Global Marine Forum Launches the Sustainable Crewing Guidelines

Global Marine Forum has launched the Sustainable Crewing Guidelines, nine practical recommendations to improve life at sea. The guideline was launched at Singapore Maritime Week, an annual event gathering global maritime leaders to discuss industry challenges, showcase innovations, and drive collaboration. 

Co-developed by 12 major shipping companies and based on feedback from 400 seafarers, the guideline aims to boost the working conditions of seafarers by 2026. 

The nine sustainable crew guidelines 

1. Establish clear expectations of respectful and professional behaviour. 

2. Have zero tolerance for any kind of abuse and harassment.

3. Set rank-specific criteria for tasks, training, and appraisals to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for all seafarers.

4. Ensure appropriate equipment and facilities for all, including personal protracted and hygienic equipment for all sizes. 

5. Provide a reliable daily connection to the outside world, providing shoreleaves and internet. 

6. Build a supportive community to reduce isolation. 

7. Offer flexible contract lengths and respect contract terms.

8.  Provide paid parental leave. 

9. Continuously collect feedback and take required actions. 

Inexperience, fatigue, and limited resources heighten accident risks for workers, endangering crews and ships. Human error accounts for 75-96% of maritime incidents (Allianz), with 15-20% of fatalities linked to fatigue. 

The impact goes beyond worker well-being, disrupting global supply chains. Seafarer shortages, at a 17-year high, threaten safe crewing levels, and some major banks may limit lending to shipowners neglecting crew welfare.