The European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) and the European Transport Workers Federation (ETF) have jointly launched a new ‘Seafarers Go Digital’ initiative, to identify and address the challenges of digitalisation for shipping and seafarers.
The initiative will explore ways of adapting international regulations, training programmes and operational practices so that digital technologies are embraced while the employment rights and well-being of seafarers are safeguarded.
The project aims to raise awareness in areas such as onboard digitalisation, cybersecurity, internet access onboard, e-certification, digital skills and attractiveness of the maritime profession and puts forward policy recommendations for further cooperation between the industry and unions, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders.
“Supporting shipping and seafarers in the digital transition is a key priority for European shipowners,” said Sotiris Raptis, ECSA Secretary General.
“We need to ensure that seafarers are upskilled and reskilled to work safely with the new digital tools and technologies. Digitalisation can help make the profession more attractive and more diverse, offering career opportunities onboard and ashore and enhancing the participation of women and underrepresented groups.”
The ‘Seafarers Go Digital’ initiative builds on the outcome of joint ECSA-ETF projects WESS and SkillSea, with the project concept document available for download here.
