Kærvang Jensen underlines that because cooperating is crucial, it is also important that you do the best you can – both socially and professionally. “Don’t hide in your cabin – put yourself out there and mix with your colleagues. That is also a way of preventing loneliness. It is okay to talk about other things than work and to connect on a deeper level. Say yes! Go ashore with your colleagues, say yes to assignments, try something new. That has been some of the experiences I’ve done that has been most important for me to pass on to Amanda,” Karina Kærvang Jensen says.

surprises, they also talk about the food and eating culture that prevails onboard, the special jargon, and the very important English working language. Amanda Jespersgaard signed on to a ship where the crew is very used to having cadets on board. Even though she had to become a part of a permanent crew, she never felt it was a struggle to become part of the tribe. “Every one of them was very good at being open and inviting. The group was not so cohesive that they could not let anybody else in. I became part of a permanent crew where they all know each other very well and are very good at having a great and cosy time together.” Slowly, she became part of all the set routines, and she created her own too, such as working out before dinner, playing cards with some of her colleagues after dinner, and meeting up for movie nights. Her colleagues were mainly Danes, with the others being seafarers from Scotland, England, Poland, and Croatia.

PART OF THE HERD Besides Amanda Jespersgaard using her experienced mentor to answer questions about how much shampoo to bring, and talking about professional insecurities and

“I was a bit nervous about speaking English. I don’t think I’m especially good, but after a week I found myself quite confident speaking English.”

– THEME: The young seafarers – Today, Karina Kærvang Jensen has traded life at sea for a job as manager at MAERSK SUPPLY SERVICE in Copenhagen. One of her messages to young seafarers is that a maritime education offers a wealth of opportunities both at sea and on land. Photo: private

TOTALLY GREEN Amanda Jespersgaard has also used Karina Kærvang Jensen when she has been worried about whether she will ever accomplish all the professional challenges she will be put through during her education. To the experienced mentor, it’s a concern that is very easy to relate to and remember from her own time as a new seafarer: “You have to learn a lot on your first trips. You must go through the whole ship, and it can be quite a mouthful to get all the details right. What can we load? What are dangerous goods? Where is the fire extinguishing equipment? How is the fuel system working? And so on. I have told Amanda that if she has any concerns about the theoretical terms, she must do her best to take it easy. I know that she will meet a lot of colleagues on board who will be very keen and happy to help her. But I do understand very well that it can seem almost unmanageable,” she says and underlines: “It is very important to know what you can and cannot do as a newcomer. I was not very good at all the practical workshoprelated tasks when I first started. There are a lot of technical terms and slang terms that are used when describing

tools and tasks, and you don’t want to come across as stupid. But it is important to ask questions about what you don’t understand. Because if you don’t do it in time, then suddenly it gets difficult to be honest about the fact that you don’t know it.”

PASS IT ON AND RECEIVE The young cadet is now looking forward to the shipping company letting her know which ship she is joining next. And even though Amanda Jespersens first trip as a seafarer is well accomplished, she will stay in close contact with her mentor. “I think our relationship will develop into having even more focus on the professional and theoretical part. Now I have been out for the first time – a first time where I was especially nervous about some very practical things,” she says and continues: “I encourage others to get a mentor because it gives you extra safety and comfort. You can get answers to all your weird questions almost as soon as they occur.” Karina Kærvang Jensen shares Amanda’s thoughts about how their mentor-mentee relationship will develop into a more professional focus:

“The more practical experience Amanda gets, the better and more giving our conversations will become. It is very clear to me that even on her first trip she has already gained a lot of new tools in her professional backpack. It is extremely rewarding to me to be a mentor to a young person with a whole life in front of her. I will also be her mentor during her periods at school, and her sparring partner on her school-related assignments if she wants,“ she says and ends: “Life as an aspirant can be a big and life-changing experience that is why we need to support the new generation of seafarers, so they enjoy it and benefit from it.”

MAERSK LIFTER is an Offshore Tug/Supply Ship build in 2009. Primarily sailing in The North Sea. The 16 crew members are from Denmark, Scotland, England, Poland, and Croatia. Flag: Denmark Shipping company: MAERSK SUPPLY SERVICE Gross Tonnage: 6821 Length x width: 90 x 24 m

– THEME: The young seafarers –

DANISH SHIPPING GETS MENTORING PROGRAMME UNDER WAY Since 2019, 30 mentors have been part of a programme established to give young seafarers a good start in the shipping industry and help them see its possibilities.

By Kirstine Thye Skovhøj, Journalist

At DANISH SHIPPING, educational advisor Angelika Rasmussen is working to strengthen the connections between trainees, shipping companies, and the whole field of education. To further these goals, they are very keen to re-start their mentoring programme, which was established in 2019

along and activities like that were shut down,” the educational advisor says. Later, the 30 mentors were matched with young mentees. Some of these matches took place during the coronavirus lockdown, so the correspondence took place via online meetings, emails, messages, and talking on the phone.

“We started out with 30 mentors who were prepared for their role at a special education day. But then coronavirus came

The purpose of the mentoring programme is to give young seafarers support throughout all of their education – not only while at sea, but also during school stays.

THE DANISH SHIPPING MENTORING PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG SEAFARERS The programme is designed to support young seafarers entering the maritime world in relation to career paths, labour market resilience, and the ability to navigate through the industry. The students who can be mentees must attend a Danish maritime education.

“Our mentoring programme is important because the mentor supports the relevant learning needs in relation to being part of a workplace at sea. It’s a workplace that’s different from any other, and one that requires a special effort to help the young seafarer get started and develop throughout their education. Being at sea can feel like being part of a small, closed world. That is why it’s important a young person has a third party on land to go through different situations with,” Angelika Rasmussen says.

“With our mentoring programme, we can give young people an insight into how diverse the maritime business is and show how many career options you can give yourself by choosing a maritime education,” Angelika Rasmussen says.

THE BENEFITS GO BOTH WAYS To become a mentor, you have to work at sea or have worked at sea. In addition, it is vital to want to share your personal experiences with a younger person. It is also important that a mentor has the time to build a relationship based on continuous contact. “As a mentor you get the possibility to reflect on your own experiences when you get questions from your mentee. At the same time, you get a very special insight into and a better understanding of the new generation going to sea,” Angelika Rasmussen says and elaborates: “It is crucial that mentor and mentee have a trusting relationship – and that your relationship is based on the values of respect, trust, empathy, and confidentiality.

– THEME: The young seafarers –

Educational advisor Angelika Rasmussen is planning to visit Danish maritime schools during the autumn of 2022 to talk about the mentoring programme.

Both parties have to want the relationship and find it meaningful. That is why a mentor-mentee relationship can only be built on volunteerism. It is not necessarily every pupil who can see themself needing or using a mentor – just as not all seafarers can see themselves being a mentor.”

the profession the best possible way. In DANISH SHIPPING we have a close and fruitful collaboration with student counsellors from the different schools. That means we can travel around and offer them a role in the mentoring programme,” she says and underlines:

To get the mentoring programme moving again – without any coronavirus obstacles – DANISH SHIPPING is hosting an event for all their member shipping companies that focusses on the mentoring programme. During the autumn, Angelika Rasmussen will also be travelling to some of the Danish maritime schools to talk about the programme. “There is a good cooperation between maritime schools and the shipping business in general. And there is a joint focus on getting young people entering

“The learning environment is very important to young people; they want there to be meaning behind their actions and tasks. They want to be recognized and get feedback. A mentor can help by showing that, as a young seafarer, you are the co-creator of a good learning environment. At the same time, it is important that the mentee doesn’t feel that the responsibility is resting only on them. It is okay to have expectations of the learning environment, and it means a lot that a mentor tells them that and says it out loud and supports it.”

