The Challenges of Dealing with Missing Seafarers A Call to Action  This title accurately reflects the content of the post, which discusses the issues surrounding missing seafarers and proposes a comprehensive approach to address these challenges. The use of A Call to Action suggests that the post is not just informative but also intended to inspire readers to take action to help prevent or mitigate the impact of missing seafarers.

The Challenges of Dealing with Missing Seafarers A Call to Action This title accurately reflects the content of the post, which discusses the issues surrounding missing seafarers and proposes a comprehensive approach to address these challenges. The use of A Call to Action suggests that the post is not just informative but also intended to inspire readers to take action to help prevent or mitigate the impact of missing seafarers.

The Challenges of Dealing with Missing Seafarers A Call to Action This title accurately reflects the content of the post, which discusses the issues surrounding missing seafarers and proposes a comprehensive approach to address these challenges. The use of A Call to Action suggests that the post is not just informative but also intended to inspire readers to take action to help prevent or mitigate the impact of missing seafarers.

2025-02-19 14:32:44



The Challenges of Dealing with Missing Seafarers A Call to Action

As the maritime industry continues to evolve, it is imperative that we address the pressing issue of missing seafarers. The recent case involving a missing seafarer has underscored the importance of addressing the risks associated with shipboard employment and developing practical solutions to prevent, respond to, and compensate for such incidents.

Prevention Educating Seafarers and Maritime Students

To prevent cases of missing seafarers, governments and industry operators must implement policies that provide dedicated training and information on the risks associated with shipboard employment. This includes education on preventing occupational accidents and risks, such as deck work during bad weather or working overside.

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (Solas) has provisions relating to onboard drills, including MOB exercises that could result in a crew being thrown overboard. Flag administrations must provide regulatory frameworks for Solas provisions to ensure compliance.

Response Establishing Codes of Procedures and Instructional Materials

In the event of a MOB incident, ships must have established codes of procedures and instructional materials on how to respond. Immediate rescue operations are crucial when there is a witness to the incident. However, in cases where the disappearance of a crew becomes known only after a considerable lapse of time, responding to the incident can be challenging.

Seafarers must have a good understanding of the rescue/response process in cases of MOB as it is essential for ensuring their safety at work. The response phase should include providing information to the family or next of kin of the seafarer as mandated by RA 12021 under Section 11, Chapter III on Seafarer's Rights.

Compensation Addressing the Needs of Families

Compensation is a sensitive issue for families of missing seafarers. The International Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (Marpol) provides guidelines on preventing oil pollution from ships, while the Oil Pollution Response Convention deals with containing oil pollution during an incident.

The Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC, 2006) specifically addresses shipowner liability under Regulation 4.2. RA 12021 and other existing legislation substantially cover compensation for damage, injury, or death of a seafarer. However, concerned agencies such as the Department of Migrant Workers, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Maritime Industry Authority need to review the matter of MOB cases.

Conclusion A Comprehensive Approach

The mantra prevention is better than cure requires a comprehensive approach to address the challenges of dealing with missing seafarers. By implementing policies that prevent occupational accidents and risks, establishing codes of procedures for responding to MOB incidents, and providing compensation to families, we can ensure the safety and well-being of seafarers and their loved ones.

Keywords Missing Seafarers, Maritime Labour Convention 2006, International Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, Oil Pollution Response Convention, Solas, Flag Administrations.


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