2024 Sponsor
THE past year has seen the already tough job of being a seafarer get not only tougher, but also more dangerous. The situation in the Red Sea has seen seafarers killed and injured, amidst entire ships being lost.
Meanwhile, wage theft, dangerous working conditions, and enduring extended periods away from loved ones are everyday challenges that many seafarers continue to face.
The Seafarers Welfare Award acknowledges individuals or organisations within the Australian shipping industry who make it their priority to ensure seafarers’ needs are met, and their efforts are recognised.
Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla accepted the award on behalf of the Port Community of Port Kembla in 2023 for its continued work in supporting and assisting the needs of seafarers transiting through Australia.
John Kewa from MTS Port Kembla said he believes his must be the first time a “community”, as opposed to an individual or formal entity, is being recognised with the Seafarer Welfare Award.
“This essentially signifies the coming-of-age for the port community at Port Kembla in its ongoing efforts to uphold and advocate for seafarers, who are often the forgotten but equally essential factor in the supply chain,” Mr Kewa told DCN.
“Whether it was the Ruby Princess or the collaborative efforts in successfully carrying out the seafarer vaccination program, our port community continues to showcase what is possible when those in positions of influence become upstanders; not bystanders,” he said.
“The port as well as the wider Wollongong/Illawarra community makes no qualms about giving; and it does show that the challenge is not about our inability but the willingness to take a stand for seafarers’ welfare.
“Now that we have been recognised nationally for winning this prestigious award does not mean we make room for complacency; it actually gives us new impetus to do more for seafarers’ welfare moving forward.”
This year, the Seafarers Welfare Award is sponsored by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
“Seafarers are the backbone of the shipping industry. Every day, they work tirelessly across the globe to keep the shipping supply chain moving. Their work is challenging, demanding, isolating and at times can be unpredictable and risky,” an AMSA spokesperson said.
“The Daily Cargo News’ Seafarers Welfare Award is important because it acknowledges the efforts of an organisation or individual in their dedication to ensuring the welfare of seafarers. Without their commitment, the plight of seafarers would be much worse.
“At AMSA, we continue to focus on ensuring seafarer welfare – not only because the shipping industry depends on seafarers, but because we believe that they have a right to the same level of standard working conditions we take for granted in our shore-based jobs.
“Organisations and individuals who commit to their time and effort to seafarer welfare often operate under the radar, and this award provides an opportunity to highlight their invaluable contributions and show the community their positive impact on seafarers in Australia.”
How to nominate
The Seafarers Welfare Award recognises commitment to the mental, physical and pastoral welfare of seafarers.
This support may be delivered through in-house programs or sponsorship of an external event or organisation or general financial and moral assistance. As part of the judging process, consideration will also be given to individual contributions made to welfare of seafarers.
Nominations are closing soon for this year’s awards, and all of industry is invited to get involved. You can nominate yourself, a customer or a client for this, or any category. Submissions close at 5pm AEDT 2 October 2024.
Click here for the full list of awards categories, and here to submit your nomination.