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE! Come and join us when DANISH SHIPPING invites interested parties to learn more about the mentoring scheme. The event is for you who are willing to mentor a young student who is getting ready for an internship at sea. The event will be held on 25 August from 12.00-14.00 at DANISH SHIPPING, Amaliegade in Copenhagen. Read more about the mentoring scheme here www.danishshipping.dk/ uddannelse/maritimt-praktikkontor/ mentor/

– THEME: The young seafarers –

The school’s advanced and realistic simulators give students an insight into what it’s like to steer a ship. Despite the simulators and practical exercises, not everything can be prepared for at school. Many students, for example, have never tried to travel on their own. It can be a big step for many.

“IT’S NOT LIKE A FAIRYTALE WITH DOLPHINS CONSTANTLY LEAPING BY THE BOW” The transition from school desk to work life at sea can be quite a cultural shock to young seafarers. Because of this, MARSTAL NAVIGATION SCHOOL puts in extra effort to give their pupils a realistic picture of the work life waiting ahead of them – a work life they must learn to be part of and navigate. By Kirstine Thye Skovhøj, Journalist

At MARSTAL NAVIGATION SCHOOL, the youngest pupils are just 15-16 years old when they begin their studies. They arrive at the school, get a bed, and unpack their belongings and begin their three years packed with new experiences. After their ordinary seamen’s exam, some of the young people study further to become e.g., ship’s engineer, shipping trainee, broker, or naval officer.. No matter what direction they choose, they will all – at some point – swap their seat at the school desk in Marstal for their first posting.

It can be difficult to prepare 100% for what to expect out there in the real world where simulators and schoolbooks are replaced by new routines and new colleagues, Helle Bak Poulsen, headmaster of MARSTAL NAVIGATION SCHOOL underlines: “It is important that we take part in giving the pupils a realistic perception. We do not want to give them the impression that life at sea is like a fairytale with dolphins constantly leaping by the bow. We want to tell the students what the reality is. It’s of great importance to us that our teachers are all former seafarers. They know what

they are talking about,” she says and elaborates: “At our school, we have youth education programmes and higher education programmes, which means we can make both formal and informal initiatives between the two groups. It is really an advantage because the younger pupils get some very important role models who are older and more experienced.” The school also has a close cooperation with shipping companies and the Danish Navy, which visits the school once a year for a special day of education that gives

– THEME: The young seafarers – the pupils a glimpse of life onboard and the chance to answer questions. Most of the young people who enter the youth programme come directly from Danish schools. “Most of them are only 19-20 years old when we say goodbye to them three years later, and joining a ship is a big thing. Maybe they haven’t been out travelling on their own before. That is why we talk about very concrete things like: How do you sign on? How do you get to the ship? What does a contract look like? What do you need to bring with you? And so on,” says Helle Bak Poulsen.

CULTURE SHOCK CAN BE CUSHIONED Many new routines and circumstances that differ from those at home are waiting at sea. Helle Bak Poulsen says they always focus on certain themes that the new seafarers find especially important to know about before joining a ship: What is the internet connection onboard like? Is it possible to play computer games? Is it possible to stay in contact with friends and family at home? “When questions like those appear, we talk about whether having internet on board is a good or bad thing. We underline that it’s their responsibility to take part in the community and engage with their new colleagues on board. They must be open to all the new people they meet,” Helle Bak Poulsen says.

As part of the ferry navigator training, students are given a ship’s hull and a box of wires and other stuff. They have to build, program and optimize the engine and show that they can keep the ship afloat and sail it by computer. The practical task is an effort to make the training reflect the work on a ship.

It is also important to prepare the new seafarers for the work environment, and how they can contribute to creating a healthy work environment and good mental well-being on board: “We work with different cases that give us the occasion to talk about the special jargon that there is on some ships. We underline that it’s okay to put your foot down if you feel that your personal boundaries are getting crossed,” Helle Bak Poulsen says and continues: “We spend time talking about all the different nationalities you meet at sea. And we talk about what nationalities you typically meet in different shipping companies.” Another focus in getting the young seafarers ready is to soften a potential cultural shock by improving their English skills. “It is crucial to be able to master the English language; it is one of the most important skills to bring on board. Everything they will be dealing with on board is in English: information about cargo, different instructions and so on. It’s a work language but it’s also the ticket to becoming a co-creator of a good work environment. And it’s important to master in order to succeed in being inclusive and polite to your colleagues and contribute to a healthy work environment.”

At MARSTAL NAVIGATION SCHOOL, students are prepared so that the transition from school bench to ship is not a big culture shock. There is a particular focus on teaching students to use English as a working language. ”English is also the gateway to ensuring a good working environment on board, because it’s the language that everyone speaks,” says headmaster Helle Bak Poulsen.

Helle Bak Poulsen is headmaster at MARSTAL NAVIGATION SCHOOL on Ærø, where a total of 255 students take the maritime beginner’s course and the navigator’s course. ”It’s a real advantage that we have two groups at the school that benefit from each other. The newcomers have important role models in the older and more experienced students,” says the principal.

MANDATORY MENTORING WOULD MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE “It’s a fantastic possibility. The challenge is to let the pupils know that it exists. It would be great to make the mentoring agreement that DANISH SHIPPING is behind more visible. Maybe it would help to make mentoring agreements mandatory. If that is done, I think it could really have an effect. If mentoring agreements are formalised, it means that every young seafarer would get a mentor that they can contact before, during, and after their first signing. I think that would give them lots of security. If it is made mandatory, it means the youngster wouldn’t have to discover or find the mentoring agreement themselves. That is a great advantage. It should be as natural to have a mentor as it is having your sea service letter, passport, contract, and other important papers.”

– THEME: The young seafarers –

SHIP’S OFFICER BY ACCIDENT The trip to Antarctica was a dream come true for young Amy Harding-Goodman when she studied marine biology and oceanography in Cape Town ten years ago. But the voyage across the Southern Ocean and life at sea was so fascinating that she decided to change course. Today she is 33, 2nd mate on the container ship VISTULA MAERSK and mentor to new cadets onboard.

By Troels Leth, SEA HEALTH & WELFARE

Amy Harding-Goodman was actually well on her way to a career as a researcher at university level, but her interest in becoming a ship’s officer came suddenly and unexpectedly when, as a 22-year-old student, she was a research assistant on a research vessel bound for Antarctica. Something happened to her when she got steel under her feet and saw first-hand how the ship’s crew live and work. ”It was my first time on a ship, and after a short time onboard I spent all of my

free time on the bridge. I asked a lot of questions to the officers and crew about their lives, about the ship and about working at sea. I became very fascinated by it and immediately loved the feeling of living and working on a ship. I loved that there was always something happening on board, even in the early hours of the morning,” says Amy Harding-Goodman.

”My first voyage as a cadet was to China, Singapore and Australia, and it was amazing. I was so excited. There I was on the bridge, continually moving, changing latitude and longitude – something I had dreamt about for the three years since I was on the ship to Antarctica,” says Amy Harding-Goodman.

