Page 7 - 2022 - Q2 - Minerva in Focus

Neptune Declaration in particular small island developing States fear, anxiety, or sadness affect mental health.
For some, the conflict may also trigger dif-
(SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs).
Crew Change Indicator: However, the agreement to establish the In- ficult memories of past experiences and
ternational Maritime Research Board (IMRB)
exacerbate such emotions.
The main findings and the proposed $5 billion International Understanding and talking about these
Maritime Research Fund (IMRF) was not
shared human emotions lets people know
achieved at MEPC 78. ‘’By refusing to take they are not alone. By ensuring that person-
#covid-19 forward the shipping industry’s proposed nel is supported if they feel overwhelmed or
research and development fund, the IMO concerned about a colleague who may be
In May 2021, the first Neptune Declaration Crew has wasted its opportunity to kick start a struggling, we can positively influence well-
Change Indicator was launched based on data rapid transition to zero-carbon technologies, being and human performance.
from 10 ship managers. The aim is to publish which will be vital if we are to decarbonise OCIMF also encourages all concerned par-
the Indicator on a monthly basis to provide completely by 2050. Despite the support of ties to have competent support structures
reliable data regarding the crew-change crisis many IMO States, we have been frustrated by available for assessment of the physical
and the way it evolves. short-sighted political manoeuvring, which and mental wellbeing of the crew. This can
The June Indicator shows that the number of has led to the proposal in effect being killed’’, help identify early signs of potential human
seafarers on board beyond the expiry of their noted Guy Platten, ICS Secretary General. factors’ impacts on activities, performance,
contract has risen since the May indicator from The MEPC also agreed to designate the entire safety, and efficiency.
5.8% to 7.4%, which corresponds to a 24.1% rela- Mediterranean Sea as an emission control
tive increase, while the number of seafarers on area, meaning that ships will - from 2025 - Source: OCIMF
board for over 11 months has remained stable. have to comply with more stringent controls
These numbers are based on data from major on sulphur oxide emissions. In a SOx-ECA,
ship managers collectively responsible for over the limit for sulphur in fuel oil used on board
90,000 seafarers across all the major segments. ships is 0.10% mass by mass (m/m), while
The developments are not unexpected and are outside these areas, the limit is 0.50% m/m.
driven by the rise in Covid-19 cases in important There are currently four designated SOx-ECAs
seafaring nations, such as India, Pakistan, Sri worldwide: the Baltic Sea area, the North Sea
Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, and area, the North American area (covering des-
subsequently increased restrictions in major ignated areas off the United States and Can-
seafaring hubs. ada coasts), and the United States Caribbean
Input from the ship managers also indicates Sea area (around Puerto Rico and the United
seafarers continue to have limited vaccine States Virgin Islands).
access, which would be a critical step forward
in resolving the issue. Source:
International Maritime Organization,
Source:Global Maritime Forum International Chamber of Shipping
IMO: Cutting ships’ GHG OCIMF: A core human
emissions - working factors approach during

towards a revised crises

strategy
#humanfactor

#environment The conflict in Ukraine has implications for
the shipping industry, which has already
IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Com- endured major challenges during the global
mittee has reiterated its commitment to re- pandemic.
view and strengthen the IMO Initial Strategy The Oil Companies International Marine Fo-
on reducing GHG emissions from shipping, rum (OCIMF) has developed an approach to
with a view to adopting a revised strategy in integrate human factors into its activities. A
mid-2023. core human factors principle in support of
The MEPC 78 session (6-10 June) made fur- the focus on reducing risk is accepting that
ther progress with the discussions towards people make mistakes and that mistakes be-
revising the Initial GHG Strategy, as initiated come more likely under conditions that make
during the last session (MEPC 77). The revi- work difficult.
sion will take into account the commitment to Crises such as the current conflict can have
strengthen the levels of ambition of the Initial a direct and indirect impact on the wellbeing
Strategy and the needs of developing States, of personnel. Emotions such as uncertainty,

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