Justice and Welfare

Seafarers Welfare Conference 15 - 18 July 2024

Esplanade Hotel 46-54 Marine Terrace, Fremantle, WA 6160 - Hotel Website.

Overview of Conference: The global maritime industry relies on the dedicated work of seafarers who brave the oceans to facilitate global trade and transportation. However, behind the scenes, seafarers often face a myriad of challenges, ranging from social isolation to exploitation, jeopardising their well-being and rights. The conference aims to shed light on these issues, emphasising the crucial intersection of justice and welfare in ensuring the holistic empowerment of seafarers worldwide.

Key Focus Areas: 

  1. Legal Protection at Sea:

    • Exploring international maritime laws and conventions safeguarding seafarers' rights.

    • Enhancing welfare agencies literacy and access to justice for seafarers navigating reporting obligations.

  1. Social Justice and Mental Health:

    • Promoting mental health awareness and support services for seafarers and their families.

    • Advocating for inclusive policies that prioritise social justice and mental well-being within the maritime community.

  1. Fair Labour Practices and Economic Security:

    • Examining issues of debt bondage, wage theft, exploitation, and unfair labour practices in the maritime industry.

    • Encouraging partnerships between stakeholders to uphold economic security and dignity for seafarers.

  1. Technology, Innovation, and Welfare:

    • Harnessing technological advancements to enhance seafarers' welfare and safety at sea.

    • Showcasing innovative solutions for remote healthcare, connectivity, and training for seafarers.

 Expected Outcomes:

  • Increased awareness and understanding of the challenges facing seafarers in terms of justice and welfare.

  • Enhanced collaboration and partnership among stakeholders to prioritize seafarers' well-being as a fundamental aspect of maritime sustainability.

  • Commitments to action and advocacy initiatives aimed at driving positive change for seafarers at local, regional, and global levels.

  

Speakers – so far

·       Mr. Ian Bray - ITF

·       Dr. Michelle Grech - AMSA

·       Mr. Ben Bailey – Program Manager MTS London

·       BeSlavery Free

·       Rev. Un Tay  - MtS Sydney

  • Finish at 5pm each day

Program: Note subject to change

  • Sunday 14th July - Trip to Rottenest Island

    • Ferry to the Island to spend the day at leisure with Lunch - Extra charges apply

    • Sea Sunday will be observed

  • Monday 15th July - Trip to Bunbury Mission with trip to the Port and Lunch

    • Travelling via Bus down the Highway to enjoy the hospitality of the Bunbury Team. Leaves at 10am from the Fremantle Mission

  • Monday 15th July - Opening night function at 7pm at the Maritime Museum Fremantle

  • Tuesday 16th July, Wednesday 17th July, Thursday 18th July

    • Opening Address

    • Debt Bondage and Modern Slavery

    • Justice and Welfare - Global Case management - AMSA / ITF 

    • Diversity in Maritime 

    • Seafarers Stories

  • Wednesday 17th July

    • ASWC Meeting 9am - Venue to be confirmed (Fremantle Mission or Hotel)

    • Flags of Convenience

    • Panel - ILO / IMO Changes to the MLC 

    • Future of centres  - 24hour Centres - what that looks like

  • Thursday 18th July - Morning Session

    • Industry players role in Seafarer Welfare - Port Welfare committees

    • Seafarers Families - MtS Family Network - Lala Tolentino - Country Manager Philippines

  • Thursday 18th July - After Lunch

    • MTS Training and Meeting

    • Ship Visitor training

    • Stella Maris Meeting

  • Friday 19th July

    • CISM Training for MTS Teams - 10.30am to 4pm

    • Departures

    • Australia MTS Council Meeting - Morning

Pricing:

Delegate Welfare Providers / Industry / ASWC members:
Delegate attendance fee inc Meals and accommodation. Airfares are at own cost.

Partners:
Meals only in shared accommodation. For partners who wish to join at Breakfast and Dinner. No conference participation. Includes Welcome event.

Join us for the Welcome Event: Opening night gathering at the Maritime Museum

Day Delegates only - Pick and choose which days you wish to attend (no half day)

Fees will be charged based on length of stay and sessions registered for. Examples of pricing below.

> $600 - Full WELFARE PROVIDER delegate includes all meals and 6 nights accommodation at the Esplanade Hotel (subject to confirmation of status and limited to maximum of 2 per centre)
> $1150 +gst - ASWC or Industry delegate includes Opening Night event, all meals and 3 nights standard accommodation at the Esplanade Hotel
> $500 - Full delegate includes all meals and 5 nights accommodation at the Esplanade Hotel
> $275 - Full delegate includes all meals and 5 nights accommodation at the Mission to Seafarers
> $520 - Meals only in shared accommodation - no conference access (4 nights). Breakfast and Dinner (inc Welcome Event)
> $285 - Conference only 3 days - Inc morning & afternoon tea and lunch
> $224 - Hotel per night
> $125 - MtS Accommodation per night

Day Rate: $95 - Conference only - no accommodation or nightly meals, NOT including the Welcome event or trip to Bunbury.

Welcome Event only: $120. Opening night gathering at the Maritime Museum of WA.

If you are looking for accommodation locally outside of the conference venue please email admin@mts.org.au for corporate rates at other hotels or if you wish to stay extra nights at $240 per room inc Breakfast.

 

Things to do whilst in Fremantle:

City of Fremantle - What’s On

Four Hours in a Port City Tour

City of Perth - What’s On

There is also loads of places for a quiet drink or something to eat. - Broadsheet also lists things to do.