HUMBLY TACKLING ALL THE TASKS STARTING FROM SCRATCH Amy Harding-Goodman returned to her studies but couldn’t forget the joy that her weeks on the ship brought her. She finished university with a master’s degree in Ocean & Atmospheric Science and decided to change careers because at the time, there were no permanent jobs for researchers onboard ships. ”There seemed no other way around it. I realised that I would have to change careers and start from scratch. I choose to go for my new dream.” She started navigation school and got a cadetship with Maersk at the age of 26. Amy Harding-Goodman loves life at sea and working with the other seafarers on board. Photo: private

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows as a cadet, though. Amy Harding-Goodman also remembers how it was really hard work at first. She was used to being good at the books, but now she had to do many more practical tasks than she had ever done before in her life. ”I remember one day I was told to wash the decks of the entire accommodation of the ship. I remember laughing to myself and thinking about the paradox of having to wash the decks of a ship with a master’s degree. But I was 100 percent into it and humbly approached every task. When you really love something, no task or duty is too small or unworthy for you. I believe you must be willing to do anything to live your dream,” says Amy Harding-Goodman.

– THEME: The young seafarers –

Rotterdam shore leave was something special It’s always good to get ashore, especially after the covid-19 pandemic, which has prevented many seafarers from getting solid ground under their feet. Here, 1st mate Amy Harding-Goodman recounts what she and colleagues experienced in Rotterdam when they were finally able to disembark.

On the bridge high above the water Amy feels at home. Photo: private

ADVERSITY MAKES YOU STRONG Amy remembers the hard days, the feeling of homesickness and when she didn’t want to get up and go on duty. But those days and feelings also help make you stronger, she points out. ”You find that you can be a valuable part of a community and help solve tasks that you never thought you would be able to do. You learn to push yourself and you learn to deal with pressure from other people. You grow enormously as a person and you want to learn something new every day,” says Amy HardingGoodman.

NEW CADETS BRING THE SAME VALUES After seven years at sea, Amy Harding-Goodman has become a

2ND MATE AMY HARDING-GOODMAN Age: 33 Country: South Africa Vessel: VISTULA MAERSK

seasoned ship’s officer, mentoring new cadets. When she meets new cadets on the ship, she strives to pass on her experience, enthusiasm, and enjoyment of the job. ”I make a point of teaching cadets all aspects of the job of ship’s officer and try to encourage and motivate them to look at life at sea with curiosity and appreciation. I try to teach cadets to be interested in the job, and I teach them what they need to do to become a good ship officer. When they show progress, I give them more responsibility, and I make sure they’re ready to be in charge when it’s their turn,” says Amy Harding-Goodman.

”The pandemic was very stressful for all the seafarers onboard, so it was just an amazing feeling when we finally got the chance to go ashore again after such a long time. Our first trip ashore after the pandemic was in Brielle, Holland, where wonderful Belinda Hoff had arranged the best day ever for us. We were driven to the amazing ’home away from home’ Seamen’s Club on the harbour that SEA HEALTH & WELFARE runs. We had coffee and freshly baked cake from the bakery next door.” ”There is a very relaxed atmosphere at the Seamen’s Club, so you really get a break from life on board the ship and can recharge your batteries. After coffee we hopped on the club’s bikes and had a lovely ride around the city. We took lots of photos of the sights and enjoyed getting grass under our feet. Finally, we shopped for supplies for the next trip with the ship. When we got back on board, we were completely exhilarated by all the wonderful impressions from the visit. It really makes a big difference for us to have the opportunity to visit SEA HEALTH & WELFARE and relax and recharge.”

Among other things, she tries to notice cadets who have picked up bad habits or don’t complete tasks correctly. ”I try to guide them to get on the right track and explain why it’s important that they do things correctly. Encouraging cadets to do their best improves the quality of their work and I believe it makes them even better ship officers,” she says.

Amy and her colleagues can only recommend other seafarers to visit the seafarers’ club in Brielle run by SEA HEALTH & WELFARE.

INSPIRATION: Read more about SEA HEALTH & WELFARE’s support points in Brielle and Port Said at shw.dk/overview-of-support-points

– THEME: The young seafarers –

Dhruva Agarwal (in the middle) recommends other young people to become seafarers, but stresses that it is not an easy job.

Dhruva’s first voyage was a rollercoaster of emotions When Dhruva Agarwal for the first time embarked on a ship it was a dream come true nd he was well received by his colleagues on board. However, the rough seas and warm engine room has put him to the test. Here, Dhruva reflects on his life so far as a seafarer on board.

Why did you become a seafarer? I decided to become a seafarer back in high school when I was 15 years old. I want to become a good seafarer and develop all the physical and mental abilities necessary to work on board a ship. No matter what lies ahead of us, we as seafarers have the courage to go right through it. We work hard, party harder and live the hardest life. How did you get your first job on a ship? I rolled in for the bachelor’s programme in Marine Engineering from Academy of Maritime Education and Training in Chennai. Maersk came to select the young cadets and I was one of them. I embarked my first ship in January 2022, and it is a pretty big ship! Which feelings do you remember from your first voyage? I very much appreciated the good welcome I received on board the ship. I also remember how the calm sea around us made me feel grateful for my decision

to become a seafarer. But I also quickly realised that it would definitely be worth it, but also that life as a seafarer is not easy at all. For example, working all day in the very hot engine room tested my mental strength. In general, life as a seafarer is like a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. What has surprised you most about working on a ship? I was very surprised by the size of the ship and all the things that keep it going and make sure we get everything done on time. I am also impressed by the harmony with which everything works on the ship. The crew takes pride in their duties, and everything runs smoothly. Everyone is my mentor on board. I ask everyone questions and they help me. Were there any experiences on board that you weren’t prepared for? Yes. There have been quite a few experiences that I wasn’t prepared for. I

was not accustomed to the ship rolling. So, when we were inbounding to Rotterdam, there was strong weather, and I got sick a few times. Now I am used to the ship rolling. Would you recommend other young people to choose a life as a seafarer? Yes, I would give a heads up to other young people to choose a life as a seafarer because of all the opportunities. You learn a lot on board, you have a really good time, and you will have a lot of nice memories and experiences. For me the barbecue parties where all of us enjoy good food is still the single best experience I have had on the ship.

DHRUVA AGARWAL, MASKINKADET Age: 22 Country: India Vessel: MURCIA MAERSK, crew of 26

– THEME: The young seafarers –

Being away from your family is the difficult part Galvan Reymark chose to be a seafarer because he wanted to help his family. After a difficult time on his first ship, Galvan Reymark is now enjoying life as a seafarer on TORM ISMINI. His advice to other young seafarers is to believe in themselves and have faith that they can handle the challenges they meet. Here, he reflects on the life at sea and his relations with the other nationalities onboard the ship. Why did you become a seafarer? I decided to become a seafarer when I was a child because I wanted to help my family get a better livelihood and give them a better life. When I was 22, I got my first job as a cadet on a locally owned ship. I enjoyed it and the other crewmembers were surprised because they thought that it was not my first time as a crew on a ship. How was your life as a young seafarer? It was very interesting, and I enjoyed it even though I didn’t get paid at first. I was able to survive this through the help of God. It was very difficult to get a job in a different shipping company. Every time they would ask if I had a backer or if someone had referred me to them. But I learned a lot from this, and I didn’t lose hope. You must keep trying until you reach your goal in life. And without the help of God maybe I wouldn’t be here. That’s why you should trust God. He will give you what you want, maybe not right away but soon He will give it to you. What was the most difficult part of being a young seafarer? The difficult part is when you get bored on the ship, and you think about your family and loved ones. But you need to work for them. That’s why I don’t think too much about the difficult things but focus on being happy when I’m onboard. On my first ship we sometimes didn’t have enough

freshwater onboard, so we had to use sea water for our daily routines. What are the best parts of being a seafarer? The most important thing for me is to be able to provide for and support my family through hard work even if it gives me sleepless days and nights. The beautiful part of it is you can travel the world, see its wonders and meet people. I also enjoy the rough seas and the fears and hesitations that relates to the life at sea. How is your relationship with other seafarers? Other nationalities are good and friendly with Filipino guys. The ship’s officers are communicating properly with us and if you can’t understand they will tell you again. For me it’s good to have different cultures onboard so that we can practice our English and improve it. At the same time it widens your understanding on how to deal with different people in a respectful manner. What will be your advice to other young people who is set to begin a life as a seafarer? It is not easy to become a seafarer so you must be strong for your family. And you must also think about your safety and the safety of your colleagues also. So, my advice to the young cadets is that they

