European Commission workshop addresses key challenges in seafaring profession

Decarbonisation, digitalisation, social security and wellbeing at sea were the key topics on the agenda of the workshop for the seafaring profession organised by the European Commission. More than 120 participants from different parts of the shipping sector gathered to discuss the future of the seafaring profession and the maritime industry. The workshop sought to address two key challenges: firstly, the need for maritime education to keep up with technical developments and the greening of the sector, and secondly, the improvement of living and working conditions at sea.

The discussions led to the conclusion that the decarbonisation, digitalisation and automation of shipping cannot happen without highly educated professionals working onboard and ashore. There is therefore an urgent need to develop new standards for maritime professionals’ education and training at the global level. It was also emphasised that the social aspect of the seafarer’s profession must not be neglected. The EU should aim to be more ambitious in this area, offering the same level of social security protection to people working at sea as for those working ashore. Furthermore, in order to improve wellbeing at sea, it is necessary to address the mental and physical health of seafarers, access to internet, bullying and harassment and fatigue prevention. 

This event was just a small step towards finding solutions to future-proof the seafarers’ profession. The Commission will continue working on these issues by publishing a conclusion paper from the event and by organising future workshops to delve deeper into the topics discussed at this event.