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AMWS E-News October 2024
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"Welcome to the October 2024 Edition of the AMWS E-News". Today I want to discuss the issue of Diversity in the Maritime Industry. Traditionally when the industry considered “Diversity” it was in the context of gender equality. While this is extremely important, I am thinking of Diversity it the broadest sense, as organisations and institutions need to be reflective of the society they are a part of and the world they exist in........... Chairman, Mr David Parmeter View and read David's full comments here >>
Maritime Industry Workforce Plan 2024. Corporate Authors - Industry Skills Australia. (© Industry Skills Australia Limited, Maritime Industry, 2024 Workforce Plan) The Maritime Industry 2024 Workforce Plan identifies workforce challenges and opportunities in Australia’s maritime sector. It highlights labor shortages, an aging workforce, and the need for a more inclusive industry, particularly focusing on increasing the participation of women and underrepresented groups. The plan emphasizes that addressing these gaps is essential for supporting emerging demands, such as the establishment
of
the
Strategic
Fleet,
offshore
wind
energy
projects,
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decommissioning of oil and gas infrastructure. To build a sustainable workforce, the plan calls for improved collaboration between industry, government, and education providers. It recommends expanding maritime education pathways, creating more accessible sea training opportunities, and aligning workforce development efforts with broader energy and sustainability goals. These steps will help ensure the industry has the capacity to meet both current and future needs while fostering long-term economic and national security benefits. For more information, access the full 70 page report via the QR code below.
Captain Jeanine Drummond Accepts Donation to AMWS from Bobbin Head Cruising Yacht Club After Guest Speaker Address. Sydney 12th October 2024 Captain Jeanine Drummond, a seasoned maritime professional, member of AMWS and a passionate advocate for seafarers' welfare, recently attended the Bobbin Head Cruising Yacht Club’s 41st season opening as guest speaker. During the event, she had the opportunity to cruise the beautiful waters of the Hawkesbury and later address the audience at dinner, discussing maritime and shipping issues, and highlighting the work of the Australian Mariners Welfare Society (AMWS). In appreciation, the yacht club generously donated $400 to the Australian Mariners Welfare Society. Captain Drummond, Managing Director at Integral Maritime and Chair of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), continues her advocacy for maritime careers and inclusive workplace cultures.
ITF Seafarers Marrakech Conference Outcomes. ITF 17th October 2024 At the Seafarers' Section conference in Marrakech, the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) reaffirmed its commitment to improving seafarers' working conditions, addressing key challenges, and promoting a just transition towards sustainable shipping practices. The ITF highlighted the importance of continuing to protect seafarers from unfair treatment, criminalization, and abandonment, while also recognizing the need to attract more women and young people to the profession by ensuring it offers a sustainable and secure career path. A major theme of the conference was the focus on safety, particularly with the growing use of new fuels like ammonia and hydrogen, which require specialized training. The ITF, in collaboration with international partners through the Maritime Just Transition Taskforce, aims to prepare 800,000 seafarers for the shift toward decarbonization and safer maritime operations. The event also emphasized advocacy and collaboration, with participants agreeing to hold shipowners accountable and raise awareness about seafarers' rights. The ITF passed a motion to prioritize support and training for Ukrainian seafarers and railway workers. The conference concluded with renewed efforts to align workers' rights with global sustainability goals, with representatives highlighting that climate justice and workforce well-being are crucial to the future of the maritime sector. The inclusion of both youth and gender diversity in leadership roles further signaled a shift towards greater inclusivity in the industry. Read More >>
Maritime Crime and Piracy Incidents Lowest since 1994, but Threats to Crews Remain. IMB Piracy Reporting Centre, 10th October 2024 In the first nine months of 2024, piracy and armed robbery incidents at sea fell to the lowest levels since 1994, according to the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB). A total of 79 incidents were reported, down from 99 in the same period last year. Between January and September, 62 vessels were boarded, six were hijacked, nine faced attempted attacks, and two were fired upon. Most incidents occurred at night, with perpetrators gaining access to the vessels in 86% of cases. Despite the drop in incidents, violence against crew members remains a concern—111 crew members were taken hostage, 11 kidnapped, and three threatened. Armed perpetrators used weapons, including guns and knives, in 45 incidents. IMB Director Michael Howlett praised the decline but warned against complacency, urging vessel operators to follow IMB guidelines. He credited governments and law enforcement for their efforts in improving maritime security. Access the IMB Report here >>
Stella Maris Launches Report Underlining Seafarer Mental Health: "Life at Sea: Mental Health and the Human Touch". Safety4Sea 10th October 2024 Stella Maris launched its Life at Sea Report 2024 on World Mental Health Day, focusing on the importance of seafarers' mental health and wellbeing. The report urges the maritime industry to prioritize crew mental health, as stigma often prevents seafarers from openly discussing their struggles. CEO Tim Hill emphasized the emotional toll, isolation, and fear experienced by seafarers working far from their families under challenging conditions. The report highlights the critical role of Stella Maris' global network of chaplains and volunteers, whose ship visits offer essential face-to-face support and foster human connection often lacking at sea. Case studies featured in the report illustrate crises faced by seafarers, including conflicts and financial difficulties, with partnerships between shipping companies and welfare organizations deemed vital in addressing these challenges. Clinical psychologist Charles Watkins, a contributor to the report, commended the chaplains’ efforts, noting that small, compassionate gestures, such as inquiring about crew members' families, can significantly enhance their mental wellbeing. Access the Report here >>
Reminder: AMSA Draws Attention to the Importance of Shore Leave. Huw Murday, DCN, 3rd October 2024 Marine Order 03/2023: This Marine Order Draws Attention to the Importance of Providing Shore Leave to Seafarers, for Ships Visiting Australian Ports. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has emphasized the importance of shore leave for seafarers visiting Australian ports. Shore leave is a requirement under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, which is critical for the health and well-being of seafarers. AMSA has reminded shipowners, companies, and masters that the decision to grant shore leave should prioritize seafarer welfare, not financial concerns. Port state control officers may take action if shore leave rights are denied without valid reasons. The right to shore leave is also upheld by Australian law through the Navigation Act 2012 and Marine Order 11. In 2022, Australia was criticized for its treatment of seafarers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Link to the DCN Article >>
The Beacon: Monthly Section Illuminating significant Activities, Trends, Personalities and Developments within the Australian Maritime Industry
Industry Skills Australia. Background Industry Skills Australia (ISA) plays a crucial role in addressing the workforce development needs of Australia’s maritime sector. As part of the broader Jobs and Skills Council initiative, ISA collaborates with industry leaders, unions, governments, and training providers to ensure the maritime industry has a skilled and resilient workforce capable of meeting current and future demands. ISA’s efforts include creating strategic workforce plans that outline skills gaps and training requirements, helping align educational institutions with industry needs. This planning is vital as the sector faces a growing demand for skilled professionals, driven by shifts toward net-zero operations, offshore wind projects, and the expansion of Australian-flagged vessels through the government’s Strategic Fleet initiative. For more detailed insights, including workforce forecasts as per the graphic above and industry projects, visit Industry Skills Australia's official maritime section here.
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? AMWS welcomes new members and volunteers >>
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