For Galvan Reymark, the first days as a young seafarer were not much fun. But it opened the doors to the life at sea he has dreamed of since he was a child. Photo: private

must have faith in God and have faith that they can handle all the challenges onboard. What do you hope your future as a seafarer will be like? I want to become an officer someday. But right now, I look forward to seeing my family again in June when I go on holiday. I haven’t seen my family since August last year.

VOYAGE CLEANER GALVAN REYMARK Age: 27 Nationality: The Philippines Vessel: TORM Ismini, 19 crewmembers Family: 5-year old daughter

– We l l - b e i n g –

PREVENT LONG-TERM ILLNESS BY GETTING YOUR HEART RATE UP IN YOUR SPARE TIME If your workdays are influenced by hard, physical work, you are in much greater risk of long-term illness than if you e.g. have an office job. However, if you are physically active in your spare time while ensuring to get your heart rate up, you reduce the risk of becoming ill. In this interview, Mette Korshøj, senior scientist and Ph.D. at the Department of Occupational and Social Medicine at Holbæk Hospital, explains how it is all connected.

Why isn’t it unambiguously positive to have a hard, physical work? Doesn’t this help keep your body fit and in shape? “Physical activity during work and spare time doesn’t seem to have the same health impacts. This is due to the fact that your physical activity varies from your work to your spare time. For instance, physical activity in your spare time often has a higher intensity (pulse) and shorter duration, just as the times with physical activity lie between longer resting periods.

On the other hand, physical activity on the job takes place during working hours, thus leaving less room for resting periods. This hard work is rather strenuous and very monotonous, but overall has a lower intensity so you don’t get your heart rate up and with no visible effect on your physical fitness.”

as sufficient rest. Nevertheless, physical activity at work appears to wear down your circulation, as well as muscles and joints. In principle, you may succeed in planning your physical activity in a way, so it increases your fitness; however, this has not yet been researched thoroughly enough.”

“Your fitness is improved by physical activity with much strain on your pulse, from 70% of your maximum pulse, as well

What should employees with hard, physical workload pay extra attention to? “Employees, including seafarers with hard,

THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PARADOX The physical activity paradox is all about the fact that physical, hard work increases the risk of absence due to sickness, while physical activity in your spare time reduces this absence. In 2020, a number of scientists published a survey, stating that 929 employees in businesses with physical work over a time up to five workdays had motion sensors, which registered information about the employees’ physical activities throughout the day. Meanwhile, the participants registered the different activities of their day in a log. The data from the survey were compared with the registration data from people on long-term sick leave. The results showed that 21% of employees with hard, physical work later went on a long-term sick leave. However, those who were active in their spare time and sporadically got their heart rate up had a 20% lower risk of a long-term sick leave later. Source: The physical activity paradox revisited: a prospective study on compositional accelerometer data and long-term sickness absence. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity

– We l l - b e i n g –

Photo: private

It is important to prevent long-term health impacts at sea. SEA HEALTH & WELFARE has many different posters illustrating many of the risks that seafarers need to be aware of.

physical work, must repeatedly keep their body in good shape, both in relation to muscle mass, but also when it comes to their fitness. Moreover, it is very important that you make sure to vary your load during work. For instance, if you lift a lot at work, you should try to spread out this work throughout your entire workday, so you’ll have times with few or no lifts at all.” What should you do in your spare time if you have hard, physical work? “In short, in your spare time, you should exercise which increases your physical fitness. There is a great risk of cardiovascular diseases for employees with hard, physical work. You can reduce this risk by having a good, physical fitness. This will mean that your workload will feel lighter with a lower strain on your pulse than if you experience poor fitness. Are there any particular circumstances about working on a ship, which you notice in this regard? “Without being too familiar with the working conditions and environment on a ship, I imagine that the workdays on a ship are longer than seven to eight

hours. In addition, there may be different temperatures on a ship than on shore. Both very high and low temperatures will stress your body, thus increasing your workload when you perform physically challenging work. Also, your workload and the tasks at hand may vary, depending on the weather and if the ship is at sea, docked, etc. These conditions must also be considered when planning hard, physical work.” Do you have any ideas how to plan physical work, so it becomes less strenuous? “For everyone with hard, physical work, it is relevant to look at how the most strenuous workloads are comprised. For example, you should spread out your workload among several employees or more workdays. And if you could mix sedentary workload in between your hard, physical work. It is also important to get enough rest during your workday with hard and strenuous work.” “Without completely knowing what is practically possible, you should consider removing some of the burden off the employee, for instance by using tools to lift or hold loads, other tools, etc. It is

Mette Korshøj is a senior researcher and Ph.D. at the Department of Occupational and Social Medicine at Holbæk Hospital. ”Seafarers with hard physical work need to focus on keeping their bodies in good shape,” she says.

also a good idea that seafarers have the opportunity to rest sufficiently during work, as well as give them some room to exercise during or outside their working hours. Therefore, the officers on the ship should include their employees in their discussions concerning how you can change or improve your working conditions and environment, so your work becomes less strenuous.” On a ship, there are already more risks associated with many of the tasks, such as falling, noises, chemicals, high intensity before deadlines, etc. Which challenges do seafarers experience if they also wish to prevent any long-term sick leave? “These exposures may cause a lot of challenges and increase the risk of long-term sick leaves. If you must decrease these challenges, you ought to include your employees in your discussions of how you can change or improve your working conditions and environment to be less strenuous, safer and with more influence by the employees.”

– We l l - b e i n g –

HOW TO MAKE YOUR BODY FIT for the working life

As a seafarer, are you aware of the health risks, associated with strenuous and manual tasks, and long and changing shifts on the ship? SEA HEALTH & WELFARE can help you with counselling, guidance and inspiration to prevent e.g., work related diseases.

“One way to get started is to include one or more of your colleagues. With a training community, it may be easier to be motivated, as well as motivating others to run 20 minutes on the treadmill instead of staying in bed or watching TV,” she points out.

Several consultants at SEA HEALTH & WELFARE have a background as a ship’s officer and know their way around onboard the ship, including the strenuous tasks, changing shifts, and manual workloads. We use this knowledge to guide and advise seafarers on Danish-flagged ships, so they’ll have a bigger influence on their lives at sea.

SET REALISTIC GOALS It is a good idea to be realistic with your ambitions when you start your training. If you don’t push yourself unnecessarily hard, you are more likely to stay motivated and avoid injuries.

