Episode 87: Navigating the Future: Seafarers’ Welfare and Maritime Challenges
Guest Panelists:
- Simon Grainge, Executive Director, ISWAN
- Chaplain Michelle DePooter, Montreal Ministry to Seafarers and Vice-President, NAMMA
- Stephen Lyman, Executive Director, Maritime Association of the Port of NY-NJ
Episode Overview:
Recorded live at the NAMMA Annual Conference, this special World Maritime Day episode of The Last Dinosaur brings together key experts to discuss the future of seafarers’ welfare and the challenges facing the maritime industry. Our panelists dive into this year’s theme, Serving Seafarers: First Things First, exploring critical topics such as sea blindness, the growing influence of digital connectivity, and the role of new technologies in shaping maritime operations. This engaging discussion highlights the importance of putting seafarers’ welfare at the heart of the industry as it continues to evolve.
Key Points:
- Sea Blindness:
The panel explores how the public remains largely unaware of the maritime industry’s contributions and the critical work of seafarers, despite its global impact. - Connectivity’s Impact:
With more seafarers gaining access to onboard internet and communication tools, we explore how this can both improve and complicate life at sea, especially in terms of maintaining social cohesion on board. - Emerging Technologies & Fuels:
The shift toward new technologies like AI and alternative fuels (such as ammonia and LNG) is reshaping maritime safety and training. The panel addresses the potential benefits and challenges these developments bring for seafarers. - The Human Element:
While technology is rapidly changing the industry, the panel emphasizes the importance of maintaining human connections on board. As Simon Grainge notes, “Technology should be a servant, not a master. We must remind seafarers that they are not just small cogs in a vast machine.” - Looking Ahead: Safety First:
As decarbonization and automation continue to transform maritime logistics, our panelists call for greater involvement of seafarers in decision-making processes to ensure that their welfare and safety remain top priorities. Michelle DePooter emphasizes, “Connectivity is crucial, but so is maintaining the social bonds on board. We can’t lose the human connection.”
Links & Resources:
- ISWAN’s SeafarerHelp Helpline
- Montreal Ministry to Seafarers
- Maritime Association of the Port of NY-NJ
Tune in Now:
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Watch the episode on YouTube.
Music by: Peg and The Rejected “King of SKA”
Art Work By: GA Design
Produced by: Chris Aversano
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