The poignant question of the impact of the pandemic on the attractiveness of seafaring as a career was asked by a member of the audience during the virtual conference session ‘Welfare & Training – People Sustainability’ part of Seatrade Maritime Middle East Virtual.
The impact of pandemic on crew change and the problems encountered by seafarers was explained by Toby Brooks, Deputy Director - Isle of Man Ship Registry.
“We’ve experienced first-hand the crew repatriation crisis, our attempt to review each case and support the needs of our seafarers have in some cases revealed a common truth. I think we’ve noticed in many ports there’s a clear disconnect between the maritime authorities and the border control authorities within the same country,” Brooks explained.
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.