Where is Chris - Day of the Seafarer

Theme for 2020

Seafarers are Key Workers

Seafarers are on the front-line of the COVID-19 pandemic, playing an essential role in maintaining the flow of vital goods, such as food, medicines and medical supplies. However, the crisis has led to difficult working conditions for seafarers, including uncertainties and difficulties about port access, re-supply, crew changeovers and repatriation.

The year International Maritime Organization (IMO) Day of the Seafarer campaign calls on Member States to recognize seafarers as key workers – and to provide them with the support, assistance and travel options open to all key workers during the pandemic.


June 25th, Day of the Seafarer, is a day set aside to pay tribute to seafarers, acknowledging their sacrifice and the issues they face. Many seafarers have been away from home for months and are unsure when they will be able to return home due to travel restrictions.

Where is Chris    Learn More

The campaign also seeks to raise awareness of the work achieved by seafarers in response to the pandemic and to thank them for their contribution. Everyone is invited to recognize that the ability of seafarers to deliver vital goods is central to responding to, and eventually overcoming, this pandemic.

Cruise lines and shipping companies have responsibilities to seafarers in their employ. The public too has a responsibility to have a positive impact on seafarers as well.

I had the opportunity to visit Seafarers' House.  Where is Chris?  Bonus:  Guess which port is pictured above.

Welcoming Mariners

of all Faiths

“To Offer Refuge, Resources, Renewal and Respect to the Maritime Community Through Multi-Faith Service.” 

- Mission of Seafarers’ House

http://www.seafarershouse.org/




Cruising for more than 30 years, we've met many seafarers. When we recall special moments from those cruises, there is usually one or more of them at the heart of the memory. No matter how they are feeling, how tired they might be, how sad or lonely they might be, they put their best personality forward, and do everything they can to make sure our adventure at sea lives up to our expectations.

If you've ever encountered a crew member who didn't live up to those expectations, odds are there is a passenger at the heart of their story. Think about that on your next cruise.

They are miles from home, family, friends, and other loved ones. I've never done it, but imagine it is a hard life. It can be very rewarding I'm sure, when they see a smile or some kind gesture in return from passengers or fellow seafarers.

On behalf of everyone that loves cruising like we do, thank you seafarers for all you do. Take care of your careers - take advantage of the tools that IMO is providing for you so that you can put a smile on your face when we meet again.

Connect With Us On

        

Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers


Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat  

Day of the Seafarer 2019

Theme for 2019

Seafarer's Gender Equality

Seafarers – if you could make one change? 

Throughout 2019 there is a strong emphasis in the maritime world on the importance and value of women within the professional ranks.

This year for the Day of the Seafarer campaign, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is encouraging seafarers, male and female to show solidarity for gender equality in seafaring.

We are inviting you to think about one thing you would change to improve diversity in seafaring. #IamOnBoard with gender equality

June 25th, Day of the Seafarer, is a day set aside  to highlight opportunities for women (as well as the contributions they are already making) in a wide range of maritime careers and professions, but the focus will be very firmly on one aspect of that community – seafarers

Cruise lines and shipping companies have responsibilities to seafarers in their employ. The public too has a responsibility to have a positive impact on seafarers as well. 

I had the opportunity to visit Seafarers' House in Port Everglades, FL a few years ago.  They are holding special #DoTS celebrations today.

Welcoming Mariners

of all Faiths

“To Offer Refuge, Resources, Renewal and Respect to the Maritime Community Through Multi-Faith Service.” 

- Mission of Seafarers’ House

http://www.seafarershouse.org/




Cruising for more than 30 years, we've met many seafarers. When we recall special moments from those cruises, there is usually one or more of them at the heart of the memory. No matter how they are feeling, how tired they might be, how sad or lonely they might be, they put their best personality forward, and do everything they can to make sure our adventure at sea lives up to our expectations.

If you've ever encountered a crew member who didn't live up to those expectations, odds are there is a passenger at the heart of their story. Think about that on your next cruise.

They are miles from home, family, friends, and other loved ones. I've never done it, but imagine it is a hard life. It can be very rewarding I'm sure, when they see a smile or some kind gesture in return from passengers or fellow seafarers.

On behalf of everyone that loves cruising like we do, thank you seafarers for all you do. Take care of your careers - take advantage of the tools that IMO is providing for you so that you can put a smile on your face when we meet again.

