Crew Welfare
Enclosed Spaces are Dangerous Spaces
The dangers of enclosed spaces should be very well known, but they are a persistent cause of unnecessary seafarer deaths.
Oxygen is vital to sustain human life. To assist in raising awareness of the risks in enclosed spaces, this programme examines how oxygen content in such spaces can be depleted, and how the time of useful consciousness for an individual rapidly falls as oxygen concentration decreases.
Just Culture
It is human nature to err, and accidents will occur, even when there are comprehensive safety procedures. When a just culture exists onboard, individuals are not blamed for unintentional errors that result in accidents. The aim of a just culture is to analyse the circumstances of an accident with a view to reducing the likelihood of recurrence. This programme examines the contribution to safety that can result from the existence of a just culture onboard ship.
Drug Smuggling at Sea
The international trade in illegal drugs causes serious harm to millions of people worldwide. Ships are a convenient means for smuggling gangs to transport large quantities of illegal drugs. To overcome security arrangements, crew members may be targeted to become active participants. If they do so, this can result in very serious consequences for them and for the ship operators. This programme considers how to guard against these problems and minimise the risk of a ship becoming a victim of drug smuggling gangs.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse at Sea
Life at sea can be challenging. A hazardous working environment, fatigue, and prolonged absence from family and friends can result in stress and the potential for seafarers to be vulnerable to depression. In response, seafarers may be tempted to use alcohol or drugs to ease these pressures. That is a high-risk strategy at sea, with significant health and safety consequences. This programme examines how these effects can be countered by measures such as regular physical exercise, and the structured use of leisure time.
Being a Seafarer
The critical role played by the shipping industry and its seafarers in sustaining world trade can be easy to overlook. Against the background of a forecast shortage of seafarers to crew the ships of the future, this programme aims to support recruitment by highlighting the benefits of a seagoing career.
Safe Use of Mobile Phones Onboard
Smartphones are now an intrinsic part of daily life. For seafarers, they provide a vital link to loved ones and life ashore, and a means to access news and entertainment. However, using these devices onboard when it is inappropriate, can pose danger to individuals, their fellow seafarers, and even the ship itself. This programme examines some of the risks of mobile phone use onboard and how to mitigate these.
Bullying and Harassment
This series of three videos examines what constitutes harassment and bullying and what can be done about it if encountered onboard ship. It is based upon guidance published by the International Chamber of Shipping, and the International Transport Workers Federation.
Part 1 – What is Bullying and Harassment
The first programme considers the types of behaviour that could amount to harassment and examines the effects on those individuals who may be victimised in this way.
Part 2 – Bullying
Whilst authority and discipline are necessary to maintain good order onboard ship, there can be circumstances where authority is exercised inappropriately. In such cases it may result in the humiliation of an individual before others and erode self-confidence. This programme focuses on conduct that constitutes bullying and the effects upon those who are subjected to it.
Part 3 – Actions to Take
The final programme provides guidance on action that should be taken either if individuals find themselves to be the victim of bullying or harassment, or if someone else onboard is seen to be subjected to this inappropriate behaviour.
