Wallem CEO speaks out on Day of the Seafarer theme ‘My Harassment-Free Ship’

This year’s IMO Day of the Seafarer reminds us that there are many pressures on efforts to improve life at sea for the people who are the backbone of global trade, writes Wallem Group CEO John Rowley (pictured).

In choosing 'My Harassment-Free Ship' for this year’s campaign, the IMO is also highlighting what many experience: a leading Swedish Maritime Academy recently found that 8-25% of males and over 50% of females have been subjected to harassment at sea.

In line with its conviction that the future of maritime is human, Wallem believes the rigor in its policies, leadership and training are critical components in ensuring that our seafarers feel safe, well and able to grow – professionally and personally.

Its comprehensive crew welfare initiatives also include comprehensive ‘e-wallet’ services, regular career planning and the ‘Sea Voice Portal’ - which allows seafarers to offer feedback and raise concerns at director level.

On the Day of the Seafarer, I am encouraged to see the IMO launch an Interactive World Map highlighting resources to support seafarers and empower them to seek help wherever they are.

I also wholeheartedly join the IMO in promoting a culture of respect and zero tolerance of bullying on ships in the context of the latest IMO WISTA Women in Maritime Survey, which disappointingly put female representation among seafarers at just 1%.

Wallem’s shore-based workforce is already 45% female, while our ‘Women of Wallem’ initiative celebrates and supports the families and networks on which our seafarers rely.

We are also seeking to encourage more women into careers at sea, and to nurture and retain those joining Wallem’s professional seafarers. To do that, we must remain resolute in our efforts, and ensure that the workplace at sea is welcoming, safe and inclusive.