Maritime union wants workers involved in safety

A resolution carried at the Nautilus International maritime union’s general meeting highlights the threats posed by the toxicity, flammability and explosiveness of new technologies and fuels.

“The transition to new fuels and technologies is underway, which will bring new and distinct risks,” said Nautilus member Henk Eijkenaar. “Maritime professionals have a key role to play in mitigating such risks. Our knowledge and skill put us in a unique position to improve safety and ensure it is prioritised.”

He called on shipowners and governments to recognise that the best way to ensure the transition to new fuels and technologies is to listen to seafarers and their representatives.

Nautilus will campaign for maritime professionals to be consulted during the procurement and design of new vessels, so they are designed and built with seafarer safety as a priority, and on the types of fuels shipowners seek to implement into their fleet. It is calling for IMO international maritime organisation regulations for the implementation and use of alternative fuels with equal, and where possible, better safety levels than traditional fuel technologies. And it is demanding comprehensive fire-safety training for maritime professionals working onboard vessels carrying electric vehicles. Eijkenaar also highlighted the need for properly fitting and correctly sized personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly for women and Asian seafarers, in order to secure safety at sea.