Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

1 6 0 But do challenges remain? “On the contrary, they are getting worse,” says Doumbia-Henry. “Efforts have to be intensified at all levels but, in particular, states have to intensify their actions relating to a recognition that seafarers are key workers, as articulated by the 2020 Day of the Seafarer theme. Similarly, industry stakeholders such as ship owners, managers and operators need to put the wellbeing of their own crew high on their agendas. “Mental and psychological support and interventions are welcome, but the key point remains: seafarers need to go home after completion of their contractual terms at sea in accordance with international standards.” Doumbia-Henry also calls for industry stakeholders to pay more attention to seafarers’ social protection: “The MLC addresses these matters with great care and provides for innovative solutions that seek to ensure that seafarers enjoy social security benefits in their country of residence. While many countries are still struggling to implement these provisions, industry stakeholders can give them a definitive push in this direction.” One of the gaps WMU has identified is the need for short tailor-made education and training courses for personnel engaged in supporting seafarers in the broad maritime community. “WMU has therefore designed a fully-fledged online course to fill this gap and enhance the knowledge and skills of those working with seafarers,” says Doumbia-Henry. “Thanks to the support of the ITF Seafarer’s Trust, we have designed the Professional Development Course in Maritime Welfare to train a broad spectrum of maritime organisations and individuals to address this important subject area of maritime welfare,” she says. Covid-19 has seen more than 300,000 seafarers stranded around the world awaiting international flights for crew change-over: “The need for awareness on maritime welfare has grown in importance. Lectures on maritime welfare will be delivered by leading experts in the sector.” Photo: World Maritime University INTERV IEW “The need for awareness on maritime welfare has grown in importance. Lectures on maritime welfare will be delivered by leading experts in the sector.”