Day of the Seafarer

Theme for 2018

Seafarer's Wellbeing

The International Maritime Organization has seen a strong momentum in the industry to address seafarer's wellbeing, particularly their mental health. June 25th, Day of the Seafarer, is a day set aside to call attention to strategies to tackle stress and other issues affecting seafarers' mental conditions - and make the tools available more widely known.

Cruise lines and shipping companies have responsibilities to seafarers in their employ. The public too has a responsibility to have a positive impact on seafarers' mental health as well.

#GoodDayatSea looks like…

Interacting with Passengers 

Making a New Young Friend

Performing on Stage

Leading a Shore Excursion to Explore New Lands


Cruising for more than 30 years, we've met many seafarers. When we recall special moments from those cruises, there is usually one or more of them at the heart of the memory. No matter how they are feeling, how tired they might be, how sad or lonely they might be, they put their best personality forward, and do everything they can to make sure our adventure at sea lives up to our expectations.

If you've ever encountered a crew member who didn't live up to those expectations, odds are there is a passenger at the heart of their story. Think about that on your next cruise.

They are miles from home, family, friends, and other loved ones. I've never done it, but imagine it is a hard life. It can be very rewarding I'm sure, when they see a smile or some kind gesture in return from passengers or fellow seafarers.

 On behalf of everyone that loves cruising like we do, thank you seafarers for all you do. Take care of your mental wellbeing - take advantage of the tools that IMO is providing for you so that you can put a smile on your face when we meet again.

Earth to Cruise Lines Keep it Up

Earth Day
 April 22, 2014

For the past several years we've taken a look at the cruise industry's response to the environment on Earth Day.   This year we'll review an update provided by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Highlights from their press release:

“CLIA member cruise lines continue to invest in systems and technologies that improve overall environmental performance,” said Christine Duffy, president and CEO of CLIA.  “The industry takes its responsibility as caretakers of the environment seriously.  We work collaboratively with regulators, design and engineering experts and a range of stakeholders to raise the bar on our ongoing efforts to preserve and protect the oceans and the nearly 600 ports our member cruise lines visit.” 



Following are examples of steps that cruise lines have taken to protect the environment:

• advanced wastewater treatment systems producing clean water
• new technologies that help to reduce air emissions (exhaust gas scrubbers, more efficient engines)
• using shore power where feasible
• energy conservation (LED lighting, high efficiency appliances, cabins heated by recycled hot water, special window tinting to use less air conditioning)
• ecological, non-toxic, slick hull coatings that increase energy efficiency and reduce air emissions

Cruise Line Recycling Highlights:

• increased non-hazardous waste recycled to shore by 18% and reduced total waste almost 5%
• recycled nearly 53% of the solid waste
• 1,254 tons of cardboard,  2,517 tons of scrap metal, 2,988 tons of glass, 669 tons of plastic and managed 748 tons of trash and international garbage at Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facilities
• over 52,000 gallons of used cooking oil annually 

These are just some samples of what individual cruise lines or family of brands have accomplished in 2013. The press release provides many more examples and additional details about how cruise lines have made a positive impact on the world.

The cruise industry is highlighting how its member lines are safeguarding the oceans and the environment through the recently launched ‘Cruise Forward’ industry-wide communications initiative.  Specific examples of how cruise lines across the globe are actively working to reduce the overall environmental impact of cruising and preserve and protect pristine oceans, beaches and ports can be found online at www.cruiseforward.org. 

Save the Waves

Royal Caribbean and other lines have special containers like these which help them separate the waste so that they can carry out these conservation efforts.

You can do your part by placing your garbage in the proper containers on the ship during your cruise.

On this Earth Day 2014, the earth is smiling about the progress made to date and hopes that everyone sailing on the seven seas continues in carrying out these efforts to protect the land and seas for future generations.

Here are some past Earth Day articles.  Links in these articles can assist you in additional research.  Each cruise line has a page dedicated to their efforts.  They are all very proud of what has been accomplished to date.

Past Articles:

Cruise Lines and Earth Day 2013 

Cruise Lines and Earth Day 2012 

Let There Be Green On the Sea

Every Day is Earth Day on Cruise Ship

 

Lifeboat Drill for Training

Updated Policy Life Boat Loading for Training Purposes

On behalf of the global cruise industry, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the European Cruise Council (ECC) announced that the cruise industry has adopted an additional safety policy. This policy, which exceeds current international regulatory requirements, addresses issues related to the loading of lifeboats by crewmembers for training purposes. It is an outcome of the Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review, which was launched in January 2012 following the Costa Concordia accident.

