Seafarers Hospital Society And Yale University Announce Landmark Study Of Maritime Worker Health Initiatives
The Seafarers Hospital Society (SHS) and Yale University are collaborating on a landmark study to determine the effectiveness of initiatives taken by shipping companies, charities and the wider maritime sector to keep seafarers healthy and safe. This six-month study aims to review existing research and recommendations, identify current practices, determine their coverage across the industry and assess their perceived effectiveness. Results of the study will be disseminated to the global seafarer community to encourage the adoption of best practice and improve seafarer health, safety and wellbeing.
Seafarers Hospital Society Celebrates 200th Birthday
The Seafarers Hospital Society is 200 years old today and celebrated with a virtual tea party including cake and candles. Undeterred by the Covid-19 pandemic, CEO Sandra Welch brought staff and trustees together on zoom for a cup of tea and a slice of birthday cake. “We wanted to mark the occasion and what could be better than sharing a birthday cake? So we had a cake made locally and sent individual cupcakes to all our guests. It was a great way to celebrate,” said Sandra.
“Today isn’t just about having fun,” added Peter McEwen, SHS Chair. “There’s a more serious message. The Society was established in 1821, when merchant seafarers returning from the Napoleonic Wars were dying in the streets of London with no access to medical care. That’s where the Society came in. We literally picked them up and took care of them, setting up floating hospital ships on the Thames at Greenwich. And although the way we work has ch
And many of those men and women shouldn t have to be on those vessels.
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Fuelled by the Covid-19 pandemic, the crew change crisis has dragged on for months. The International Chamber of Shipping and International Transport Workers Federation has said that some 400,000 seafarers are now forced to work beyond their contract.
This is a humanitarian crisis, as the International Labour Organization described the situation in a recent statement.
Expressing deep concern for the situation, an ILO committee said inaction by its member states on the crew change could amount to forced labour .