“The vast majority of seafarers are very professional and passionate about their work. However, sufficient rest and sleep is necessary to work both responsibly and efficiently. We know that changing your working hours affects your sleep rhythm, as well as the quality of your sleep. Insufficient amount of sleep or short resting periods, combined with monotonous, and physical work, is a dangerous cocktail which inconveniently affects your long-term health,” says health consultant at SEA HEALTH & WELFARE, Pernille Voigt Nordstrand.

We know that changing your working ”hours affects your sleep rhythm, as well as the quality of your sleep, which inconveniently affects your body.

To counter these challenges, it is a very good idea to exercise in your spare time, as emphasized by senior scientist, Mette Korshøj. If you get your heart rate up, you can increase and maintain your physical condition. This will do a lot to counteract the negative influence, which e.g., long shifts with low intensity or changing shifts has on your body.

”

“Combine your fitness training with your weight training to get the most out of both. Also remember that it is alright to slow down if you one day are feeling extra tired. You can always catch up the next day,” says Pernille Voigt Nordstrand.

COMMUNITIES MAY MOTIVATE AND IMPROVE YOUR TRAINING Pernille Voigt Nordstrand has already inspired many ships crews to put training and exercise on the agenda onboard.

– We l l - b e i n g – YOUR BEST PHOTO COULD WIN THE 2022 SEAFARERS’ PHOTO COMPETITION

GET ADVICE AND INSPIRATION FROM PERNILLE Consultant Pernille Voigt Nordstrand has a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and health and is therefore the right person to contact if you are a seafarer in search of counselling about physical activity and training onboard. Contact Pernille Mail: pvn@shw.dk Phone: +45 31 40 65 00 SEA HEALTH & WELFARE offers many guides and services about health at sea. To get started, you can check out some of them here: Sailing and rest hours. This guide focus on the challenges associated with shift work and provide recommendations on e.g., the resting time and safety onboard. Health management. Here the shipping companies, the ship’s officers and other relevant key persons get an introduction to specific efforts and methods, they can use to promote health and fitness onboard the ship.

In 2021, 38 seafarers submitted a total of 254 photos for the photo competition. This year we hope to receive even more great photos from life and experiences on board the many Danish-flagged ships around the world. There are prizes for the five best photos. To participate, you must submit one or more photos (max. 15 per person per year) in high resolution. Your photos must not be more than two years old and must have a maritime theme, for example of the surroundings or situations from work or leisure on board. Send an email with your photos attached to foto@shw.dk • Include the title of the photo and the place where it was taken. • Also include the name and job title of the photographer on board, and the name of the ship.

You can buy these and many more guides on our website: shw.dk/webshop

FIT4SEA FIT4SEA is SEA HEALTH & WELFARE’s annual sports competition for seafarers on Danish-flagged ships. In the year to come, you may be rewarded with nice prizes for your hard training onboard. You can register and participate alone and compete against your colleagues and other ships in FIT4SEA. Or you can use FIT4SEA to keep track of your total training, both onboard and at home. Join FIT4SEA on the new registration website: https://fit4sea.shw.dk and experience a strong training community while you have the opportunity to win prizes. Happy training!

It is important that you only submit photos that you have taken yourself. You must also make sure that any people featured in the photo have agreed to your submitting it to the photo competition. Read more about the photo competition on SHW.DK under the tab WELFARE

PROGRAMS AND TIPS FOR RUNNING AND ROWING Are you a fan of the treadmill and the rowing machine onboard? Then, you can find a selection of programs and movies with tips and tricks on https://shw.dk/program. There are programs for both the beginners and the experienced rowers, and for you in between.

GET A DISCOUNT ON TRAINING GEAR SEA HEALTH & WELFARE has a discount agreement with the fitness equipment supplier Fitness Engros. They offer quality training equipment and can help you design training rooms onboard. Check out the website: https://shw.dk/ traeningsudstyr and contact Pernille to hear more about prices and your options. Winning photo from 2021 taken by Laura Karas

– Ask the consultant –

New requirements for the safety data sheets DEAR SEA HEALTH & WELFARE, 3. W hat should I do if I cannot get a safety data sheet correctly dated (after 1 January 2021) before the transition period expires on 31 December 2022?

I have read your newsletter about new requirements for the safety data sheets. In this regard, I have some questions. 1. W hat happens to all the safety data sheets for products, which have been assigned to the database of chemicals today, but are dated before the new regulations came into effect? 2. What should I do if I want to upload a new product, which exists on our positive list or in the database of chemicals, but the safety data sheet has become outdated?

Yours faithfully, Daniel Chief Officer

REGISTERING AND UPDATING PRODUCTS IN THE CHEMICAL DATABASE

SHIP OWNER

Shipowner sends safety data sheet and exposure scenario to...

Can we use this product?

WHIT LIST E Quality assurance by independent third party

3 If this product is approved:

If the product is not compliant:

The product is added to the database and company whitelist.

Dialogue with company administrator and supplier to obtain necessary data. If necessary data is not available, it will be rejected.

•

VESSEL

The chemical module in @SEA

Create work areas in @SEA

Create storage locations in @SEA

Now you have the following knowledge of the product:

VESSEL CATERING DECK ENGINE

Here, the vessel can create work areas and add information specific to the task. The information is used to generate a workplace instruction (WI).

STAFF ONLY

Storage location is the physical area on the vessel where a product is stored.

- WI - Substitution mark - Minimum requirement for PPE - SDS - ES

Note: If needed, it is possible to generate WI’s for a product locally.

• •

SUPPLIER

Risk assessment module in @SEA

Create a risk assessment with the information, you have received about the product.

The risk assessment framework is structured around 5 phases ➊ Mapping

HAZARD

The risk assessment must be regularly reviewed taking into account changes in your workplace. We recommend 1 year.

➋ Assessment Local products are not quality assured by competent third party DHI A/S.

•

Assessment of the safety data sheet – EU regulation. REACH and CLP compliance Identified use of the product Classification of product and constitution – Identification of problematic substances – e.g. carcinogens – requiring specific control measures – Possibly epoxy/isocyanate? Based on the assessment a workplace instruction (WI) is assigned to the chemical product.

Max 3 years between revisions.

➌ Action plan ➍ Risk assessment document ➎ Follow up/revision

EXPOSURE

Note: Sometimes a task produces harmful substances. This must be taken into account in the risk assessment.

