The UAE has always tried to enhance the life and work of seafarers. Recently, the UAE launched an initiative to protect seafarers’ rights and welfare. The initiative aims to stop unpaid crews and vessel abandonment in the sea.
UAE as a Strategic Maritime Hub
The UAE has been at a vantage point considering its location on the international sea route. The UAE serves as a logistics hub with more than 21,000 ships calling annually and over 20,000 local and international marine companies operating.
Supporting Our Blue Army Initiative
“For these reasons, we’ve launched the ‘Supporting our Blue Army’ initiative to be one of the first countries to recognize and appreciate marine crews and put them on an equal footing with priority categories such as medical personnel, especially in such circumstances where seafarers played a key role in mitigating the devastating effects on the global economy due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said H.E Eng. Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure in the UAE.
The Need for Legislation
He also stressed the need for legislation and laws related to the maritime sector to ensure compliance with new laws that support seafarers in helping the economy grow. “The latest achievement was the Cabinet resolution regarding marine wrecks and violating ships, which obliges all UAE flagships and foreign flagships in UAE waters or calling UAE ports to guarantee the rights of seafarers and fulfill their needs,” he added.
Collaboration with International Bodies
International Transport Workers Federation is collaborating with UAE maritime authorities to enhance cooperation in supporting seafarers. The initiatives run in parallel with allowing crew change in the UAE during the Covid-19 pandemic and providing treatment and vaccination to seafarers.
Government's Commitment to Seafarer Welfare
H.E Sheikh Nasser Majid Al-Qasimi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Infrastructure and Transport Sector at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said: “The UAE Government Excellence System and the Sheikh Khalifa Government Excellence Program have always motivated us to develop innovative ideas and projects, as well as adopt best practices. Inspired by this system, particularly the ‘Enhancing Wellbeing,’ we are indebted to provide a better life and opportunity for seafarers in UAE,” he stressed.
Impact on the Maritime Industry
The initiative is believed to have a great impact on international seafarers reaching the shores of the UAE. The UAE will become the international benchmark for ensuring the welfare of seafarers and their rights. Ships that violate the rights of seafarers will not be able to enter UAE waters and, therefore, will not be part of the regional trade center and the global supply chain and logistics services.
Strengthening the Bond between Seafarers and Authorities
The move will definitely strengthen the bond between seafarers and the authorities so that every concern is looked forward to and treated with respect.
Maritronics' Support for the Initiative
Maritronics, as a leading marine service provider in UAE, is actively helping marine businesses to move ahead by providing excellent services. The new initiative has been very well welcomed, and Maritronics engineers believe that the new rules will improve seafarers’ lives both at work and in their personal life.
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