Dave Heindel News

Seafarers are left unprotected by systemic failures in the implementation of the regulatory regime for work and rest hours at sea, a newly published report finds.The World Maritime University's (WMU) new report,  "A Culture of Adjustment", by Dr. Raphael Baumler, Yvette deKlerk, Dr. Michael Ekow Manuel and Dr. Laura Carballo Piñeiro confirms previous research that suggested recording malpractices are widespread, which seriously questions the capacity of the current regulatory…

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) warns that a major accident on the Panama Canal could be imminent, highlighting the serious health and safety concerns related to the fatigue of tugboat captains.The new report  takes the Panama Canal Authority (PCA) to task with tiredness, rather than the protocols in place for the physical transfer of vessels as was the case previously.Fatigue of Panama Canal tugboat poses a major threat to safety in the operation of the canal’s Neopanamax locks, according to the new independent study by ITF.The ITF, and affiliate Union de Capitanes y Oficiales de Cubierta (UCOC), have been locked in a protracted struggle with the Panama Canal Authority (PCA) over minimum safe manning…

Press release - The ITF Seafarers’ Trust is launching an enhanced version of its free Shore Leave app – the first app designed to help seafarers looking for reliable transport when in port. Shore Leave only needs to be downloaded once, and after that all the contact details of seafarers’ centers all over the world are stored in the user’s smartphone and accessible offline, anywhere, anytime. It also includes all the contact details for ISWAN Seafarers Help, the 24/7 helpline for seafarers. Luca Tommasi, Seafarers’ Trust Project Manager explained: “The idea of the original app was to transform the ISWAN seafarers’ centers directory into an interactive app that could be used offline. The response from seafarers was very positive and the app was downloaded over 10,000 times.

Crowley Maritime Corp. inform that its ocean class tugs have successfully delivered oversized, overweight equipment – comprised of topsides, tendons, piles and more – that are now part of a massive semi-submersible floating production facility located in the U.S. Gulf, approximately 280 miles south of New Orleans, La. Working alongside the tugs were Crowley’s 455 series high-deck-strength barges, which carried much of the equipment as it was towed offshore. Utilizing the Crowley tugs’ dynamic positioning capabilities, the facility, known as Jack/St.

The ITF Seafarers’ Trust, the charity arm of the International Transport Workers” Federation, has authorized two grants totalling GBP100,000 to aid Filipino seafarers and their families affected by Typhoon Haiyan. The grants, for GBP50,000 each are being awarded to the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) and the Philippine Seafarers Union (PSU) to help them deliver emergency relief for seafarers and their families. ITF Seafarers’ Trust chair Dave Heindel commented: “Around 300,000 of the world’s seafarers are from the Philippines, many of them from the worst hit areas. These two grants will allow us to provide targeted help to them.

The ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) gives guarded thumbs-up to preparations for implementation of Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). As Malta becomes the 34th ILO member state to ratify the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006,  the ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) gave its cautious approval to the progress made across the shipping world to prepare for the convention’s all important coming into force August 2013. The ITF is actively monitoring efforts to prepare for the MLC’s entry into operation – including its own. It believes that the legislation, the first worldwide bill of rights for seafarers, can make a positive difference to everyone serving at sea, irrespective of their nationality and the flag the ship they are on is flying.

The US Department of Transportation has publicly praised the role played by merchant mariners during the September 11, 2001 attacks. The Department singles out those working on vessels on that day for special recognition, and has produced a short video on the matter. For full details please see www.dot.gov/affairs/2011/marad1011.html Dave Heindel, ITF seafarers’ section chair and secretary-treasurer of the SIU (Seafarers International Union), whose members, along with those of the MEBA and ILA, were involved throughout the 9/11 relief and evacuation effort, commented: “This is the recognition that these men and women deserve, and it’s great that it’s been made public. Once again US mariners were quick to answer their nation’s call when and where needed.