Anchor Point: Seafarer Welfare in Focus

Seafarers Welfare Conference 15 - 18 July 2024

Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide - 65 Hindley St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia - Hotel Website.

Overview of Conference: Anchor Point: Seafarer Welfare in Focus brings to the forefront the often-overlooked human dimension of the global maritime industry. As seafarers continue to face critical challenges—including abandonment, mental health strain, and inconsistent access to support—this conference provides a platform to examine the current state of welfare services, the impact of recent amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, and the urgent need for coordinated action. By centring justice, dignity, and care, we aim to strengthen the safety net for those who keep global trade moving.

 
 

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 – Program under development

  • Finish at 4pm each day

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

Day Delegates only - Pick and choose which days you wish to attend.

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

Book your conference spot today:

Download the full Seafarer Welfare Conference program here

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

Learn more here.

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

    • 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 - Esplanade 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

become a conference sponsor:

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.