In an interview with Maritime Fairtrade, Captain Yves Vandenborn, head of loss prevention (Asia Pacific), NorthStandard, a Protection and Indemnity (P&I) club, states that the complexities of working onboard a ship are what challenge seafarers the most.
These challenges are made more complex by the demanding and transformative maritime landscape. Nonetheless, as a former master mariner himself, Yves said there are feasible solutions to tackle the rising issues.
What do you feel are the most dangerous problems affecting seafarers?
One major problem is the lack of real implementation of keyworker status. While seafarers were declared essential during the pandemic, this recognition has not led to substantial, lasting improvements in their mobility, working conditions, or access to basic rights, leaving them vulnerable during crises.
Additionally, the generally-negative perception of shipping by the public is affecting recruitment into the maritime industry. This sector is often misunderstood or seen as unattractive, leading to a talent shortage which burdens current seafarers with longer hours and fewer opportunities for relief.
Criminalization is another concern for seafarers. There are cases where seafarers are unfairly held responsible for incidents, especially in the aftermath of environmental accidents. They are often subjected to legal action, detained, and forced to endure lengthy trials far from their homes, leaving them in precarious situations.
Moreover, discrimination and harassment based on nationality, ethnicity, or gender remain widespread. Many seafarers face biased treatment from authorities, colleagues, and even employers, resulting in feelings of isolation, fear, and diminished mental health.
Lastly, despite increased attention to seafarer wellbeing, there has only been slow progress in working conditions. Ship managers and owners are looking for ways to manage the wellbeing of their seafarers.
Although these are not easy decisions, and even though we can see a slow change in the right direction, a lot more can still be done to make the physically and psychologically challenging environment that seafarers are working in less taxing.
All these points might sound scary or negative, but as a master mariner myself, I would highly recommend a career at sea. It is very rewarding and provides you with a great experience and expertise to build a career ashore. In order to continue attracting people to choose a career at sea, we should ensure that the positive aspects of the career are also emphasized, not only the above-mentioned negative ones.
Why do issues pertaining to well-being slip under the radar, and what can seafarers do ?
One major factor is the precarious position seafarers find themselves in — they are eager to secure and maintain their jobs, which makes it difficult to voice concerns or demand better conditions.
However, there are signs of progress. The widespread availability of internet onboard has given seafarers an option to reflect their needs. Increasingly, more are refusing to work for companies which do not provide affordable or reliable internet access, showing that change is possible, though it remains slow and difficult.
A key issue is that improving seafarer wellbeing requires shipowners to invest more money. Many owners opt to meet only the minimum requirements as they face financial pressures from various other parts of the business, and unfortunately, training and welfare for seafarers are often amongst the first areas to suffer cutbacks.
However, owners must recognize that there is a direct link between seafarer wellbeing and safety onboard. A crew that is well-rested, mentally healthy, and properly trained is far less likely to be involved in accidents or unsafe practices, which can ultimately reduce operational risks and improve long-term profitability for the industry.
There is a rise in geopolitical tensions and Southeast Asia sees some of the highest number of piracy and armed robbery. Are seafarers equipped and informed enough?
In light of rising geopolitical tensions and piracy risks, especially in regions like Southeast Asia, it is crucial that seafarers are well-equipped and informed to handle these challenges. While the number of piracy and armed robbery attacks in Southeast Asia may not be as high as it was in 2023, the region still poses a risk which needs to be managed.
Shipowners have a responsibility to keep seafarers informed about these risks and provide clear guidance on mitigating them, especially when sailing through high-risk areas. This involves sharing up-to-date information on known threats, implementing best practices for safety, and ensuring that seafarers are trained to respond appropriately in the event of an incident.
One of the best resources for owners and operators to access guidance is through their P&I clubs, which can offer detailed risk assessments and preventive measures.
Seafarers, on their part, should feel empowered to ask for this critical information if it is not provided. They should not hesitate to request updates on piracy threats, security measures, and onboard safety protocols.
Being proactive and informed is key to ensuring their safety and mitigating risks during voyages through vulnerable regions. Both owners and crew must work together to address these evolving challenges effectively.
What are the main factors that cause shipping businesses to face common loss prevention issues?
The main factors causing shipping businesses to face common loss prevention issues often stem from human error, but deeper analysis reveals several underlying problems that exacerbate these risks.
One critical factor is the use of unclear procedures and checklists. While safety management systems (SMS) are in place to guide operations, many are overly complex or not user-friendly.
The club’s Safety Management 2.0 workshops educate our ship owners on this topic and through the cooperation with Lovoy, we aim to simplify and streamline these procedures, making them more accessible and effective for crews. However, implementation remains inconsistent and not widespread enough.
Another issue is unfamiliarity with the limitations of navigation equipment. Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), while widely used, have certain operational constraints. Crews often rely too heavily on the equipment without fully understanding its limitations, leading to errors, especially when navigating challenging waters.
The club launched its ECDIS Training Assessment (ETA) tool through which members can test the knowledge of their crew and train them further.
Complacency is another major issue, particularly in personal safety. Seafarers may become overconfident in routine tasks, leading to injuries that could have been easily avoided with greater attention and adherence to safety protocols.
Lastly, underlying medical conditions which go undetected during Pre-Employment Medical Examinations (PEME) contribute to more severe illnesses onboard. Enhanced PEME protocols, which involve more thorough medical screenings, are essential to prevent costly and dangerous health issues from arising during a voyage.
In your expert opinion, are the expectations from international maritime bodies to decarbonize too challenging?
The demands and expectations from international maritime bodies and stakeholders to decarbonize are certainly challenging, but not unnecessary. The industry faces significant hurdles, particularly when it comes to selecting the right fuel for the future.
Shipowners are caught in a “chicken and egg” situation — uncertain about which fuel to invest in as the infrastructure and global regulations around alternative fuels are still developing. This lack of clarity makes it difficult for smaller businesses to commit to a long-term strategy.
To support this transition, organizations like P&I clubs are providing valuable guidance on the risks associated with new fuels and energy efficiency technologies. For example, through initiatives like “Fuel Insights”, clubs are helping owners better understand the potential pitfalls and operational challenges of adopting alternative fuels, such as ammonia, methanol, or biofuels.
However, decarbonization relies on a snowball effect — once more stakeholders begin adopting greener technologies, others will likely follow suit, leading to broader industry transformation.
Additionally, the club has seen a growing number of inquiries regarding regulations such as FuelEU and the EU Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS), signaling that the shift towards decarbonization is already a focal point for many in the industry.
Photo credit: NorthStandard. Captain Yves Vandenborn, head of loss prevention (Asia Pacific), NorthStandard.
