Expansion of Port Welfare Committees in Australia driven by the changing dynamics of seafarer care

Press Release

6 October 2021

“Australia still leads the way in this respect, as there are not many countries around the world that have a network of welfare committees operating in the ports to actively benefit the seafarers.”

London. UK. / Bunbury Port. Western Australia.  A vision to reinvigorate Australia’s network of Port Welfare Committees is stimulating discussion surrounding the evolving needs of seafarers, and how maritime welfare organisations can maximise their support.

Australia’s PWCs exist to identify the needs of seafarers, advocate for welfare agencies, and liaise with the Australian Seafarers’ Welfare Council (ASWC) on standards for the provision of services.

The initiative is helmed by HRAS Advisory Board member Paul MacGillivary, who recently inaugurated a PWC in Bunbury, a port city in the state of Western Australia, and is preparing to establish an additional PWC in Albany, WA.

Background

In 2001, the National Seafarers’ Welfare Advisory Council (NSWAC) was formed to improve communication between agencies operating in Australian ports.

This led to the establishment of a network of twelve PWCs, which would enhance welfare work within ports by acting as local forums for communication, ideas, and initiatives.

Although NSWAC ceased operation in 2006 due to funding challenges, the PWCs now operate under ASWC, following the adoption of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, which calls for the establishment of welfare boards at port, regional, and national levels.

The PWCs have thus far maintained their provision of vital support to seafarers, but port restrictions imposed by the efforts to manage COVID-19 have impacted the nature of their services.

The severity of the challenges was exemplified by the unexpected closure of a PWC centre in one of Australia’s major ports, which Mr MacGillivary, a founding director of NSWAC, highlights as his cue to reinvigorate and expand the network of committees.

The Changing Dynamics of Seafarer Care

Australian maritime welfare organisations have adapted to the changing nature of their services during the pandemic, with port restrictions preventing seafarers from taking shore leave.

Where crewmembers would typically visit ‘seafarers centres’ in ports, welfare organisations are now formulating innovative solutions to provide practical support to seafarers who cannot leave their vessels.

Although these strategies are temporary solutions to current restrictions, Mr MacGillivary said welfare organisations’ services should now align with needs relating to communication, technology, and professional mental health support.

“How the centres are run now is not the same as it was ten or twenty years ago. The expectations have changed,” he said.

“Even though the nature of the missions is changing and moving away from the bricks and mortar aspects, the care of seafarer needs is much more sophisticated now.

“What we need is professional assistance, because everybody recognises that the very important work the missions do in terms of mental health for seafarers has always been downplayed, and it’s never been properly supported.”

Funding Solutions

Given the evolving nature of seafarer support and the heightened demand for professional care, welfare organisations can no longer be expected to rely solely upon donations, bursaries, and grants.

HRAS is therefore pursuing sustainable funding for welfare centres through their Maritime Levy Campaign in Australia, reflecting the recent success of New Zealand’s legislative amendment which secures funding for seafarer welfare.

The proposed initiative for Australia involves deducting a small percentage from the levy of ships visiting ports and distributing it amongst welfare providers.

Western Australia as a Model for Enhanced Seafarer Support

The expansion of the PWC network throughout Western Australia is driven in part by the desire to set an example for other Australian states, as well as ports and maritime welfare organisations internationally.

Mr MacGillivary said this is the ideal opportunity for ASWC to be involved in the development, implementation, and support of new PWCs, and strengthen communication with existing committees.

“Australia still leads the way in this respect, as there are not many countries around the world that have a network of welfare committees operating in the ports to actively benefit the seafarers.”

ENDS.