Life Boat Loading for Training Purposes Policy

• full loading of a lifeboat at least once every six months for crew training purposes
• the lifeboat must be filled to capacity with crew members
• maneuvered in the water to facilitate familiarization with lifeboat operations
• mandatory attendance for all crew members involved in operating or loading of lifeboats 

The new policy is for all oceangoing members of CLIA and ECC, and is effective immediately. Smaller ships with less than 300 crew members will conduct similar training as appropriate.

“The cruise industry continues to work on a global level to improve the safety of passengers and crew, which is our number one priority,” said Christine Duffy, president and CEO of CLIA.

“Since January of this year, and in keeping with our efforts to continuously improve operational excellence, the global cruise industry has voluntarily adopted seven wide-ranging safety policies. We remain fully committed to exploring further enhancements in a number of areas that will add to the industry’s excellent safety record.”

Commenting on the new policy Manfredi Lefebvre, ECC Chairman said:

“The Cruise industry’s Operational Safety Review demonstrates our on-going determination to ensure that cruise ships remain the safest vacation option and the safest part of the shipping industry. This policy, like all the policies that have already been developed by the Operational Safety Review, exceeds current international regulatory requirements and has been externally verified by world renowned independent experts.”

He added: “Our industry is committed to improving our safety performance in the short, the medium and the long term I believe our approach supports the goal of European Commission of re-launching their ‘Quality Shipping Campaign’ as set out in its Maritime Policy 2009-2018.”

Related Posts & Information:

Cruise Industry Adopts New Muster Policy  

Carnival Corp Taking Steps to Address Safety Concerns
Cruise Industry Safety Standards Changes

Life Boat Loading for Training Purposes policy (full version)
All CLIA Cruise Industry Policies

Cruise Industry Adopts New Muster Policy

CLIA Announces New Emergency Drill Policy Effective Immediately

The global cruise industry today announced a new emergency drill policy requiring mandatory muster for embarking passengers prior to departure from port.

The new policy follows the industry’s announcement on January 27 of a Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review in response to the Concordia incident and as part of the industry’s continuous efforts to review and improve safety measures. The Cruise Lines International Association, European Cruise Council, and the Passenger Shipping Association put forward the new policy with the support of their member cruise lines.

Summary of Changes in Policy

• Mandatory Muster before sailing 
• Private drill for passengers arriving late 
• Exceeds current legal requirements
  

The new muster policy, which has been voluntarily initiated by the associations’ members and is effective immediately, exceeds existing legal requirements by calling for the mandatory muster of all embarking passengers prior to departure from port.

Musters are mandatory exercises conducted on cruise ships to ensure passengers are informed of safety protocols while onboard the ship, including emergency evacuation procedures. Current legal requirements for conducting a muster of passengers can be found in SOLAS and mandate that a muster occur within 24 hours of passenger embarkation.

On rare occasions when passengers arrive after the muster has been completed, passengers will be promptly provided with individual or group safety briefings that meet the requirements for musters applicable under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). The formal policy is designed to help ensure that any mandatory musters or briefings are conducted for the benefit of all newly embarked passengers at the earliest practical opportunity.

The Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review includes a comprehensive assessment of the critical human factors and operational aspects of maritime safety. As best practices are identified, they will be shared among cruise industry association members and any appropriate recommendations will be shared with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), European Union and other governmental authorities as appropriate. The industry’s efforts also are consistent with the framework and spirit of the International Safety Management Code. Recommendations resulting from the Review will be made on an ongoing basis.

Read more about the IMO and various safety initiatives in our post:  World Maritime Day 2012

Muster Drill Variances

Even before the Costa Concordia accident, muster drills have been evolving.  With the latest technology, it is possible to scan the passenger's key card and compile a real-time list of passengers who have assembled at the muster station.   Even without automation, there is usually some sort of roll call made at the muster station during the drills.  The implementation varied by cruise line and possibly even the ship, based on available technology and other factors.  In all cases, the minimum requirements were met or exceeded.

The life jackets typically have the cabin numbers on them, which was often checked when passengers arrived at the muster station.  Cabin stewards would also check each cabin during the drill to be sure passengers had complied with the requirements.   All public areas are closed during the drill, so any stray passengers would be redirected to their muster station, which is also indicated on their key cards.

Recently, a Holland America passenger was disembarked before sailing for failure to comply with the mandatory muster drill.  Under the terms of the contract which is signed when passengers embark the ship, the cruise line can refuse passage or disembark passengers for failure to comply with instructions from the Master of the Vessel or other Officers of the ship.   The Muster Drill is under the command of the Captain (the Master of the Vessel).

