The August 2024 welcome message from the AMWS Chairman,
Mr David Parmeter
Mr David Parmeter
Hello everyone, and welcome to the August 2024 AMWS electronic newsletter.
At AMWS, our Vision is "To ensure all seafarers and their dependents, irrespective of nationality, gender, or beliefs, are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion".
While the primary focus of our activities is in Australia, we are concerned about the welfare of seafarers everywhere, so take a keen interest in international issues that impact on the wellbeing of seafarers.
In this edition of the newsletter there is a short but powerful article about the so called “dark fleets” that are used to avoid sanctions against Russia.
These are vessels that secretly operate to bypass international sanctions, and therefore pose serious risks to seafarer welfare. These ships often avoid regulations, leaving crew members vulnerable to exploitation, unsafe working conditions, and poor living standards. Many of these vessels are old and poorly maintained, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Overall, seafarers on dark fleet vessels are among the most vulnerable in the maritime industry, with their welfare significantly compromised due to lack of oversight and protection.
In recent times there has been a concerted effort to raise the standards of international shipping through increased regulation and heightened scrutiny. Unfortunately what the “dark fleets” illustrate is that for all the people doing the right thing, there are others who are not and seafarers suffer the consequences. That is why seafarer welfare is still a significant issue and the work of organisations like AMWS continues to be important.
I trust you will enjoy this edition of the newsletter.
DP
At AMWS, our Vision is "To ensure all seafarers and their dependents, irrespective of nationality, gender, or beliefs, are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion".
While the primary focus of our activities is in Australia, we are concerned about the welfare of seafarers everywhere, so take a keen interest in international issues that impact on the wellbeing of seafarers.
In this edition of the newsletter there is a short but powerful article about the so called “dark fleets” that are used to avoid sanctions against Russia.
These are vessels that secretly operate to bypass international sanctions, and therefore pose serious risks to seafarer welfare. These ships often avoid regulations, leaving crew members vulnerable to exploitation, unsafe working conditions, and poor living standards. Many of these vessels are old and poorly maintained, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Overall, seafarers on dark fleet vessels are among the most vulnerable in the maritime industry, with their welfare significantly compromised due to lack of oversight and protection.
In recent times there has been a concerted effort to raise the standards of international shipping through increased regulation and heightened scrutiny. Unfortunately what the “dark fleets” illustrate is that for all the people doing the right thing, there are others who are not and seafarers suffer the consequences. That is why seafarer welfare is still a significant issue and the work of organisations like AMWS continues to be important.
I trust you will enjoy this edition of the newsletter.
DP