Spotlight on seafarer welfare and what lessons have been learned?

Spotlight on seafarer welfare and what lessons have been learned?
Dec 15, 2020 https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/events/spotlight-seafarer-welfare-and-...

Over the past few months, there has been much said and written about crew welfare and how it has been handled during the pandemic and longer-term.

But, how much has actually been learned and how can some of these challenges be overcome in future?

Moderated by Dr Malcolm Willingale, Director, Prospect Maritime Ltd and Training Specialist, Clarksons Platou and sponsored by Isle of Man Ship Registry, an international panel will address Welfare & Training; People Sustainablity in this hour-long session.

“There are many areas for discussion for which an hour cannot possibly cover it all,” said Dr Willingale, “but, we will focus on several areas from which our panellists can contribute.”

Joining the speaker panel are: Revd Canon Andy Bowerman, Regional Director, Middle East and South Asia, The Mission to Seafarers; Toby Brooks, Deputy Director, Isle of Man Ship Registry; Capt Anwar Buftain, Team Leader Fleet Personnel, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC); Matt Dunlop, Group Director HSEQ & Technical, V.Group and Raal Harris, Group Creative Director, Ocean Technologies.

Discussion points will include:

How well and how quickly has been the response of governments and the industry to this problem? What lessons can be learned for the future? What are the implications for crew welfare and mental health, and how best can these critical issues be addressed?
The need for better communication and greater bandwidth between ships and shore has never been greater, to manage increased data monitoring, vessel optimisation and provide much needed support for crew at sea and their families at home. What are the next steps in achieving this and over what timescale can improved connectivity be rolled out?
The rapid increase in the automation of ship systems, equipment and operations will transform the roles and responsibilities of seafarers, as well as crew numbers at sea. What are the implications of these changes for careers at sea, the onboard experience, and the demands made of seafarers?
What progress has been made in the provision of skills training in response to these technological changes? What role can e-learning at sea play in assisting seafarers to adapt to this changing world of work? How can it contribute to seafarers’ welfare?
Remote inspections have become a necessity for many ship operators, charterers, service companies and classification societies struggling to manage their inspection schedules during the pandemic period. Reliant on bandwidth, good communication and crew co-operation, will this new way of working benefit or burden the seafarer? And how can new technologies help in making sure those on board are not taking up the strain?

The webinar, which is free for all to attend, will take place at 1400 Gulf Standard Time on Wednesday 16 December. Register now: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5nlK1wLnSBS_mGZLrekt4Q