Please familiarize yourself with the location of your muster station as soon as possible following your embarkation.  Safety is everyone's responsibility - not just the captain and crew.

The cruise industry will continue to review the safety practices and we suspect there will be additional changes in the wake of the Costa Concordia disaster.  We will continue our coverage of this very important undertaking.  

World Maritime Day 2012

The World Maritime Day theme for 2012 is “IMO: One hundred years after the Titanic”, which will focus on the Organization’s roots and safety of life at sea. We had planned to write about this closer to the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, but with the activities of this weekend in Italy, thought that it would be a good time to share the progress that has been made by the International Maritime Community since that tragic day  nearly100 years ago.  This article will highlight changes that were implemented as a result of the Titanic sinking.  Undoubtedly, there will be lessens learned from the Costa Concordia accident, and the next SOLAS Convention will perhaps recommend additional safety changes. SOLAS Convention

One of the consequences of the sinking, in 1912, of the Titanic, in which more than 1,500 people lost their lives,  was the adoption, two years later, of the first International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (the SOLAS Convention).

The 1914 version of the Convention was gradually superseded, respectively, by SOLAS 1929, SOLAS 1948, SOLAS 1960 (the first adopted under the auspices of IMO, then known as IMCO) and SOLAS 1974.  SOLAS 1974 is still in force today, amended and updated many times.

Changes since Titanic Sinking

Ice patrol    (Graphic - changes in safety since the Titanic)

In the first SOLAS 1914, after the Titanic disaster, ice patrols in the north Atlantic were set up and continue to be a SOLAS requirement. 

Speed of navigation around ice

The Commission into the Titanic ruled the loss was due to collision with an iceberg brought about by
excessive speed at which she was being navigated. Under SOLAS, when ice is reported on or near his course the master of every ship at night is bound to proceed at a moderate speed or alter course.

Public address system

There was no public address system on the Titanic and news filtered to the passengers slowly, adding to the disorder and confusion. Under SOLAS, all passenger ships must be fitted with a public address system. 

Training of crew in lifeboat drill

The crew of the Titanic lacked training in loading and lowering the lifeboats and few knew which boat they were assigned to. Lifeboats were not filled to capacity because senior officers did not know the boats had been tested and were strong enough. Under SOLAS, every crew member must participate in regular practice drills and have easy access to training manuals.

Lifeboat design

Some people died from hypothermia in the Titanic lifeboats because they were open and gave no protection against the cold. Under SOLAS, lifeboats must be fully or partially enclosed. On passenger ships, partially enclosed lifeboats can be used as they are easier to get into, but they must have a collapsible roof to fold across.

Number of lifeboats

The Titanic did not have enough lifeboats for all passengers. Under SOLAS, passenger ships must carry enough lifeboats (some of which can be substituted by life rafts for all passengers, plus life rafts for 25%.

Immersion suits

The sea temperature when the Titanic sank was below freezing point and many people died in the water from hypothermia. Under SOLAS, a specific number of immersion suits must be carried on both passenger and cargo ships, mainly for the crews of rescue boats.

Location

The land station at Cape Race, Newfoundland and ships other than the Carpathia and the Californian heard the Titanic distress call but the airwaves were crackling and the Titanic’s position was misinterpreted. With EPIRBs and global positioning systems, the position of a ship in distress can be automatically sent.

Distress watch

The Californian was less than 20 miles away but the radio officer had gone off duty when the distress messages were sent. Under SOLAS, every ship while at sea must maintain a continuous watch on the distress and safety frequencies.

Distress alert

The Titanic used radio which had a limited range of 200 nautical miles. Ships can now communicate globally via satellites.

Helicopters and rescue planes

Unavailable in 1912, helicopters and rescue planes are now used to locate, search for and rescue survivors.

Lifeboat drill

No lifeboat drill was held on the Titanic. Under SOLAS chapter III an ‘abandon ship’ and fire drill must take place weekly on all passenger ships.  (This is usually held before sailing, but must be completed within 24 hours of embarkation).

Evacuation chutes

Passengers on the Titanic jumped from windows and doorways into the lifeboats as they were lowered, often injuring themselves or other passengers New emergency evacuation chutes are both safer and quicker.


IMPROVING SAFETY AT SEA

It has always been recognized that the best way of improving safety at sea is by developing international regulations that are followed by all shipping nations and from the mid-19th century onwards a number of such treaties were adopted. Several countries proposed that a permanent international body should be established to promote maritime safety more effectively, but it was not until the establishment of the United Nations itself that these hopes were realized.  Read more about IMO's history.