Lack of food, late salary payments among issues affecting local seafarers

– seafarers urged to report abuses; efforts ongoing to ensure improved conditions

As Guyana observes the Day of the Seafarer, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) hosted a seminar on Tuesday where challenges facing seafarers were highlighted, including a lack of food and late payments, as well as the efforts being made by recruitment agencies.

During the event at the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC), a spotlight was shone on the challenges faced by local seafarers. According to the Registrar of Ships, Gale Culley-Greene’s office has dealt with several complaints since it was established by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government.
“It is imperative that our seafarers are well trained, competent, and motivated to serve on board. It is also imperative that all individuals involved in the training and recruitment of seafarers understand the path in which the maritime sector is heading and by extension, the sea-faring career.”
“Since its establishment in 2021, the office of the registrar of seafarers has dealt with many seafarer welfare matters, for both local and foreign seafarers in Guyana. These matters include non-payment of wages, the non-provision of food and water, seafarer abandonment and repatriation,” Culley-Greene explained.
The Registrar urged seafarers to know their rights and to ask questions, noting that the Office of the Registrar is available for that purpose. She also urged collaboration within the local seafarer community, which will allow Guyana to produce the best seafarers in the region.
In addition, Director General of the Maritime Administrative Department (MARAD) Stephen Thomas, spoke of ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare of seafarers. This includes efforts to ensure better conditions on ships, improved vacation policies, wages, food and accommodation.
“The government will continue to work on policy support not only for seafarers but also their families. So, seafarers, you have a partner in the government of Guyana who supports you, who cherishes and respects you, and we will continue to provide for you,” he said.
Meanwhile, Senior Human Resource and Engagement Officer at Eldorado Offshore, Thalia Wilson highlighted the value that recruitment agencies add to the seafaring landscape. The representative said not only does her agency contribute to the efficiency of the hiring process, but also ensures that only pre-screened and qualified candidates are available.
“Recruitment agencies act as a vital intermediary between maritime employers and seafarers. They’re the bridge that connects talented seafarers with opportunities that match their skills and aspirations in the sector… safety and competence are paramount in the sector.”
“Recruitment agencies play a critical role in enhancing these aspects by facilitating mandatory training and certification programmes tailored to the oil and gas industry. Offering continuous education opportunities to keep seafarers updated with the latest industry practices and regulations. Ensuring security measures are met by seafarers and contributing to safer seas.”
Currently, some 6000 locals are actively contributing to the oil and gas sector’s growth, which represents almost 70 per cent of the total workforce and a 24 per cent increase in Guyanese hired… many of them in offshore jobs.
Of the 6000 locals, over 900 Guyanese are employed as plant and machine operators; while 1,203 are employed as professionals, including accountants, lawyers, and engineers; and another 485 as technicians.
The “Day of the Seafarer” is observed annually on June 25. For this year, the theme was “Seafarers’ Contribution to Making the Maritime Sector a Safer Workplace”. Based on the International Chamber of Shipping, an estimated 1.8 million seafarers are working on merchant ships globally.