In 1988 the IMO made “Seaspeak” the international language of the sea. English is the principle language base of Seaspeak because it was the most common language spoken at sea in 1988. English is also the international language in civil aviation. There are numerous factors that led to English as a common language for communication at sea. Some not nearly as relevant today … [Read more...]
ILO Adopts New Minimum Monthly Wage for Seafarers
A Subcommittee of the Joint Maritime Commission (JMC) of the International Labour Union has agreed on a Resolution raising the minimum monthly wage for seafarers. The mechanism agreed to is the only one in the International Labour Organization (ILO) that sets the basic wage for any industry. Under the Resolution, the minimum monthly basic wage figure for able seafarers … [Read more...]
First Ever Manila Statement Issued on Fair Treatment of Seafarers
A meeting was held on 13 November in Manila, between senior government representatives from Asia’s leading maritime nations regarding the treatment of seafarers. Also present at the meeting was a large cross section of the Asian and international shipping community, from ship owners and casualty investigators, to prosecutors and auditors, as well as the seafarers … [Read more...]
Study: More Than a Quarter of Seafarers Polled Reported Signs of Depression
More than a quarter of seafarers reported showing symptoms of of depression, according to a study of seafarers’ mental health presented this month during a Wellness at Sea conference this in London. The study of more than 1,000 seafarers was carried out by international maritime charity Sailors’ Society and Yale University. More than one in six of the respondents coming from … [Read more...]
Report Sounds Alarm On Future Officer Shortage
Looking into a career at sea? Your help is need now more than ever. That's according to a new report by BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping, which predicts a potential shortage of almost 150,000 officers by 2025. The latest five-year BIMCO/ICW Manpowere Report, launched Monday at the International Maritime Organization, forecasts that a serious shortage in the … [Read more...]