(NEWS) Day of the Seafarer 2017

June

2017

Day of the Seafarer 2017

International Day of the Seafarer was designated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2010 as a way to recognize the contribution made by the world’s seafarers. Almost everything that we use and need in our daily lives is directly or indirectly affected by sea transport. Every year on 25 June, we take a moment to express our thanks to the World’s 1,2 million seafarers for their contribution to the world economy and our economic and social well-being.

Seafarers are essential to our daily lives transporting more than 80 per cent of global trade by ships to people and communities all over the world. Seafarers are responsible for the operations of ships and the safe and smooth delivery of the cargo. Day of the Seafarer not only acknowledges the invaluable work of seafarers, but also aims to bring global attention to the issues affecting their work and lives, including issues relating to their working and living conditions, abandonment, criminalization, piracy and their bravery and the risks they face in rescue at sea. On this important day, governments are urged to develop and implement policies that lead to fair treatment of seafarers at sea and in port, and calls on shipowners to ensure that seafarers benefit from and enjoy the rights contained in the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, including its amendments of 2016.

President Doumbia-Henry stated: “This year’s theme, ‘Seafarers Matter’ is a clarion call and a reminder of the indispensable role seafarers play to make shipping possible and to enable us to enjoy the living standards we have today, whether they work in the merchant marine or on cruise ships. Seafarers make possible the luxuries we enjoy and often take for granted, from vacations to the transport of the food we eat, to the gas and oil we require and the technological devices that we rely on. These things are all made available and affordable thanks to the role seafarers play in making shipping possible. The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, including its amendments of 2016, aims to ensure full coverage of seafarers worldwide with global standards providing rights at work and labour and social protection. Important amendments now provide additional protection for seafarers against harassment and bullying as well as financial security for claims for death and injury arising out of their employment and cover repatriation in the event of abandonment. Further, I am pleased that the ILO Conference in 2016 adopted amendments to the Annexes of the Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention, 2003, (No.185) to align the seafarers’ identity document with the specifications of ICAO’s E-Passports, using facial images in a contactless chip. This will facilitate seafarers’ access to shore leave, transit through airports and ports, transfer and repatriation back home at the end of their contract of employment. It is critical to ensure the sustainability of world trade and that the relevant IMO and ILO Conventions are universally ratified and importantly implemented in law and in practice. This will ensure that a true level playing field exists so that we can continue to attract and retain seafarers for this vital industry – shipping in its broadest sense of the term.”

Over 30 percent of WMU faculty and students have seafaring experience. IMO Secretary-General, Kitack Lim, is a former seafarer and also an alumnus of WMU. The Secretary-General’s Day of the Seafarer 2017 message can be viewed here. Seafarers inspire the work of the University in serving the global maritime community through education, research and capacity building. WMU’s Maritime Education and Training specialization is also designed to train maritime educators, including in accordance with the STCW requirements.

More information about Day of the Seafarer can be found on IMO’s website.

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Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

My decision to enroll in the doctoral program at WMU was heavily influencedby my prior experience as a Master's student at the institution. Initiallyintroduced to me as a preeminent global institution for maritime education,WMU's stellar reputation was further substantiated by the exceptional qualityof education I received during my Master’s studies. This experience became acompelling factor in my determination to return to WMU as a doctoral student.Recognizing the synergies between my research aspirations and the institutionalofferings at WMU, I concluded that continuing my educational journey at thisesteemed institution was not only beneficial but also aligned perfectly with myacademic and professional goals.

My research explored thetheoretical foundations of governance, placing a particular emphasis onmaritime governance. Going beyond mere theoretical frameworks, the studyconducted a comprehensive examination of a crucial aspect within maritimegovernance—specifically, the implementation of International MaritimeOrganization (IMO) instruments, exploring the contextual factors that affectthe implementation process. Applying the grounded theory methodology, theresearch aimed to understand these theoretical underpinnings, as well as firmlyanchor insights in the practical context of maritime governance; unveiling theintricacies and challenges associated with the effective implementation of IMOinstruments in the maritime domain. The selection of this topic was motivatedby a personal interest that was cultivated during my Master’s studies inmaritime law and policy. Furthermore, it was driven by the recognition of ascarcity of scientific research on this specific topic. This gap in theexisting body of knowledge served as a catalyst for my exploration,underscoring the significance of contributing valuable insights to an area ofmaritime governance that has been relatively underrepresented in scholarlyresearch.

