Jamaica has provided greater protection for persons working in the hospitality division of passenger ships, such as bartenders, stewards and nail technicians, under the Shipping (Amendment) Act.

The legislation, which has been passed in both Houses of Parliament, has been amended to expand the definition of seafarers to include these categories of workers.

Jamaica joins the rest of the world in observing the 10^th anniversary of the Day of the Seafarer, which is observed globally on June 25.

Speaking at a JIS ‘Think Tank’, on Thursday, June 24, Dean of the Faculty of Marine and Nautical Studies at the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), Captain Devron Newman, explained that a number of activities will be held to mark the occasion.

Captain Newman, who is Chairman of the Day of the Seafarer Planning Committee said that a virtual panel discussion will be held on June 25 under the theme ‘Partnership and Collaboration, the Future of Seafaring’.

The serious dedication needed by seafarers operating a modern merchant ship as it travels the globe delivering world trade is reflected in the findings of a new survey conducted by the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) as part of its activities in support of this week’s Day of the Seafarer (June 25).

Merchant seafarers have chosen a dangerous occupation in which they are exposed to risks in a combination rarely encountered in other occupations.

• Detlef Nielsen, “Deaths at sea - a study of fatalities on board Hong Kong-registered merchant ships (1986–95)”

Panel discussion featuring Rear Admiral Peter Brady, Director General of Maritime Authority of Jamaica; Dr. Hortense Ross Innerarity, Superintendent of Pilotage, Port Authority of Jamaica; Capt. Devron Newman, Dean, Faculty of Marine and Nautical Studies, Caribbean Maritime University.

Garfield Allen, third-officer, Exmar Ship Management and CMU Alumnus provided his perspective on the current realities facing seafarers across the globe.