BIMCO strengthens focus on seafarers

(Posted on 24/03/26)

BIMCO has published a revised position paper on seafarers, expanding its previous focus on fair treatment into a broader framework addressing the long-term sustainability of the global maritime workforce.

The updated position “Supporting maritime workforce sustainability” reflects growing recognition across the industry that ensuring a resilient and attractive seafaring profession requires a holistic approach. This goes beyond legal protections alone and encompasses welfare, training, safety culture and the people as the centre of ship design and operations.

The fair treatment of seafarers, particularly in cases involving criminalisation following maritime incidents, abandonment or denial of basic rights such as shore leave or medical care has been at the heart of BIMCO’s work.

And while these issues remain critically important, discussions within the industry have increasingly highlighted that the long-term resilience of the maritime workforce depends on a wider set of factors.

The global maritime industry relies on nearly two million seafarers, whose professionalism ensures the safe and efficient movement of international trade. Sustaining this workforce requires safe, fair, inclusive and attractive working conditions that support both operational resilience and the long-term appeal of maritime careers.

Our new position provides a framework for us to work within that addresses the broader ecosystem that supports seafarers, including welfare, mental health, training, inclusivity, working and living conditions, the people as the centre of ship design and operations, and legal safeguards. This shift reflects feedback from BIMCO members, where shipowners and senior industry representatives identified workforce sustainability as a growing concern.

Collectively, these factors influence not only operational resilience but also the attractiveness of seafaring as a career.

The 2021 BIMCO and ICS Seafarer Workforce Report has previously projected a growing demand for qualified officers, highlighting the importance of sustained recruitment, training and retention efforts. At the same time, the maritime sector is undergoing profound changes driven by digitalisation, automation and the energy transition, all of which are reshaping the competencies required onboard ships.

These developments place increasing emphasis on future-ready training systems, stronger oversight of maritime education and training and continuous skills development throughout seafarers’ careers.

At the IMO level, work is ongoing under the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code, aimed at modernising seafarer training and competence requirements to reflect technological developments and evolving operational practices.

The IMO Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping has also initiated work on fatigue management and hours of work and rest, recognising the operational realities faced by seafarers and the importance of managing workload and wellbeing onboard.

More information may be found here: HTW 12: IMO advances seafarer training and launches new fatigue management initiative

At the same time, new initiatives within the IMO’s capacity development framework aim to promote diversity, equality, equity and inclusion (DEEI) in the maritime sector and support the development of future-ready maritime skills.