(NEWS) In Honour of World Maritime Day - The World of the Seafarer Webinar

September

2021

The World of the Seafarer Webinar

In honour of World Maritime Day 2021, the World Maritime University (WMU) hosted an Alumni Webinar on 23 September that focused on the new volume from the WMU Studies in Maritime Affairs book series, titled “The World of the Seafarer: Qualitative Accounts of Working in the Global Shipping Industry”.

The 2021 World Maritime Day theme, “Seafarers: at the core of shippingʹs future", reflects a clear need to raise awareness of seafarersʹ vital role in world trade and increase their visibility. In the shipping industry, 1.9 million seafarers are estimated to work on cruise and cargo vessels. Seafarers have been, and continue to be, at the forefront of global maritime transportation. However, the recognition of seafarers’ work and sacrifice is patchy and analyses of the shipping industry are insufficient.

The new book partially addresses the need for a broader understanding of this sector and provides a detailed account of the industry as a complex jigsaw of globally dispersed elements. The volume has been positively reviewed in the maritime press and is being widely read with more than 28,000 downloads registered on the publishers’ website and has been nominated for the Mountbatten Award for Best Book for the Maritime Media Awards 2021.

The webinar opened with a video message from Dr Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation. He noted that the book brings together the work done at The Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme at Cardiff University’s Seafarers International Research Centre (SIRC), and its timely release with the 2021 World Maritime Day Theme. “When we think about the magnitude of the oceans and the diverse range of maritime issues, no single research or field of expertise can solve today’s complicated web of ocean-related issues alone,” he said. For the future of “the oceans that are a shared assist of humanity,” he called for the sharing of research results and expertise across organizations, national borders and disciplines.

The webinar proceeded with presentations from the Editors of the book, Professor Helen Sampson, Director of the Seafarers International Research Centre, Cardiff University, and Professor Victor Gekara, College of Business and Law, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Contributors of some of the book’s chapters also spoke about their PhD research work funded by The Nippon Foundation.

In her closing remarks, Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of WMU, thanked The Nippon Foundation for their generous support for the book. She expressed the hope that more research relating to seafarers’ rights and the challenges they face will continue to be undertaken and funded. “This webinar makes an important contribution to the maritime community by increasing knowledge from social science research which provides the depth of understanding of contemporary challenges that the maritime industry is facing. WMU will continue to promote the rights of seafarers through education, research capacity-building together with IMO, the ILO and other maritime stakeholders,” she said.

Thanks to the generous support by The Nippon Foundation, the book is made available to everyone through open access. To download “The World of the Seafarer” e-book, click here.

To access the recorded webinar, click here.

About World Maritime Day

World Maritime Day was first held in 1978 to mark the 20th anniversary of the IMO Convention’s entry into force. Celebrations are held throughout the world to focus attention on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment, and to emphasize a particular aspect of IMO's work. World Maritime Day celebrations are usually held during the last week in September.

Since 2005, in addition to the official IMO celebrations held at IMO Headquarters in London, there has been a Parallel Event hosted by a member State, which is South Africa in 2021.

To read more about World Maritime Day 2021, click here.

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About the WMU Alumni Webinar Series‍

The Knowledge for Life WMU Alumni Webinar series was launched in 2019 with the aim of keeping WMU graduates connected with the cutting edge research and work of WMU faculty. Many of the webinars are open and available to the public. WMU Alumni Webinar available video links are provided below.

The “Ever Given” - A Legal Status Update

Digital Innovation for Smart Shipping

‍Understanding the Effects of COVID-19 on Seafarers ‍

A Culture of Adjustment Research Report - evaluating the implementation of the current maritime regulatory framework on rest and work hours ‍

Covid-19 and Labour: Revisiting the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 ‍

Upgrade Your Professional Skills For The Future ‍

Search and Rescue in the High North Region ‍

COVID-19 and shipping: maritime law and policy highlights ‍

The Journey Towards a Zero/Low Carbon and Energy Efficient Maritime Future ‍

Transport 2040: The Future of Work

Decarbonization of International Shipping

Women in Leadership: Paths Through Education

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Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

My decision to enroll in the doctoral program at WMU was heavily influencedby my prior experience as a Master's student at the institution. Initiallyintroduced to me as a preeminent global institution for maritime education,WMU's stellar reputation was further substantiated by the exceptional qualityof education I received during my Master’s studies. This experience became acompelling factor in my determination to return to WMU as a doctoral student.Recognizing the synergies between my research aspirations and the institutionalofferings at WMU, I concluded that continuing my educational journey at thisesteemed institution was not only beneficial but also aligned perfectly with myacademic and professional goals.

