AMWS News 2024
WISTA Australia Women in Maritime - AMSA
The Nautical Institute International Day for Women In Maritime event will be held in Perth this year on 16th May, with the event also available online to everyone else who can’t make it in person. Go to the following link for full details. https://www.facebook.com/share/SscBmxk98k1VLMrW/?mibextid=9l3rBW |
Maritime Community Commemorates Merchant Navy War Losses. Lindsay Reed DCN, 15th April 2024
On April 14th, during the 59th Annual Commemoration at the Merchant Navy War Memorial in Rookwood cemetery, newly installed stone plaques were unveiled. Representatives from naval and maritime organizations attended the event. Sister Mary Leahy initiated the ceremony with prayers, acknowledging the recent tragic events in Bondi Junction. Finola McMahon uplifted the atmosphere with a spirited rendition of "God is Our Strength and Refuge," accompanied by the Bankstown and Yagoona Brass. Captain Ted van Bronswijk delivered a gospel reading, followed by MNMWF Chairman-elect Sean Barret introducing NSW Governor Margaret Beazley as the guest of honor. Governor Beazley praised the enhancements made to the memorial, particularly the addition of four stone tablets containing the names and ships of 864 Australian Merchant Mariners who lost their lives in the World Wars. She highlighted the crucial role of merchant mariners, quoting Australian wartime Prime Minister John Curtin. The Governor emphasized the significance of their contributions and the sacrifices they made for Australia's well-being. |
Two AMWS Malcolm Longstaff Memorial Scholarships for Semester 1 2024 at AMC, have recently been awarded. April 2024
Both recipients, Tobias and Max fully met the Societies selection criteria and are now studying for Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science) qualifications. All AMWS members wish both students every success as they move forward with their maritime careers. |
2024 International Women's Day. 8th March 2024
As we commemorate the 2024 International Women's Day, two central themes emerge: the United Nations' call to 'Invest in women: Accelerate progress' and the imperative of 'Inspire Inclusion'. These themes underscore the collective effort required within the maritime industry, where men comprise the majority, to advocate for gender equality. While women play a crucial role in fostering networks and driving progress, it's the unified voices of all genders that will truly advance women's representation and inclusion in maritime workplaces. Access to knowledge and resources, such as workshops and online information, facilitates this process. Link: Women in the Maritime Industry. |
STS Young Endeavour Voy 3/24. Reflections from the latest Jim Israel Award recipient: Hayden. March 2023
"I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible experience I had aboard the Young Endeavour. The adventure was truly transformative, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a remarkable journey. From navigating the open seas to learning the ropes of sailing, every moment on the ship was filled with valuable lessons and unforgettable memories. The challenges we faced together as a team helped me grow, and I am so grateful for the guidance and support of the crew throughout the voyage. The skills and lessons I learned aboard the Young Endeavour will stay with me for a lifetime, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a remarkable program. Thank you for everything you do to inspire and empower young people like me to discover their full potential." |
ITF Seafarers, 25th February 2024
NEW RULES AND RIGHTS FOR SEAFARERS ON IBF COVERED SHIPS IN THE RED SEA Please share these important updated rules for Seafarers transiting the Red Sea. These new rules apply to all seafarers aboard ships covered by International Bargaining Forum (IBF) agreements. The IBF consists of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) representing seafarers and the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) representing ship managers and owners. Read the new rules in full at link below https://www.itfglobal.org/.../ibf-warlike-operations-area |
Departure STS Young Endeavour, Voyage 03/24. Sydney 30th January 2024
Hayden, the latest recipient of the AMWS Jim Israel Tall Ship Sail Training Scholarship, was farewelled at HMAS Waterhen by his Mum and Sister last Tuesday. Jayden, a recipient of the same Young Endeavour AMWS scholarship in 2022, Chris from the Salvation Army and AMWS Rep Chris Green were also in attendance to wish him well. STS Young Endeavour is scheduled to complete its voyage in Newcastle on the 9th February 2024 Photo Left: Hayden, now part of Red Watch ( back row, second from right) can be seen with his new mates as they approach the ship's first night anchorage. |
Safety4Sea - Petition "Make Internet Free for Seafarers under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)". 18th January 2024
Internet Connectivity to facilitate contact with families is an important basic seafarer need. It is at least equally important as food and drinking water for the wellness and wellbeing of seafarers. Via their petition, Safety4Sea is seeking regulatory change via the MLC to ensure that seafarers are provided with internet connectivity – free of charge during their period of engagement and of appropriate quality and bandwidth that adequately covers the requirements of the crew and takes into account their differing needs and cultural backgrounds. If you support this view and wish to sign the petition, please access the initiative by clicking the photo at left. |
Can You Help? 21st January 2024
AMWS are looking for a member volunteer social media coordinator. If you are not a member, we can happily help you join. We are keen to find someone passionate about mariners' welfare and the maritime industry here in Australia who has a creative flair with modern communications to update and increase interaction on AMWS’s social media platforms so as to increase awareness of AMWS’s work. We anticipate this to require no more than four hours per week. If you would like to learn more about the role or send an expression of interest, please email the AMWS Secretary at the following address secretaryamws@gmail.com |