In SwedishEU creates a better work environment onboard
Dimitrios Theologitis
The EU commission has started work on drawing up a new social agenda for seafarers. A concrete proposal will be presented in two years’ time, explains Dimitrios Theologitis, section manager at the EU Commission’s marine department. He thinks that the Union has succeeded well in its marine safety work. The three action packets which have been approved since the capsizing of the tanker Erika in 1999 now make up an entirely satisfactory set of regulations. However, the representative of the Commission considers that there is much more to do in the improvement of conditions for personnel working on ships. He welcomes the maritime superconvention of the ILO (International Labour Organisation), which is aimed at improving conditions at sea, but says at the same time that it is not sufficient.
– There are many things that can be better onboard, such as communication with families at home. We need to install broadband on ships so that seafarers can stay in contact with their families and friends more easily. We must also raise salaries and improve food and facilities for physical training onboard.
The commission is also discussing how maritime training can be developed, says Dimitrios Theologitis. He talks about a general rise in quality and closer cooperation between seats of learning in different countries.
– I think that more exchanges between schools, such as in the Erasmus programme, would be very much appreciated by students. It would give them a taste of the international industry that they will be working in during the future.
According to Dimitrios Theologitis, better conditions onboard are a prerequisite for the successful future of European shipping.
– If we don’t do this it will be difficult to find crews for our ships. When the financial crisis is over and the market picks up once again, the shortage of marine officers will hit us with full force.
Linda Sundgren
Your comment