My research explored thetheoretical foundations of governance, placing a particular emphasis onmaritime governance. Going beyond mere theoretical frameworks, the studyconducted a comprehensive examination of a crucial aspect within maritimegovernance—specifically, the implementation of International MaritimeOrganization (IMO) instruments, exploring the contextual factors that affectthe implementation process. Applying the grounded theory methodology, theresearch aimed to understand these theoretical underpinnings, as well as firmlyanchor insights in the practical context of maritime governance; unveiling theintricacies and challenges associated with the effective implementation of IMOinstruments in the maritime domain. The selection of this topic was motivatedby a personal interest that was cultivated during my Master’s studies inmaritime law and policy. Furthermore, it was driven by the recognition of ascarcity of scientific research on this specific topic. This gap in theexisting body of knowledge served as a catalyst for my exploration,underscoring the significance of contributing valuable insights to an area ofmaritime governance that has been relatively underrepresented in scholarlyresearch.

Undoubtedly, a highlight of myeducational journey at WMU was the opportunity to forge connections withinfluential change-makers and thought leaders hailing from every corner of theglobe. This invaluable chance to engage with individuals on an internationalscale has not only enabled me to expand my global network but has also servedas a conduit for immersing myself in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures.Through these global interactions, I've gained a profound understanding ofdifferent perspectives, traditions, and approaches, contributing significantlyto my personal and academic growth. This experience goes beyond mere networkingand has also played a pivotal role in fostering stronger connections within theCaribbean region from which I hail.

Embarking on my professional path,my foremost aim is to establish myself as an authority in the field of maritimegovernance. I aspire to leave a significant and enduring mark on the globalmaritime landscape. Beyond the academic sphere, my drive is fuelled by apassionate interest in pursuing diverse opportunities within the maritimedomain and the broader educational sector and contributing significantly topositive transformations in the global maritime sector.

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Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

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When I made the decision to embark on the journey of pursuing both my MScand PhD degrees, the World Maritime University (WMU) beckoned me for severalcompelling reasons. Foremost among these was WMU's sterling reputation as aworld-class institution within the maritime sphere, a factor that wieldedsignificant influence over my choice. Given my extensive background as a seniorprofessional in the maritime operational field, having held the role of acaptain, I was in search of an academic environment that could serve as a nexusfor both enriching my knowledge and providing a platform for the disseminationof my wealth of industry experience.

WMU's unwavering commitment tomaritime education, coupled with its resolute emphasis on bridging the realmsof academia and industry, deeply resonated with me. It became evident that WMUwas the perfect crucible for my transformation from a career entrenched inmaritime operations to one flourishing within academia. The University'sstoried tradition of nurturing and producing experts and leaders within themaritime sector further solidified its standing as the ideal choice for myeducational pursuits.Furthermore, WMU's distinctive interdisciplinary approachto maritime studies served as an irresistible attraction.

My research focus during my tenureat WMU was centered on the pivotal subject of achieving net-zero emissions inthe maritime sector, encompassing both offshore and onshore infrastructures,including ports and shipyards. This particular research avenue held greatappeal for me due to its unique capacity to amalgamate my extensive practicalexperience as a captain within the maritime operational field with the rigorousacademic environment provided by WMU. The maritime industry is inherentlydynamic, constantly undergoing transformative changes, and I was deeplyconvinced that my research endeavors could significantly contribute toenhancing sustainability within this vital sector. The prospect of influencingpositive change by addressing contemporary challenges and emerging trends inthe maritime industry, all closely aligned with my professional background,served as a compelling motivation for my choice of research focus.

One of the most memorable aspectsof my WMU experience has undoubtedly been the University's vibrant andinclusive interdisciplinary environment. Engaging with both faculty members andfellow students hailing from diverse backgrounds and nationalities has been anincredibly enriching facet of my academic journey. This inclusive atmospherehas offered me a unique opportunity to gain fresh insights and perspectivesthat would have remained undiscovered within the confines of a purely industry-focusedsetting. The collaborative exchange of ideas across various maritimedisciplines has proven to be invaluable, expanding my horizons and enriching myeducational experience. Additionally, the regular involvement in thoughtfuldiscussions, seminars, and workshops focused on globally relevant maritimetopics has served as a consistent source of inspiration throughout my time atWMU. The University’s unwavering dedication to cultivating a global network ofmaritime experts has allowed me to establish meaningful connections withprofessionals and scholars from across the world. These connections have notonly broadened my academic horizons but have also added a global dimension tomy educational journey, enhancing its depth and significance.

Upon graduation, I was awarded aprestigious research fellowship in sustainability, energy, and the pursuit ofnet-zero emissions within the maritime industry at the esteemed University ofSouthampton in the United Kingdom. This exciting opportunity marks the nextphase of my academic and maritime journey. I remain passionately committed tocontinuing my exploration of academia and the maritime sector, building uponthe invaluable knowledge and experience I acquired during my time at WMU. Myprimary objective is to contribute significantly to the advancement of thezero-emission maritime industry, a pivotal and transformative sector within ourglobal community.

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The Development of a Systematic, Holistic and Transdisciplinary Energy Management Framework to Promote Environmentally Sustainable Shipyards