Page 16 - 2021 - Q2 - Minerva in Focus

SEAFARER WELLBEING

Understanding the One of the basic aims of the MLC Convention, as stated in Article IV, is that “Every
seafarer has a right to decent work and living conditions on board the ship, health
terms “decent protection, medical care, welfare measures, and other forms of social protection.”

In trying to understand the terms “decent work conditions” and “welfare measures,” we
work conditions” should note that in the context of the MLC, these terms imply seafarers’ general health
and wellbeing. In this article, we will focus on seafarer’s wellbeing. The main reason is
and “welfare that apart from being an MLC requirement, seafarer wellbeing impacts safety. Moreover,
seafarers’ wellbeing becomes even more important with the maritime industry is facing
the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
measures” What is Seafarer Wellbeing? Wellbeing is defined as the state of being comfortable,
healthy, or happy (Oxford University Press, 2019). In the case of seafarers obliged to
work, rest, and have recreation in the same space as other seafarers they have not
chosen to be with, wellbeing is much more challenging and includes different things.
So, it can be said that seafarer wellbeing is a holistic concept that combines physical,
mental, and social wellbeing.
As a company, we understand the broader concept of seafarer wellbeing and its great im-
portance for the success of our business. In other words, we believe that seafarers who are
happy, healthy, well-fed, and satisfied with their role form the basis for a safe and well-run
ship. In our effort to improve the wellbeing of every seafarer on every vessel of our fleet, we
have dedicated two of our last Health Campaigns to themes related to seafarer wellbeing.
During Q1 of 2021, we ran a Health Campaign on “Lifestyle Changes for Improved Wellbeing,”
while in Q2 of 2021, we launched a Health Campaign on “Maritime Wellbeing.”
Every day we strive to ensure the wellbeing of our seafarers and explore new ways to
enhance it further. Our initiatives in this context include providing VSAT Internet with
free use of data, installing SAT-TV on all fleet vessels, establishing the Vessel’s Crew
Welfare Fund in order to procure suitable equipment such as entertainment equipment,
advanced-spec electronic devices, sports and gym equipment, galley utilities, and
launching a Crew Wellbeing & Support Line.
Additionally, recognizing that the perception of concepts like welfare and wellbeing is more
or less subjective, we conduct an annual survey on our vessels to enhance welfare-related
equipment onboard continually. The most recent example of equipment provided on our
vessels as a result of this survey is the air purifiers/ionizers in vessel recreation rooms.
A presentation by Spyros Margaris Finally, a fleet survey is being conducted at the time of writing to assess the current level
Safety Officer of satisfaction with working and living conditions onboard and the manning, employ-
HSQ & Marine Department, ment, and training arrangements.
Minerva Marine Inc.
14 MINERVA IN FOCUS – ISSUE 16 / Q2 2021