AS THE maritime industry sails through a technological revolution, one constant remains: the critical role of seafarers in global trade and transportation. Yet, despite their indispensable contributions, their wellbeing often takes a backseat, with funding for their welfare left to the generosity of donors, churches, sponsors and a dwindling pool of volunteers.
The Maritime Labour Convention sets out clear guidelines that seafarers’ welfare is a shared responsibility. But in Australia, a key question persists over who should foot the bill for seafarers’ welfare.
In 2023, welfare services in Australia, provided by Stella Maris and the Mission to Seafarers, cost more than $10 million. Shore leave, medical care, emotional support and IT access are lifelines for seafarers, yet a funding shortfall reveals the gap between what’s needed and what’s provided. The need for paid staff to keep services running has grown, but traditional funding streams are insufficient to close the gap.
A call for systemic change
MtS continues to advocate for a more sustainable funding model, inspired by New Zealand’s recent decision to fund seafarers’ welfare through maritime levies. MtS is calling on the Australian government to follow suit, ensuring that vital services like shore leave and mental health support are fully funded year-round. While philanthropic donations and grants models can play a role, they cannot cover the growing demand for services, nor provide certainty for sustainable services. A co-ordinated, reliable funding model is necessary to guarantee the future of seafarers’ welfare.
Technological shifts
The maritime industry is evolving rapidly, with smaller crews and increased reliance on automation. These changes are exacerbating seafarers’ isolation.
MtS secretary general Peter Rouch has emphasised that welfare services must evolve alongside the industry.
“Seafarers are not just cases to be solved but people to be loved,” Dr Rouch noted, highlighting the importance of human connection in maritime work.
More maritime industry leaders are recognising the importance of integrating welfare services into their operations, seeing the benefits in smoother operations, lower incident rates, and stronger team cohesion. By championing the cause of fair work and social justice, these leaders are helping to drive systemic changes that prioritise the wellbeing of seafarers.
The time for action is now
The maritime and logistics industries can no longer afford to wait. A sustainable, fair funding model is essential to ensure that the services vital to seafarers’ welfare remain robust and effective.
MtS, together with other welfare providers, is ready to collaborate with governments, industries and communities to build a sustainable framework that reflects the invaluable role of seafarers. The time to act is now – seafarers’ welfare can no longer be left to chance.
Have you been in port when a seafarer is transported down the gangway in bandages or a body bag? Do you know what our teams do for those who have been the first responders when their colleague has lost a finger or their life? Ask us what we do; how we respond. Contact regional director Sue Dight on 0408 532 506
This article appeared in the December 2024 | January 2025 edition of DCN Magazine
