The International Shipping Federation (ISF) has published a special brochure to promote the International Maritime Organization (IMO) ‘Year of the Seafarer’. ISF Secretary General, Tony Mason, explained : “As the principal international representative organisation of maritime employers, ISF has a deep interest in highlighting the importance of thise unique and highly skilled profession of seafaring, and our member national associations are keen to encourage due recognition of the critical work performed by the world’s one and a quarter million seafarers.”

The brochure explains ISF involvement in dealing with some of the key challenges currently facing today’s seafarers.  It  and has been published in advance of the IMO Diplomatic Conference which is expected to adopt amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), being and whichheld will take place in Manila next week.

“ISF will be representing global employers at the STCWIMO Conference and is confident that the changes agreed by governments will further enhance the seafaring profession and contribute to making it even safer.”

Mr. Mason continued:

“Seafarers have much of which to be proud.  Shipping is both an industry imbued with history and tradition, and at the same time a modern and dynamic enterprise.  The health of the global economy depends on raw materials and finished goods being transported safely and efficiently.  As about 90% of world trade is carried by sea it is ultimately the commitment and professionalism of today’s seafarers which ensures that society as a whole realises the benefits which world trade brings.”

ISF is the principal international maritime employers’ organisation, founded in 1909.

The membership of ISF comprises national shipowners’ associations from 30 countries, representing all sectors and trades in the global industry and over 75% of the world merchant fleet.

Courtesy:shiptalk.com