Empowering Seafarers: Crew Welfare and Seafarers’ Rights Training Course

Introduction

Seafarers, the backbone of global trade, often work in demanding and isolated environments, facing unique challenges that can impact their physical and mental well-being. Ensuring their welfare and upholding their fundamental rights are not merely ethical imperatives but also crucial for operational efficiency, crew retention, and the overall sustainability of the maritime industry. A comprehensive understanding of international labor standards and best practices in crew welfare is essential for creating a supportive and respectful working environment onboard.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip participants with a comprehensive and practical understanding of crew welfare provisions and seafarers' rights. From exploring the foundational principles of international maritime labor law and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) to mastering aspects of fair employment, decent working conditions, health protection, and social security, you will gain the expertise to champion seafarer well-being. This empowers you to ensure compliance, improve crew satisfaction, enhance retention, and contribute significantly to a more humane and sustainable global shipping industry.

Target Audience

  • Ship Owners, Operators, and Managers.
  • Crew Managers and Manning Agents.
  • Masters and Chief Officers.
  • Human Resources Personnel in Shipping Companies.
  • Designated Persons Ashore (DPAs) and Company Security Officers (CSOs).
  • Seafarers' Welfare Organizations and NGOs.
  • Maritime Labour Inspectors and Regulators.
  • Seafarers themselves, seeking to understand their rights.

Duration: 10 days

Course Objectives

  • Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:
  • Understand the fundamental importance of crew welfare and seafarers' rights in the maritime industry.
  • Grasp the comprehensive provisions of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006).
  • Analyze key aspects of seafarers' employment conditions, including contracts, wages, and working hours.
  • Comprehend the requirements for decent accommodation, recreational facilities, and food standards onboard.
  • Evaluate strategies for promoting seafarer health, medical care, and mental well-being.
  • Develop practical skills in addressing grievances, preventing harassment, and ensuring fair treatment.
  • Navigate the roles of various stakeholders (Flag State, Port State, social partners) in upholding seafarers' rights.
  • Formulate robust strategies for implementing and maintaining a proactive crew welfare program.

Course Content

Introduction to Crew Welfare and Seafarers' Rights

  • Defining Crew Welfare : holistic well-being of seafarers (physical, mental, social)
  • Importance of Seafarers' Rights : dignity, fair treatment, decent work
  • Challenges Faced by Seafarers : isolation, long contracts, fatigue, access to shore leave, piracy
  • Benefits of Good Crew Welfare : retention, morale, safety, operational efficiency
  • The ethical and business case for prioritizing seafarer well-being

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006)

  • Historical Context of MLC : "Seafarers' Bill of Rights," consolidating previous conventions
  • Structure and Pillars of MLC : minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship, conditions of employment, accommodation, health protection, social security
  • Scope and Application of MLC : to whom it applies, ship types, flag states
  • Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) : Part I (Flag State), Part II (Shipowner)
  • Understanding the fundamental legal framework for seafarer protection

Seafarers' Employment Conditions

  • Seafarers' Employment Agreements (SEAs) : mandatory contents, clarity, language
  • Wages and Allotments : timely payment, deductions, repatriation
  • Hours of Work and Rest : STCW and MLC requirements, fatigue prevention
  • Repatriation : right to be repatriated, costs, procedures
  • Ensuring fair and transparent employment terms

Accommodation, Recreational Facilities, and Food

  • MLC Requirements for Accommodation : minimum standards for cabins, mess rooms, sanitary facilities
  • Recreational Facilities Onboard : gym, internet access, library, entertainment
  • Food and Catering Standards : quality, quantity, variety, dietary needs
  • Fresh Water Provision : ensuring adequate and safe drinking water
  • Creating a comfortable and supportive living environment onboard

Health Protection and Medical Care

  • Medical Fitness for Duty : pre-employment and periodic medical examinations
  • Medical Facilities and Equipment Onboard : sick bay, medical chest, telemedicine
  • Access to Medical Care Ashore : port visits, emergency medical treatment
  • Occupational Health and Safety : prevention of accidents, hazardous substances
  • Promoting physical and mental well-being of seafarers

Social Security and Welfare Services

  • MLC Requirements for Social Security : medical care, sickness benefit, unemployment, old age, injury
  • Shipowner's Liability : for sickness, injury, death of seafarers
  • Access to Shore Leave and Welfare Facilities : importance for mental health, port welfare services
  • Communication Facilities : affordable and accessible internet, phone access
  • Supporting seafarers' social and financial security

Complaints and Grievance Procedures

  • Onboard Complaint Procedures : accessible, fair, and effective mechanisms
  • Shore-Based Complaint Procedures : company, Flag State, Port State
  • Dealing with Harassment and Bullying : prevention, reporting, investigation
  • Protection against Victimization : encouraging reporting without fear of reprisal
  • Ensuring seafarers have avenues to address concerns without fear

Roles of Stakeholders in MLC Compliance

  • Flag State Responsibilities : legislation, inspection, certification
  • Port State Control (PSC) : inspections, detention of non-compliant ships
  • Labour-Supplying State Responsibilities : ensuring agencies comply with MLC
  • Role of Seafarers' Organizations and Trade Unions : advocating for seafarers' rights
  • Role of Shipowners and Operators : implementing MLC, fostering welfare

Welfare Beyond MLC: Best Practices and Initiatives

  • Mental Health Support Programs : counseling, helplines, peer support
  • Financial Literacy and Well-being Programs : managing finances, remittances
  • Family Support Initiatives : connecting seafarers with families
  • Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity : promoting an inclusive environment
  • Industry initiatives and voluntary standards for enhanced crew welfare

Future Trends and Challenges in Crew Welfare

  • Impact of Digitalization and Automation : new skills, potential for isolation
  • Cybersecurity and Data Privacy : protecting seafarers' personal information
  • Climate Change and Environmental Stressors : extreme weather, long voyages
  • Future of Work and Crewing Models : remote operations, shorter contracts
  • Continuous adaptation to ensure seafarer well-being in an evolving industry.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

  • Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com
  • For More Details call: +254-114-087-180
 empowering Seafarers: Crew Welfare And Seafarers’ Rights Training Course in Myanmar
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