JOINT PRESS RELEASE
IMMEDIATE
It’s no secret to those in the industry that the maritime sector is one of the most diverse in the world. Seafarers hail from a wide range of cultures, nationalities and beliefs, as well as representing the full spectrum of gender and sexual orientation. This diverse environment makes the industry an exciting and interesting place to work, however it can lead to misunderstanding and in some cases, conflict or bullying.
Continuing their successful collaboration, Marlins and Human Rights at Sea are proud to announce their newest jointly-produced eLearning course on “Diversity & Inclusion at Sea”. Marlins previously worked with Human Rights at Sea in the production of a course on “Humanitarian Response”, dealing with the rescue of migrants and refugees at sea. The course will be launched at the International Maritime Human Rights Conference in London 14 Sep 16.
Designed to increase awareness of diversity and create an environment of respect and inclusion between seafarers, this innovative new course has been researched in depth and prepared with the assistance of experts from across the welfare and diversity fields, including the UK Naval Service’s “Compass” network. Learners are encouraged to reflect on individual differences and consider how to interact and cooperate effectively, regardless of cultural, faith or gender differences.
Importantly, the course supports and complements the recent guidance developed by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) on Eliminating Shipboard Harassment and Bullying. That guidance was adopted at the second meeting of the Special Tripartite Committee established under the MLC, 2006 on 10th February, 2016.
Tineke Bosma, Training Development Specialist and former seafarer at Marlins, explained, “Crew typically spend a long time away from home, separated from their family and loved ones, with reduced communication. Being excluded from the group on board may lead to further loneliness and even depression. We hope this course will encourage seafarers to seek to understand each other better.”
David Hammond, CEO of Human Rights at Sea, said, “The support to Human Rights at Sea from the Marlins team has been instrumental in developing this valuable course and making it widely available to the whole maritime community. I would further like to thank the Apostleship of the Sea and the Royal Navy Diversity team for their review of materials”.
At launch, the course is being made available for free for all individual users to access, for a limited time only. The course will also be included in the next subscriber update of the Marlins eLearning Suite for Seafarers.
David continues, “I am delighted that we are able to present this new educational tool to both the international community, as well as to the delegates attending the inaugural International Maritime Human Rights conference this week.”
“Meaningful diversity awareness training for all staff, which includes gender identity and sexual orientation, is critical in creating a positive working environment and inclusive culture where difference is accepted, respected and valued. Only then will people be confident and comfortable in bringing their ‘whole selves’ to the workplace and contribute fully.” commented Chris Wood, Lieutenant Commander, Royal Navy, Co-Chair of the Compass Network.
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Human Rights at Sea is an independent maritime human rights charity registered in England and Wales established for the benefit of the international community for matters concerning explicit engagement with human rights issues in the maritime environment. Its Mission is to explicitly raise awareness, implementation and accountability of human rights provisions throughout the maritime environment, especially where they are currently absent, ignored or being abused.
Marlins is the leading brand in training solutions for the shipping industry. Working closely with industry partners, Marlins provides high quality, cost-effective training courses and assessment products, which comply with the rigorous standards required by the shipping and offshore industries.
Event: The International Maritime Human Rights Conference
14 September 2016 The Royal College of Surgeons, London, UK
Delegate passes for the conference and networking evening reception can be booked through the event website. Click here.
To see the full conference programme and speaker line up please click here.
Sponsorship and delegate enquiries: Jerry Carter, Petrospot Ltd. Tel: +44 1295 814 455;
Email: info@mar-rights.com
For further information:
David Hammond, CEO
Human Rights at Sea, Langstone Technology Park, Langstone Road, Havant, PO9 1SA, UK
Email: enquiries@humanrightsatsea.org
Web: www.humanrightsatsea.org
Publications: www.humanrightsatsea.org/publications