Increasing the sustainability and attractiveness of the maritime profession has been a goal of the EU for many years now. Safe, social and sustainable quality shipping is also a key priority for ETF and ECSA and has been part of their work programme of the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for maritime transport for several years now.

This joint project puts some of those social partners’ commitments in action. As the issue of making working in shipping attractive and sustainable is very complex and needs to be tackled in different ways, the project itself also reflects that reality and includes two pillars.

Pillar 1 – Supporting the work of the joint ECSA-ETF working group on Health and Safety on board

Project’s first pillar has three elements to it: development of guidelines on the provision and appropriate use of internet access onboard, a research report on the impact of increased use of digitalisation onboard ships, and the translation of international guidelines to shipping companies on eliminating workplace harassment and bullying.

Pillar 2 – Enhanced participation of women in European shipping – implementing the ECSA/ETF declaration of intention

Project’s second pillar will consist of the implementation of the priority actions identified in the joint declaration of intention from 2018.

The two pillars were developed in light of the need to attract more youngsters to the industry, promote the career paths involving movements from sea to shore based jobs within the maritime industry and promote opportunities for women at sea. Therefore, the project will at the same time include work on improvement of shipboard working and living conditions, and develop awareness-raising to the general public about the existing employment opportunities.