Prisilla Nadar

[Mumbai, 28th June] Seafarers are the one who are working restlessly ensuring cargo supply all around the globe without any recognition. Even during this pandemic, seafarers did not budge and kept serving. People who are not much aware of the seafarers need to know, if there are no seafarers, there would not be any shipping taking place, and without any shipping of products, people won’t be able to shop. Highlighting this Capt James Foong organized a webinar on 25th June, as part of celebrating seafarers’ day, where experts spoke about the importance of the seafarers.

“Seafarers have always been the heart of world trade, their work touches the lives of each and every one of us,” said Mr Kitack Lim, General Secretary, International Maritime Organisation (IMO) through his video message. “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has created challenging working conditions including difficulties with port access, repatriation, and more; unfortunately there are still many seafarers who are stuck at sea for an extended period beyond their contract and others unable to join the ship. Despite these difficulties, seafarers have gone beyond the call of duty,” stated Mr Lim.

Capt Foong along with Ms Eva Lianne Berger welcomed the guest speakers on this special day from different part of the world. The guest list included; Mr Manoj Joy, Community development manager, the Sailors’s Society of India; Ms Pam Kern MS, LMSW-cc Former Seafarers and Psychotherapist, Mr Gordon Foot FNI Senior Offshore Client Representative; Ms Jillian Carson, President of the Nautical Institute; Capt Andre LeGoubin MNM MA FNI, Senior Vice President of the Nautical Institute; Ms Maria Dixon, CEO ISM Shipping solutions Ltd; Capt Ozgur Dogan Gunes, AFNI,Executive Director, TriNoden Marine; Mr Simon Grainge, CEO, International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network.

Every one expressed their opinion on who are seafarers and why do they matter. “Seafarers have given their life for the industry, now we need to find out ways to help them, as seafarers are not getting the slots of their vaccination,” said Mr Joy. He requested the entire industry to help the seafarers facing such issues.

Concentrating on younger seafarers Capt LeGoubin said, “Young seafarers are the future of this industry. We have to make sure that quality jobs are available for them.” Capt LeGoubin insisted on having a free access to the internet onboard. Adding to which Ms Pam acknowledged that Internet for this generation is a basic utility. Ms Dixon and Ms Carson agreed that Internet is useful for having connection and communication that plays a major role in keeping the mental health of the seafarer steady.

Capt Gunes stressed upon the need to do something new to create awareness about maritime industry and the seafarers. He stated that, we really need to get out of our comfort zone to spread awareness.

“Seafarers are still an invisible workforce,” said Mr Grainge. He explained the challenges ISWAN went through to help the stranded seafarers.

Speakers of this webinar paid tribute to the world’s 1.6 million unsung heroes at sea who carry out 90% of world trade through their heartfelt appreciations.

Marex Media