The International Labour Organization (ILO) has agreed on measures to attract and retain seafarers, and to ensure diversity and opportunities for all, including women and groups vulnerable to discrimination.
Representatives from governments, ship owners and seafarer organisations, as well as intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, met in Geneva between 25 February and 1 March to discuss these measures measures.
Keeping the Engine of Global Trade Running
'This meeting addressed the issues and approaches needed to ensure that the future of work in the maritime shipping sector is attractive, including for women and other groups vulnerable to discrimination, and that it retains qualified seafarers. Without them, shipping, the engine of global trade, could not function,' said the meeting’s Chairperson, Mr. Henrik Munthe, Attorney at Law in the Industrial Relations Department of the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise.
Promoting Good Practices and Addressing Problem Areas
While there are many positive and attractive aspects to a maritime career, there are also challenges and issues that may dissuade young people from becoming seafarers and may cause experienced seafarers to leave the sea. The projected seafarer shortage, in particular of officers, calls for promoting good practices and addressing problem areas to ensure that there are qualified and motivated seafarers in the future.
Ongoing Technological Developments
Maritime shipping, as with other sectors, is adjusting to ongoing technological developments. These include automation and digitalization, reduced crew sizes and the resultant potential stress and isolation, limited shore leave and changes in shipping operations and management. Developments in communication technology, such as Internet access, including on the high seas, are generally positive, providing seafarers with the means to keep in contact with friends and family ashore, but these also may lead to less social interaction on board.
Women Are Under-represented
Women are very under-represented in the seafaring profession, comprising only a small percentage of serving seafarers, and are, therefore, an under-utilised resource. While there are good examples of successful women seafarers, including women captains on some of the most modern cargo and passenger ships, too many women in the sector face such problems as discrimination, isolation and even sexual harassment.
ILO Consideration
The outcome of the meeting, including the note of its proceedings and conclusions negotiated by the three groups, will be submitted to the Governing Body of the ILO for consideration at its November 2019 session.