HELLO DANIEL, Thank you for your questions. The new Safety Data Sheet Regulation (2020/878) from the EU was implemented on 1 January 2021. This regulation includes a transition period and must therefore be followed as of 31 December 2022 the latest. The latest amendments to appendix II in the REACH Regulation include a number of essential changes in the content and format to the safety data sheets. Here, you can find the answers to your questions where I also explain the significance the new regulations have for the practical use of our new IT platform @SEA-@SHORE, which you use to keep track of your onboard chemicals. As regards 1. We have concluded that it will be justifiable to keep the previously approved products. These products will be updated continuously when new safety data sheets are being submitted. It is important that you check that the date on the safety data sheet on the IT platform is the same as the date on the safety data sheet you receive along with your chemical products. If the safety data sheet you received from the supplier upon delivery contains a newer date, you must send it in through the person in charge of chemicals in your shipping company. This is the only way to keep the Chemicals database updated. As regards 2. When you upload a new product, which already exists on your positive list or in the Chemicals database, you must check the date on the safety data sheet. If it is from before 1 January 2021, you must contact the person in charge of chemicals in the shipping company, which will ask the supplier for a new safety data sheet, which complies with the new regulations. Subsequently, it must be sent in through the shipping company as a product update. As regards 3. If the person in charge of chemicals in the shipping company have asked the supplier, and they inform that you do not require a new safety data sheet before 31 December 2022, we will accept this. If you cannot acquire a safety data sheet after 31 December 2022, which is dated after 1 January 2021 and complies with the new regulations, new product will not be approved in the Chemicals database. I hope this answers your questions. Please feel free to contact me again. Sincerely yours, Anne Ries Senior Consultant

In At SEA no. 1 you can read features from the Welfare Ship of the Year 2021: GIJON KNUTSEN

Your ship can be the 2022 Welfare Ship of the Year – how to enter Do both crew and officers go the extra mile for welfare and community on board your ship? Then nominate your ship for ”2022 Welfare Ship of the Year”. The prize is USD 1,000 to be used for a reward that everyone on board can enjoy.

NOMINATE YOUR SHIP All seafarers can participate and nominate a Danish-flagged ship by sending an email to welfareship@shw.dk by 31 December 2022. You should first read our website SHW.dk/aarets-velfaerdsskib for advice. Just after the New Year, a panel of judges will assess all nominations submitted and pick the Welfare Ship of the Year. The judges have previously focused on creative initiatives that promote community on board and counter loneliness and social isolation.

– Personal protection equipment –

HAZARDOUS NOISES MUST BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hearing damages are the most common and incurable occupational disease. Typically, impaired or loss of hearing is caused by a long time of being exposed to noises. The hearing may also be permanently damaged if you are exposed to a single impact of very high noise levels.

There will always be noises onboard a vessel, i.e., in the engine room, the galley and from several auxiliary engines and machines onboard. It is the responsibility of the shipping company and the ship’s officers to reduce the noise exposure. Moreover, they must supply the crew members with hearing protection when they work in places and situations where exposure to high noise levels cannot be avoided by other means.

WHEN IS THE USE OF EAR PROTECTORS REQUIRED? It is the duty of the shipping company and the employer to ensure that you are equipped with ear protectors when the noise exposure limits are exceeded: • W hen the noise level exceeds 80 dB(A) • When the peak value exceeds 135 dB(C) • When the noise is hazardous or severely annoying. In addition, you are required by law to wear ear protectors in rooms where the level exceeds 85 dB(A). Ear protectors must be worn during the entire stay in rooms where

hearing protection are required. In rooms where the noise exceeds 80 dB(A), signs must indicate that the use of ear protectors is recommended. It is also recommended that no one works in rooms where the peak magnitude exceeds 130 dB(C). Limitations when working in a noisy room How long you are allowed to work in a noisy room depends on the noise level in the room: 85 dB(A) Eight hours 88 dB(A) Four hours 91 dB(A) Two hours 94 dB(A) One hour 97 dB(A) 30 minutes 100 dB(A) 15 minutes

MUST THE SEAFARER BE NOTIFIED ABOUT THE RISK OF NOISES? Yes. It is the responsibility of the shipping company to ensure that the seafarer receives instruction in the risks, associated with hazards of high and long duration of noise exposure. This training should take place when recruiting the seafarer.

Furthermore, the crew members who regularly work in rooms with noise levels exceeding 85 dB(A) should continuously receive training. This instruction should include the following points: • Limitations for noise exposure and the use of warning signs • Types of ear protectors available, their approximate noise-reducing effect, their correct application and adjustment, as well as how normal communication is being affected when you wear ear protectors • The policy and procedure of the shipping company in connection with hearing protection and possible monitoring programmes, accessible for seafarers, who work in rooms where warning signs are required • Instructions on possible signs of loss of hearing and possible initiatives to be implemented, provided these signs are noticeable for the seafarer in question. In addition, the training must ensure that all relevant seafarers know how they

– Personal protection equipment –

START WITH STOP It is the shipping company’s responsibility to take measures, which reduce high noise levels onboard the ship, so that the use of ear protectors may be reduced to a minimum whenever possible. Therefore, employers and crew members must use the so-called STOP principle when preparing the daily assignments. The STOP principle means that you in advance evaluate an assignment, based on the following methods: Substitution: First, you evaluate whether there are alternative ways to complete your assignment, so you avoid working in places with high noise levels. operate and maintain machinery and silencers or attenuators to avoid production of unnecessary noises.

WHICH TYPE OF EAR PROTECTOR SHOULD I CHOOSE? You must choose the type of ear protectors, which reduces the risk of hearing damages the best. There are two types of ear protectors: • E arplugs, which are put in your ear canals • Ear defenders, which covers the entire ear The ear protectors must be adjusted and applied so that the user will not be bothered, just as they must be worn with other protective equipment without impairing the effect of any protective equipment, such as safety glasses and safety helmet. The ear protectors selected must reduce the noise exposure to 85 dB, so that there are no risks of hearing damages during an 8-hour workday. By correctly

and constantly using earplugs, the noise exposure is reduced by 10-20 dB. This means that earplugs should not be used if the noise in the room exceeds 95 dB. Ear defenders reduce the noise exposure by 20-30 dB. If you briefly have to enter a room with noises exceeding 115 dB, you should wear both earplugs and ear defenders.

WHICH REQUIREMENTS ARE THERE TO THE USER MANUAL AND MARKING OF THE EAR PROTECTION? The supplier must provide the user manual in Danish along with the ear protectors. On ships where the working language is anything else but Danish, the instructions should be in that language, as well. The instructions must contain information about protecting properties, adjustment, usage, maintenance, and storage. The ear protectors must be CE marked and approved by an authorised laboratory. In addition, three pieces of information about the attenuation of the ear protectors must be available:

Technical precautions: If the substitution is impossible, you must contemplate whether there is a technical precaution, which could be used to reduce high noise levels. Organisational initiatives: Upon organisation initiatives, clarify whether you can avoid performing your assignments in places with high noise levels. If not, you should split the task between two or more crewmembers Personal protective equipment: The seafarer must wear ear protectors in cases when the three methods above cannot reduce the powerful noises to the limit recommended.

– Personal protection equipment – RISKS WHEN USING EAR PROTECTORS Ear protectors may cause discomfort, such as heat, pressure, skin irritation and rash. This discomfort may vary from person to person. Therefore, it is important that there are several types of ear hearing protectors available, so that the individual crew member may choose exactly the ear protectors suitable for his/her needs and the specific assignment at hand.

Danger – Loud noise area

WHEN SOUND BECOMES NOISE Sound is measured in decibel (dB). A constant noise exposure is called dB(A), while a short-term impulse noise, e.g., starting an engine, is called dB(C). Normal speech is between 60-70 dB(A). Noise from an auxiliary engine in operation is between 100-115 dB(A), while the peak value when starting an engine may reach 130 dB(C). If a person works eight hours every day in a room with noises at 80 dB(A) or more, s/he may eventually suffer from hearing damages. Every time a sound increases or decreases by 3 dB, our ear perceives this as either a doubling or halving of the volume.

Hearing protection must be worn

• A ttenuation in the individual frequency bands from 125 to 8,000 Hz • Attenuation at high frequencies (H), medium frequencies (M) and low frequencies (L) • Attenuation as an approximate average value of all frequencies, SNR (Single Number Rating).

