On 21st April 2022, the 27th Interim Meeting of the Seafarers Committee (SC), Asian Shipowners' Association (ASA), was held virtually. Mr. Yuichi Sonada, ASA Secretary-General, Mr. Zhang Shouguo, Executive Vice Chairman of China Shipowners' Association (CSA), Mr. Han Chao, Chairman of the Seafarers Committee (SC), Asian Shipowners' Association (ASA), Chairman and Secretary of the Party Committee of COSCO SHIPPING Seafarers Management, Secretary of the Party Committee and President of COSCO SHIPPING Talent Development Institute, and Mr. Guo Jinkui, Chairman of Seacon Shipping Group attended the meeting and delivered speeches.
And more than 30 other delegates from ASA member associations of China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and FASA as represented by the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The ASA Competition Law Competition Statement was announced at the meeting to ensure full compliance with all applicable competition laws throughout the entire programme.
Development of Asian seafarers
The Committee notes that administrations of ASA members are continuing their efforts as ever before to attract more young people to seek a sea-going career, which will greatly assist in the continued promotion of the supply and employment of Asian seafarers.
In some Asian countries and regions, however, there are fewer and fewer young people willing to work as seafarers. As a result, the number of third mates and fourth engineer officers is decreasing significantly, and the subsequent supply of seafarers is insufficient. Undoubtedly, the epidemic will be accelerating the loss of seafarers, especially young seafarers.
This situation would result in difficult development, retention and employment of competent seafarers in future. Therefore, more efforts need to be made by all the stakeholders of the shipping industry.
The impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on seafarers
Among the topics discussed, ASA SC recognized that, the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic has led to travel restrictions in many ports of the world, caused difficulties in crew change and ship operations, and resulted in the decline of seafarers' social status, wellbeing and willingness of going to sea. Meanwhile, extended period of service on board and denied access to shore leave and medical care in some ports during the Covid- 19 Pandemic have increased seafarers' mental health problem, which has jeopardized seafarers' wellbeing as enshrined in the MLC 2006.
The Seafarers' Committee therefore urges the stakeholders of the shipping industry to take measures to ensure seafarers' welfare in according to the MLC 2006, thereby attracting and retaining seafarers to remain in the industry.
The application of digitalization in the shipping industry
ASA SC further recognized the ever-increasing importance of digitalization and intelligence, their application and role in the shipping industry and, in particular, their impact on seafarers. ASA SC noted that smart ships of certain autonomy degrees have been built and put into operation for a trial purpose in some countries and that the International Maritime Organization is formulating the roadmap of modernizing its regulatory instruments in order to accommodate the operation of smart ships. ASA SC will keep a close watch on the development in this area and maintain it as a standing agenda item for consideration in the future sessions.
The conference was hosted by China Shipowners' Association (CSA), organized by COSCO SHIPPING Seafarers Management, COSCO SHIPPING Talent Development Institute, and co-organized by Seacon Shipping Group. This conference was successfully held during the global epidemic, which will further promote the industry's attention to seafarers and effectively promote the development of seafarers in Asia and the world.
Development of Asian seafarers
The Committee notes that administrations of ASA members are continuing their efforts as ever before to attract more young people to seek a sea-going career, which will greatly assist in the continued promotion of the supply and employment of Asian seafarers.
In some Asian countries and regions, however, there are fewer and fewer young people willing to work as seafarers. As a result, the number of third mates and fourth engineer officers is decreasing significantly, and the subsequent supply of seafarers is insufficient. Undoubtedly, the epidemic will be accelerating the loss of seafarers, especially young seafarers.
This situation would result in difficult development, retention and employment of competent seafarers in future. Therefore, more efforts need to be made by all the stakeholders of the shipping industry.
The impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on seafarers
Among the topics discussed, ASA SC recognized that, the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic has led to travel restrictions in many ports of the world, caused difficulties in crew change and ship operations, and resulted in the decline of seafarers' social status, wellbeing and willingness of going to sea. Meanwhile, extended period of service on board and denied access to shore leave and medical care in some ports during the Covid- 19 Pandemic have increased seafarers' mental health problem, which has jeopardized seafarers' wellbeing as enshrined in the MLC 2006.
The Seafarers' Committee therefore urges the stakeholders of the shipping industry to take measures to ensure seafarers' welfare in according to the MLC 2006, thereby attracting and retaining seafarers to remain in the industry.
The application of digitalization in the shipping industry
ASA SC further recognized the ever-increasing importance of digitalization and intelligence, their application and role in the shipping industry and, in particular, their impact on seafarers. ASA SC noted that smart ships of certain autonomy degrees have been built and put into operation for a trial purpose in some countries and that the International Maritime Organization is formulating the roadmap of modernizing its regulatory instruments in order to accommodate the operation of smart ships. ASA SC will keep a close watch on the development in this area and maintain it as a standing agenda item for consideration in the future sessions.
The conference was hosted by China Shipowners' Association (CSA), organized by COSCO SHIPPING Seafarers Management, COSCO SHIPPING Talent Development Institute, and co-organized by Seacon Shipping Group. This conference was successfully held during the global epidemic, which will further promote the industry's attention to seafarers and effectively promote the development of seafarers in Asia and the world.
The opinions expressed herein are the author's and not necessarily those of The Xinde Marine News.
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