Addressing crew shortage: Ensure appropriate equipment and facilities for all

Addressing crew shortage: Ensure appropriate equipment and facilities for all
The Editorial Team October 2, 2025 https://safety4sea.com/cm-addressing-crew-shortage-ensure-appropriate-eq...

Providing all seafarers with access to proper equipment and facilities is vital for their safety, well-being, and job performance, highlights the Global Maritime Forum’s (GMF) All Aboard Alliance.

This is the third of the nine ‘Sustainable Crewing Guidelines’ introduced by the organization in March 2025. These guidelines, developed after years of research and real-world trials involving over 400 seafarers, provide a clear benchmark for best practices onboard vessels.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

A fundamental safety requirement for all seafarers.

But… most PPE is designed for the average male body.

25% of women and 10% of men report poor fit of their PPE.
90% of seafarers in a pilot group stressed the need for gender-separate facilities.

7 Ways to ensure every seafarer feels included

Basic hygiene products must be readily available for everyone
All bathrooms should have discreet disposal options
Provide PPE for all body types and varied weather conditions
If not available, reimburse seafarers for purchasing their own
Ensure access to gender-separate changing rooms
Supply sanitary products on board and allow extra luggage space for personal items
Guarantee private, hygienic disposal options for sanitary products

"Inclusive actions on board foster trust, respect, and a stronger, united crew."