European Shipowners & Maritime Transport Unions Launch ‘Seafarers Go Digital’ Initiative

European Shipowners & Maritime Transport Unions Launch ‘Seafarers Go Digital’ Initiative
MI News Network July 11, 2024 https://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-news/european-shipowners-maritime...

The European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) and the European Transport Workers Federation (ETF) have launched the “Seafarers Go Digital” initiative, a collaborative effort to assist the shipping sector and the seafarers in the digital transition.

The initiative intends to address digitalization’s problems while protecting seafarers’ welfare and rights.

‘Seafarers Go Digital’ aims to adapt to international regulations, training programs and operational procedures to integrate digital technologies while protecting the seafarers’ employment rights and well-being.

The program focuses on critical issues such as cybersecurity, digital skills, e-certification, internet access onboard, onboard digitalization, and the appeal of maritime careers.

It also provides policy recommendations for increased collaboration between industrial stakeholders, unions and policymakers.

ECSA Secretary General Sotiris Raptis emphasized the importance of educating and reskilling seafarers to operate with new digital tools and technologies.

He emphasized the potential of digitalization to make the maritime profession more appealing and diverse by providing career opportunities both onboard and ashore, increasing the participation of women and marginalized groups.

ETF Secretary General Livia Spera reiterated that the project intends to prepare marine professionals for the digital age while encouraging a fair and inclusive digital transition.

Spera emphasized the importance of collaboration in maximising the benefits of digital transition while reducing its risks.

The ‘Seafarers Go Digital’ initiative was launched at an event in Brussels that included speeches from Barbara Sellier, the Acting Head of Unit Maritime Safety at the European Commission, Manuela Tomassini, the Head of Department at the European Maritime Safety Agency, and Rhiannon Ducas from the WESS project.

The initiative builds on the outcomes of joint ECSA-ETF projects SkillSea and WESS.

The collaborative initiative is a crucial step towards a more sustainable and appealing future for seafarers, ensuring they are well-prepared and supported in the maritime industry’s evolving digital landscape.