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AMWS E-News July 2024
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"Welcome to the July 2024 Edition of the AMWS E-News" Chairman, Mr David Parmeter One of the objectives of this newsletter is to keep all our readers informed of the work of AMWS and also important developments in the maritime industry. This month there are a number of interesting and informative articles........... Video and full text of David's remarks for July 2024 can be viewed here >>
Diversity & Inclusion: Paths to the Sea. Abby Williams, Daily Cargo News, 2nd June 2024 Intro: Understanding the evolving language trends of "diversity" and "inclusion" reveals a significant shift in societal values over time. This article delves into the historical usage of these terms and their rising prominence, emphasizing the need for a broader, more inclusive understanding of diversity. It explores how various facets of diversity, beyond gender, are being recognized and integrated into the maritime industry to foster innovation and inclusivity. The maritime industry, historically male-dominated, is now expanding its focus to include age, cultural, religious, neurodiversity, and socioeconomic diversity. By challenging traditional norms and embracing diverse backgrounds, industries can avoid groupthink, enhance creativity, and ensure safety. Abby's article highlights the transformative impact of diversity initiatives on the maritime industry, illustrating how inclusivity can drive cultural change and improve operational effectiveness. Follow this link to access Abby's excellent article in full >>
WA Ports Minister Highlights Seafarer Welfare at the Seafarers Welfare Conference in Fremantle. DCN 18th Jult 2024 In a keynote address at the Seafarers Welfare Conference in Fremantle, WA Minister for Ports David Michael announced efforts by Fremantle Ports to establish a sustainable funding model for seafarer welfare services, with the shipping industry contributing systematically. Highlighting the commitment to addressing legal and humane treatment issues, he noted support from all WA port authorities. The Southern Ports Authority actively supports seafarers with funding for new buses, bicycles, Wi-Fi, and other amenities. A significant investment is the planned $13.5 million seafarer center at Port Hedland, funded by a levy on iron ore shipping, providing comprehensive services to 150,000 annual visitors. Michael praised industry support and the Pilbara Port Authority's advocacy for the project. Read the full DCN article via this link >>
Australian Seafarers Welfare Council (ASWC) Meeting. Fremantle 17th July 2024 The July 2024 ASWC Meeting was held in Fremantle to coincide with the Seafarers Welfare Conference. Issues on the agenda for discussion included; 1. An Overview of Seafarer Welfare Funding in Canada. 2. DITRDC Updates 3. MLC Complaints & Marine Incident Trends 4. Report on the Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group regarding Seafarer Issues and the Human Element 5. ASWC Member Updates 6. General Business AMWS Deputy Chairman Tony Cousins attended the meeting on behalf of the Society
$2.5m Seafarer Fund Launched at Mission to Seafarers Parliamentary Luncheon. Abby Williams, DCN, 21st June 2024
NSW
The Port Authority of NSW, Port of Newcastle, and NSW Ports have established a $2.5 million Seafarer Welfare Fund, marking a first for Australia. This five-year funding initiative supports five organisations—Stella Maris, MtS Port Kembla, MtS Sydney, MtS Newcastle, and Hunterlink—in providing welfare services to seafarers visiting NSW. Port Authority CEO Phil Holliday, NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas, and Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody highlighted the strategic collaboration's aim to ensure world-class care for seafarers, acknowledging their critical role in the economy. The fund aims to enhance seafarer welfare services, offering practical support such as emergency care, communication facilities, and transportation, with a goal to sustain and improve these services over time. MtS Sydney CEO Clayton Strong emphasized that the new funding helps address post-COVID challenges and secures long-term support for seafarers, despite declining donations and volunteering. The initiative sets a model for other ports to follow, ensuring continuous and effective support for visiting seafarers. Read Abby's full report here >>
Victorian Government Funds Seafarer Mental Health Support. DCN, 26th June 2024 The Victorian Government has allocated $500,000 to provide free mental health support services for seafarers at the state's ports. Announced by Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne on the International Day of the Seafarer, this funding will go to the Melbourne Seafarers Centre, aiding mariners at Melbourne, Geelong, Hastings, and Portland ports. Seafarers, who often face long periods of isolation at sea, will now have access to free WiFi, various forms of counselling, a 24/7 helpline, text messaging, translation services, critical incident onsite support, and specialized support for diverse cultural needs. This initiative aims to support seafarers' mental health and builds on a previous $2.5 million investment in the Melbourne Seafarers Centre. Minister Horne emphasized the essential role of seafarers in connecting Victorian producers globally and highlighted the need for mental health support due to their prolonged absences from home. Read the full story here >>
2023 was the worst year ever seen for seafarer abandonment – and ITF inspectors recovered nearly US$60 million in unpaid wages. ITF Seafarers Report June 2024 In 2023, the ITF's global network of inspectors recovered $57,161,779 in unpaid wages for seafarers. The year also saw record numbers of abandoned vessels (129) and abandoned seafarers (1,983). Inspectors conducted 9,530 ship inspections and handled 1,188 cases globally. Steve Trowsdale, ITF Inspectorate Coordinator, emphasized the critical role of inspectors in defending seafarers' rights and holding exploitative shipowners accountable. The ITF has over 125 inspectors in 110 ports across 55 countries, many of whom are former seafarers or dockers. Inspectors enforce collective bargaining agreements for over 357,000 seafarers on flag of convenience vessels and are trained to identify exploitation, overwork, and signs of forced labor. They have the authority to examine wage accounts and employment contracts. Trowsdale highlighted the importance of recovering owed wages, noting that many seafarers are primary earners for their families. Under the ILO's definition, seafarers unpaid for two months are considered abandoned, and non-payment of wages can indicate potential abandonment. View the ITF article here >>
The Beacon: Monthly Section Illuminating significant Activities, Trends, Personalities and Developments within the Australian Maritime Industry
Introduction to AMWS Member Amanda Brew. Amanda is the Societies Representative on the Newcastle Port Welfare Committee. July 2024 My maritime journey began with the Spirit of Adventure Trust on tall ships around New Zealand, igniting my passion for the sea. After earning my first commercial ticket, I advanced to a cadetship with Maersk Line, gaining global experience. During this period, I encountered the Mission to Seafarers (MTS) in various foreign ports, experiencing volunteers checking on seafarers' physical and emotional welfare. Witnessing the local MTS provide accommodation and care for seafarers in need highlighted the industry's solidarity and enduring commitment to assist others both at sea and ashore. Now, as a Master Unlimited and shore-based in Australia, I've seen the local MTS strive to support seafarers during COVID-19, underscoring the need for robust, long-term backing for such organizations. The Australian Mariners' Welfare Society (AMWS) offers this crucial support, working on the front lines and collaborating with seafaring welfare organizations nationwide and internationally. AMWS's dedication to ongoing support for the maritime community makes it a valuable organization I am proud to be associated with.
The AMWS Vision "To ensure all seafarers and their dependents, irrespective of nationality, gender, or beliefs, are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion". Interested in this AMWS vision and want to know more? Consider becoming an AMWS member >>
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