Undoubtedly, a highlight of myeducational journey at WMU was the opportunity to forge connections withinfluential change-makers and thought leaders hailing from every corner of theglobe. This invaluable chance to engage with individuals on an internationalscale has not only enabled me to expand my global network but has also servedas a conduit for immersing myself in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures.Through these global interactions, I've gained a profound understanding ofdifferent perspectives, traditions, and approaches, contributing significantlyto my personal and academic growth. This experience goes beyond mere networkingand has also played a pivotal role in fostering stronger connections within theCaribbean region from which I hail.

Embarking on my professional path,my foremost aim is to establish myself as an authority in the field of maritimegovernance. I aspire to leave a significant and enduring mark on the globalmaritime landscape. Beyond the academic sphere, my drive is fuelled by apassionate interest in pursuing diverse opportunities within the maritimedomain and the broader educational sector and contributing significantly topositive transformations in the global maritime sector.

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Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

The Transition to low and near zero carbon emission ports: Extent and Determinants

The Development of a Systematic, Holistic and Transdisciplinary Energy Management Framework to Promote Environmentally Sustainable Shipyards

When I made the decision to embark on the journey of pursuing both my MScand PhD degrees, the World Maritime University (WMU) beckoned me for severalcompelling reasons. Foremost among these was WMU's sterling reputation as aworld-class institution within the maritime sphere, a factor that wieldedsignificant influence over my choice. Given my extensive background as a seniorprofessional in the maritime operational field, having held the role of acaptain, I was in search of an academic environment that could serve as a nexusfor both enriching my knowledge and providing a platform for the disseminationof my wealth of industry experience.

WMU's unwavering commitment tomaritime education, coupled with its resolute emphasis on bridging the realmsof academia and industry, deeply resonated with me. It became evident that WMUwas the perfect crucible for my transformation from a career entrenched inmaritime operations to one flourishing within academia. The University'sstoried tradition of nurturing and producing experts and leaders within themaritime sector further solidified its standing as the ideal choice for myeducational pursuits.Furthermore, WMU's distinctive interdisciplinary approachto maritime studies served as an irresistible attraction.

My research focus during my tenureat WMU was centered on the pivotal subject of achieving net-zero emissions inthe maritime sector, encompassing both offshore and onshore infrastructures,including ports and shipyards. This particular research avenue held greatappeal for me due to its unique capacity to amalgamate my extensive practicalexperience as a captain within the maritime operational field with the rigorousacademic environment provided by WMU. The maritime industry is inherentlydynamic, constantly undergoing transformative changes, and I was deeplyconvinced that my research endeavors could significantly contribute toenhancing sustainability within this vital sector. The prospect of influencingpositive change by addressing contemporary challenges and emerging trends inthe maritime industry, all closely aligned with my professional background,served as a compelling motivation for my choice of research focus.

One of the most memorable aspectsof my WMU experience has undoubtedly been the University's vibrant andinclusive interdisciplinary environment. Engaging with both faculty members andfellow students hailing from diverse backgrounds and nationalities has been anincredibly enriching facet of my academic journey. This inclusive atmospherehas offered me a unique opportunity to gain fresh insights and perspectivesthat would have remained undiscovered within the confines of a purely industry-focusedsetting. The collaborative exchange of ideas across various maritimedisciplines has proven to be invaluable, expanding my horizons and enriching myeducational experience. Additionally, the regular involvement in thoughtfuldiscussions, seminars, and workshops focused on globally relevant maritimetopics has served as a consistent source of inspiration throughout my time atWMU. The University’s unwavering dedication to cultivating a global network ofmaritime experts has allowed me to establish meaningful connections withprofessionals and scholars from across the world. These connections have notonly broadened my academic horizons but have also added a global dimension tomy educational journey, enhancing its depth and significance.

Upon graduation, I was awarded aprestigious research fellowship in sustainability, energy, and the pursuit ofnet-zero emissions within the maritime industry at the esteemed University ofSouthampton in the United Kingdom. This exciting opportunity marks the nextphase of my academic and maritime journey. I remain passionately committed tocontinuing my exploration of academia and the maritime sector, building uponthe invaluable knowledge and experience I acquired during my time at WMU. Myprimary objective is to contribute significantly to the advancement of thezero-emission maritime industry, a pivotal and transformative sector within ourglobal community.

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The Development of a Systematic, Holistic and Transdisciplinary Energy Management Framework to Promote Environmentally Sustainable Shipyards