|
The
International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
intends to intensify efforts to rope in more
recruits in the “Go to Sea!” campaign.
The campaign, which was launched in November,
was also supported by independent international
shipping association BIMCO, International
Chamber of Shipping and International Shipping
Federation (ISF), International Association of
Dry Cargo Ship-owners, the International
Association of Independent Tanker Owners and the
International Transport Workers’ Federation.
This group of different shipping industry bodies
is also known as the “roundtable of
international shipping associations”.
The campaign aims to enhance public perception
of the maritime industry, which has an excellent
safety and environmental record, and heighten
awareness of its vital role as the carrier of
world trade.
It also wants to promote greater knowledge among
young people of the career opportunities. It is
also to show that there is a marked shift in the
quality of life at sea and that it is comparable
with what is available on shore.
In a recent meeting with the IMO, roundtable
members stated that they were finalising a
strategic document to attract, train, educate
and retain seafarers.
“They also agreed that the industry should
continue its efforts to ensure the provision of
berths for cadets to enable them to undertake
on-the-job training and build up sea-going
experience.
“They encourage states to ratify expeditiously
the consolidated Maritime Labour Convention,
adopted by the International Labour Organisation
in 2006, with a view to ensuring its earliest
possible entry into force,” a statement from the
meeting said.
On the rampant piracy off Somalia waters and in
the Gulf of Aden, the roundtable members
welcomed the concerted efforts of the
international community, spearheaded by the
United Nations, IMO and the maritime industry,
to protect shippers.
“This has resulted in the recent decrease in the
number of piracy attacks resulting in hijackings
and hostage takings.
“This is due to intense international activity
in the area, raising the profile of the issue,
successful intervention by a growing number of
warships operating within the region,
coordinated industry advice and guidance,
practical measures adopted by ships’ masters and
shipping companies and not least, adverse
weather conditions that had affected piracy
activities there,” the statement said.
In reviewing the progress made since October,
the associations also noted a number of
developments requiring continuous vigilance of
the situation.
In particular, they highlighted that
developments ashore in Somalia, especially
political, were probably the only way to resolve
the piracy problem in the long term.
Source: The STAR
|