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE WARNING SIGNS ONBOARD? At entrances to all rooms onboard the ship where the noise level exceeds 85 dB, there must be a visible warning sign with a symbol and text. In rooms where only a small part of the room has noise levels exceeding 85 dB, signs must warn about noises and be visible at eye level and from all directions. Texts on warning signs: 80-85 dB(A) Loud noise level - use ear protectors 85-110 dB(A) Hazardous noise – ear protectors required 110-115 dB(A) Warning: hazardous noise - ear protectors required - only stay for a short time

With ear protectors, you may experience difficulties in communicating with others, as well as hearing warning sounds. Ear protectors with greater noise reduction than necessary may increase the risk of accidents at work.

> 115 dB(A) Warning: very hazardous noise - ear protectors required - stay for maximum ten minutes

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT MAINTAINING AND CLEANING THE HEARING PROTECTION? The shipping company is liable to ensure that the ear protectors are being maintained, cleaned and stored in accordance with the supplier’s instructions. The user must uphold the daily cleaning and maintenance of his/her personal ear protectors. Among other things, sealing rings on ear defenders should be regularly tested and replaced as soon as they start solidifying or becoming damaged. Ear protectors of plastic, rubber and the like must be replaced or cleaned frequently, preferably every day, pursuant to the method described in the instructions. If dirt from fingers touching the earplug enters the ear canal, it could cause irritation.

– Personal protection equipment – When ear protectors are not in use, you should store them in a place where they do not become deformed or are exposed to dust or dirt.

the ship where tools, galley equipment or other equipment cause a noise level of more than 85 dB(A) under normal working conditions.

WHAT ARE THE SHIPPING COMPANY AND SEAFARER’S RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES?

It is the responsibility of the seafarers to: • Receive instruction training concerning the risks of high noise levels • know all the precautions concerning noise control • adjust the ear protectors to the user • report defective, noise-reducing equipment to the personnel responsible onboard • use appropriate ear protectors in rooms or areas when required, while ensuring not to remove the ear protectors in these rooms, not even temporarily • clean, maintain and store the ear protectors, cf. the instructions.

The shipping company is responsible for several safety features and must ensure that: • the necessary means for noise reductions are used and maintained, pursuant to the supplier’s instructions • all rooms where the noise level exceeds the limit of 85 dB(A) have been identified by ensuring correctly and visibly signing • the captain and senior officers are aware of the importance to control the access to these rooms, just as the seafarers use appropriate ear protectors • the seafarers have access to an appropriate number of ear protectors for individual use • the captain, senior officer and possible safety officers are aware of the need to train the seafarers in the risks of noises, correct use of ear protectors, as well as information about the potential dangers if they choose not to. These instructions are meant to inform how to adjust, clean and store the ear protectors • Warning information is accessible on

Read more about noise and working in noisy environments on www.shw.dk/stoej References: The regulations for noises are found in Declaration 1283 of 11 November 2013 on amending the proclamation on Announcements from The Danish Maritime Authority A, technical regulation on the working environment onboard ships. AT- instruction D.5.2-2 Ear protectors AT- instruction D.6.1-5 Noise

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR EAR PROTECTORS The reduction in the noise exposure presupposes that the ear protectors are maintained, correctly applied, and that they are worn during the entire stay in a noisy room. If these conditions are not met, the reduction in the noise exposure is 10 dB maximum. You must not remove your ear protectors while being in a room with high noise levels. Even if the ear protectors are removed for a short period of time, the overall protection of your ear is being reduced considerably. As a rule, ear protectors are for personal use and must not be shared by several people. Earplugs must never be shared by several people. The shipping company must acquire and pay for the ear protectors, just as the equipment belongs to the shipping company.

Get an overview of the mental well-being on board SEA HEALTH & WELFARE has published the new guide MENTAL WELL-BEING ON THE AGENDA, aimed at ship’s officers. The guide is intended to help initiate an equal and constructive conversation with a crew member who is showing signs of distress. Poor well-being affects efficiency and can, in the worst case, lead to accidents at work or illness. It is important that the management on board the ship pays attention to the well-being of all crew members. A printed copy of MENTAL WELL-BEING ON THE AGENDA has already been sent to those ships that receive the magazine At SEA from SHW. The guide can also be ordered and purchased on SHW.dk in Danish and English. More information Contact consultant Anna Bergmark Mail: ANB@shw.dk Phone: +45 7240 2610

– Personal Protection Equipment –

Recommended standard

of accommodation for seafarers working on board cargo vessels In July 2021, Lloyds Register Foundation and Seafarers International Research Centre (CIRC) presented its new, recommended standard of accommodation for seafarers working on board cargo vessels.

These recommendations meet four issues, which have been raised by seafarers: • Inadequate storage space • Insufficient control of light and temperature in cabins • Inadequate provisions for recreation • Noise and vibration disturbance in cabins We have chosen to focus on the problem with inadequate storage space in the cabins and the associated recommendations. Frequently, the seafarers’ cabins are small and in need of more space for storage, e.g., for our clothes, books, tablets, and suitcases. Therefore, we often cannot avoid the fact that the cabin becomes too crowded and disorganised, which might affect the seafarer’s mental health poorly. Consequently, the seafarers may occasionally resort to creative solutions, which inadvertently increase the fire hazard, block emergency exists, overload the electricity network, or complicate the firefighters’ efforts in case of fire.

– Personal Protection Equipment –

• A night table with a drawer and a cupboard with at least one removable shelf • A t least two integrated drawers in the bed frame under the bed • A t least three power outlets, which are practically placed and in connection with the night table and the desk in the chamber • A minimum of four coat hooks • A rail for towels on the back of the bathroom door

According to the latest recommendations, each cabin should be of sufficient size to accommodate these furnishings in addition to those already required by the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), chapter 3: • Minimum three bookshelves (or the like) with appropriate sizes, which are set up on the bulkhead. Each bookshelf should contain at least two removable shelves • A double wardrobe with hangers on one side and at least five removable shelves on the other side • A separate deck-to-deck (floor-to-ceiling) cupboard with room for storing one large and small suitcases, as well as room for a life jacket and survival suit as needed

Every seafarer is responsible for his/her cabin at all times being neat and tidy. It is the ship’s management´s responsibility to supervise the condition of the cabins, thus ensuring that there are no defects or omissions.

Need inspiration for a great book series? Look no further Sometimes it is great to dive into a series of books. The Seafarers’ Library can get most series for you. For instance, you can check out these six. Contact the library at bibliotek@shw.dk if you want us to send you any of the series or other books to you.

Aubrey/Maturin. This historical nautical series written by Patrick O’Brian set during the Napoleonic Wars is centered on the friendship between Royal Navy Captain Jack Aubrey and ship’s surgeon Stephen Maturin, a physician, spy and philosopher. The 2003 film Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World contains elements from the first five books in the series. E Robot Series. This classic science fictions series by Isaac Asimov weaves together stories about robots, humanity, and the questions of existence. The unique feature of Asimov’s robots is the Three Laws of Robotics, hardwired in a robot’s positronic brain, which ensure that the robot does not turn against its creators. E

E E

The Expanse. Humanity has colonized much of the solar system – Mars, the Moon, the Asteroid Belt and beyond – but the stars are still out of our reach. In the first book Jim Holden, an officer on an ice miner, and his crew discover a derelict ship called the Scopuli, which holds a deadly secret. War is coming to the system, unless Jim can find out who abandoned the ship and why. The series is written by James S. A. Corey, the joint pen name of authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck. Check out danielabraham.com for more inspiration.

