Nr. 1 2010 - Handelsflådens Velfærdsråd

028° HOriSOnt
SeaFarerS
in FOcuS
by Søren Philip Sørensen
We have made a good start to 2010. What can we expect and
what challenges await us? There is no doubt the maritime
sector is still being affected by the economic crisis, although
there is certainly light at the end of the tunnel.
There are pay negotiations in Denmark this year, and it will be
interesting to see how the industry parties solve this major issue. We
wish all concerned every success in these negotiations.
We can also expect Denmark and the EU as a whole to ratify the
Maritime Labour Convention 2006 this year – colloquially called MLC
2006. This convention, drawn up over a number of years by the ILO,
proposes improving seafarers’ general conditions. We have a more
in-depth article on this important convention in the magazine.
However, it should be noted that this convention obliges each
country, among other things, to ensure seafarers’ welfare and
recreation onshore. We look forward to seeing
what, for example, Copenhagen can offer.
Unfortunately, there are currently no facilities
in Copenhagen for seafarers.
The Danish Government Seamen’s Service’s
(HFV) closely follows the developments and
challenges in the maritime sector and works
continuously to adapt our products. As visible
proof of this, this magazine has been published
in both Danish and English for the first time.
We feel this is a natural step and we are
delighted that even more seafarers will have
the opportunity to read about our activities
and services.
At the Nordic level, we are also intensifying
cooperation in both news coverage and
mutual support and assistance; mainly in
Rotterdam.
The IMO (International Maritime Organization)
has also decreed that 2010 will be ”The year
of the seafarer”. They wish to pay tribute to
the seafarer for the great efforts being made
in a very difficult and sometimes perilous
profession. There will be various events held
around the world to mark this. This is of course
a positive initiative, especially if it leads to more awareness of the
conditions for seafarers. For us, every year is the year of the seafarer.
Here in Denmark we have also seen a number of Swedish shipping
companies setting up offices in Denmark and flagging their ships
under DIS. We have been in contact with these companies in respect
to offering our services to their seafarers. They are obviously a little
unsure of our role, so this is also something we must address.
But it shows very clearly that the industry is becoming increasingly
global, which in turn places demands on our work. Again we will use
this opportunity to promote cooperation – near and far; on ships as
well as on land.
We are all best served by focusing on the seafarer. It is you who
perform the tasks and meet the great challenges at sea.
Photo
For sEA
daNish Photo comPetitioN
Former and current seafarers on Danish
ships are invited to participate in the
Danish Government Seamen’s Service’s
(HFV) annual photo competition. All
images with a maritime dimension
should be submitted to competent
judges at the end of the year.
suBjects
Pictures of sunsets or foredecks in
storms are always popular subjects, but
we would like to see a few more shots of
people both at work and on shore leave.
You can decide how many images you
want to submit.
Photo John kristensen:
A good laugh at m/t oraholm.