The Ministry of Transport engaged in the Virtual Fair Future for Seafarers Event, and has recognised the massive economic contribution seafarers make to the maritime sector and society.
On Friday, 25 June 2021, the Department of Transport and Minister Fikile Mbalula delivered a key note address at the Fair Future for Seafarers Virtual Event. According to the department, the purpose of the day is to recognise the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy, and civil society as a whole.
In his address, Minister Mbalula highlighted some key roles played by seafarers in the maritime sector, one of them being that the Republic of South Africa is a member state of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and the custodian of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) convention. Interventions have been put in place to alleviate the effects of COVID-19, including difficult working conditions, unemployment, crew changes, repatriation, fair treatment of seafarers and fair working conditions.
Mbalula also stated that the department has heeded the call from the IMO to designate seafarers as essential workers. The Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy (CMTP) – 2017 seeks to promote the continuous engagement with shipowners and operators. Mbalula has assured the department’s support for the sustainable development of seafarers into the future
See the post below.
The Republic of South Africa is a member state of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and custodian of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watch Keeping (STCW) Convention. https://t.co/oPH3nCtapK pic.twitter.com/KhN9YKpzgP
— Department of Transport (@Dotransport) June 25, 2021
