Working safely in the maritime sector
Safe maritime transport is important for passengers and crew, residents of coastal and port areas, the environment and the economy. The government is therefore making international agreements on safety at sea and it is ensuring that good maritime education and training is available.
International maritime safety agreements
Agreements on maritime safety are in place. The majority of these agreements have been made with other countries and cover such areas as:
- regulations on the construction and equipment of ships;
- number of crew members;
- education, training and working methods of crew members.
An example is the vessel traffic monitoring and information system SafeSeaNet. This system was developed by the European Maritime Safety Agency to enable EU member states to exchange data. It ensures better monitoring of vessels sailing in European waters.
Proper education and training for greater safety
Good maritime education leads to greater maritime safety because when seafarers are well trained unnecessary accidents are avoided. There are study programmes for seafarers and study programmes for trainers.
Knowledge and skills can be kept up to standard by regularly following training courses. Every seafarer must therefore keep a logbook that contains all relevant information regarding work experience, and completed education programmes and training courses.