Maritime And Aviationnewsletter.may

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Global Shortage of Professionals Worries International Maritime Organization

May 2009, Vol. 22 Issue # 5 The criminalization of seafarers and increasing global shortage of professional in the maritime industry has captured the attention of young seafarers meeting in London. At an event facilitated by the ITF and a number of companies belonging to Intertanko and the association of independent tanker owners, young seafarers from seven different countries voiced their concerns about shortage of positions such as deck and engine officers, ratings and cadets. During the event, the seafarers made a number of recommendations, which they were able to raise in a meeting with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). They proposed the establishment of an international reporting scheme to log violations of this right and drew up a 'black list' of problem countries. Of immediate concern to the young seafarers are the IMO and industry initiatives to combat the criminalisation of seafarers involved in maritime accidents. The meeting called for the IMO/International Labour Organisation fair treatment guidelines in the event of

a maritime accident to be made mandatory. Other recommendations included: Measures to promote employment security, the need to review manning levels in the light of increased inspections and responsibilities on board and urged companies to ensure that good living and recreational facilities are provided. The recommendations, no doubt, would assist the International Maritime Organisation to have great deal of success in its Go to Sea campaign aimed at attracting new entrants into the seafaring carrier. The campaign being sponsored mainly by IMO and major stakeholders in the shipping industry was initiated to correct the acute shortage of personnel, especially all category of seafarers in all parts of the world. The IMO in its "go to sea" campaign last year said the shipping industry itself holds most of the cards in reaching a solution to the shortage of seafarers. According to the IMO, the industry would need to do more work to improve the way it is being perceived. For further inquiries, please contact: Ms. Nkeiru Onyeaso Tel: +234 808 718 0833 Email: [email protected] Fax: +1 646 536 8978

©Blackfriars LLP 2009. All rights reserved. This document is for general guidance only. Definitive advice should be sought from counsel if required. Blackfriars LLP is a Nigerian law firm with a representative office in Toronto, Canada.

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Dr. Virtus Igbokwe Tel: +234 802 220 4755 Email: [email protected] Fax: +1 646 536 8978

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©Blackfriars LLP 2009. All rights reserved. This document is for general guidance only. Definitive advice should be sought from counsel if required. Blackfriars LLP is a Nigerian law firm with a representative office in Toronto, Canada.