Dune. Written by Frank Herbert Dune is E one of the classic science fictions series and described as the bestselling science fiction novel in history. Dune and the five sequels are a blend of adventure and mysticism, environmentalism, and politics. Check out dunenovels.com for more inspiration.

Harry Potter. Everybody probably knows J.K. Rowling’s fantasy series about the young wizard and his friends. Haven’t you already read the seven novels, you should. You are taken into a fantastic world where the good must fight the evil that is on the rise. Check out the website wizardingworld.com for more inspiration.

The Witcher/The Witcher Saga. Popular fantasy series by Andrzej Sapkowski. The main character is “witcher”, Geralt of Rivia, who holds the line against monsters plaguing humanity. He and his fellow witchers hunt the wild beasts and monsters, and his magic powers and lifelong training have made him a brilliant fighter and a merciless assassin.

HELPLINE FOR SEAFARERS

Need someone to talk to? Reach out to Helpline for seafarers to receive confidential and neutral support and counseling. +45 6015 5824 or helpline@shw.dk

We love PODCASTS!

These podcasts will inspire you and feed your curiosity

THE WIM HOF PODCAST

STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW Who names a continent? What is El Nino? What is coal? These are just a few of the many topics covered in this extremely popular podcast – consistently ranked in the Top 10 on iTunes. According to the hosts, they are “just guys who enjoy research and are very curious”. This show will make you smarter and feed your curiosity. Each episode contains lots of links and references to additional reading if you want to learn even more about a given topic e.g., “Postmodernism”, “Salute the Grilled Cheese”, “What happened to abandoned mines?”, “What is NATO all about?” or “Smelly Homes”.

The podcast, hosted by Wim Hof and his son Enahm, is recorded in the greenhouse of The Wim Hof centre, in the Netherlands. Each episode is an exploration into life, breaking the ice and going into the depths, where no one has gone before! Speaking with guests from the world of popular culture, art, health, psychology, fitness, and more, they will help us understand the importance of life and how we can be more content and at peace. Wim Hof, also known as The Iceman, is a Dutch motivational speaker and extreme athlete noted for his ability to withstand freezing temperatures. He has set Guinness World Records for swimming under ice and prolonged full-body contact with ice, and previously held the record for a barefoot half marathon on ice and snow. If you want to get to know him better, you can find his books in The Seafarer’s Library in Libby. Check out the podcast on wimhofmethod.com/media

THE GAME INFORMER SHOW This weekly gaming podcast covers the latest video game news, industry topics, exclusive reveals, reviews of new and old games and in-dept interviews with game developers. The show also covers Xbox and PlayStation. The podcast is found both as an audio podcast, and on YouTube where the reviews are illustrated with extracts from the games. You can listen to and watch episodes about e.g., Pokémon Legends, Star Wars and Lego Games and The Halo series. There are also reviews on single games and gadgets.

Check it out on iheart.com/podcast Check out the podcast on gameinformer.com/gishow

FANTASY, MANGA, SCIENCE FICTION AND GRAPHIC NOVELS – maybe something for the younger seafarers onboard? The descriptions are based on the first book of the series. Find these and many more titles in Libby.

FANTASY SERIES: THE KINGKILLER CHRONICLE by Patrick Rothfuss The story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man’s search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend. THE STORMLIGHT ARCHIVE by Brandon Sanderson It has been centuries since the fall of the ten consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and

suits of armor that transform ordinary men into near-invincible warriors. Men trade kingdoms for Shardblades. Wars were fought for them and won by them. THE GREAT DEVIL WAR by Kenneth B. Andersen The Devil, Lucifer, is dying and desperately in need of a successor. Philip, a really good boy gets sent to Hell by mistake. Lucifer has little time left and starts training Philip in the ways of evil. Philip is terrible at being bad, but when he falls in love with a she-devil and experiences the powerful forces of love and jealousy, the task becomes much easier. Philip finds both

friends and enemies in the odd, gloomy underworld. OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon Intrigue, danger, and desire merge in this lush novel of loyalty and time travel. In 1945, Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon. Their reunion is shattered when she touches a boulder in an ancient stone ruin and is instantly transported to a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in 1743. Will Claire find her way back to her own time, or is her destiny forever in 1743?

MANGA SERIES: Jujutsu Kaisen by Gege Akutami My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi One Piece by Eiichiro Oda

Get started – step-by-step 1: How to register and use Libby

SCIENCE FICTION SERIES: THE INTERDEPENDENCY by John Scalzi Our universe is ruled by physics. The Flow, an extradimensional field available at certain points in space-time, can take us to other planets around other stars. Riding The Flow, humanity spreads to innumerable other worlds. Earth is forgotten. A new empire arises, the Interdependency, based on the doctrine that no one human outpost can survive without the others. It’s a hedge against interstellar war—and, for the empire’s rulers, a system of control. MORTAL ENGINES by Philip Reeve Welcome to the astounding world of Predator Cities! Emerging from its hiding place in the hills, the great Traction City is chasing a terrified little town across the wastelands. Soon

London will feed. In the attack, Tom Natsworthy is flung from the speeding city with a murderous scar-faced girl. They must run for their lives through the wreckage—and face a terrifying new weapon that threatens the future of the world. FOUNDATION by Isaac Asimov It is the year 12,020 G.E. and Emperor Cleon I sits uneasily on the Imperial throne of Trantor. Here in the great multidomed capital of the Galactic Empire, forty billion people have created a civilization of unimaginable technological and cultural complexity. Hari Seldon has come to Trantor to deliver his paper on psychohistory, his theory of prediction. With the theory Seldon has unknowingly sealed his fate and the fate of humanity. For Hari possesses the prophetic power that makes him the most wanted man in the Empire.

To borrow books and magazines you need to create a personal user-ID. You do that by sending the following information to bibliotek@shw.dk: • Name • Email • Self-elected pin code of 4 characters letters and/or numbers • Your ship and shipping company • And please make a note if you allow the library to send you information regarding the library We send you an email when your library card is created. 2: Download the Libby app from your app store 3: Start using Libby – follow these steps 1. First question: Do you have a library card? – Press Yes 2. Choose the middle option: “Otherwise, you can look up your library by name or location, I’ll search for a library” 3. Write: “The Seafarers’ Library” – and choose the library 4. Choose: “Enter Library Account Details” 5. Enter your email address 6. Enter your pin code 7. You are asked if you prefer to read with Kindle. Unfortunately, this is not possible, therefore press Skip You are now ready to browse, download, and read!

GRAPHIC NOVELS:

You can of course use Libby on your phone and tablet. If you want to read on your PC, go to www.libbyapp.com. You need access to the internet while downloading but you can read offline. Books are available for 28 days, magazines for 21 days.

Ringworld by Larry Niven Venom by Donny Cates Black Panther by Ta-Nehisi Coates Etc.

at SEA nr. 2 - 2022 UK version

Articles inside

DHRUVA’S FIRST JOURNEY WAS AN EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTERRIDE

SHIP’S OFFICER BY CHANCE

A TRUSTED COLLEAGUE GIVES SECURITY IN A NEW WORLD

DANISH SHIPPING COMPANIES BOOST MENTORING SCHEME

“IT’S NOT LIKE A FAIRYTALE WITH DOLPHINS CONSTANTLY LEAPING BY THE BOW”