JOINT PRESS RELEASE
The World Maritime University (WMU) and the ITF Seafarers’ Trust are delighted to announce that as of 25 June 2021, the ground-breaking online Maritime Welfare Professional Development Programme (MARI-WEL) is to be offered free of charge in recognition of the Day of the Seafarer and the ongoing sacrifices seafarers are making during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s Day of the Seafarer theme, “A Fair Future For Seafarers”, recognizes that seafarers deserve much greater appreciation for the essential work they do and a much better treatment as “key workers” as they enable global trade. Those charged with promoting the welfare and wellbeing of seafarers, and especially those serving the needs of seafarers during the global pandemic, must also be recognized and applauded.
In this spirit, WMU and ITF Seafarers’ Trust are offering free access to the complete MARI-WEL programme. Individuals wishing to pursue a certificate of completion from WMU, upon successful completion of Module Assessments, will have the option of paying USD 100 to cover the administrative costs.
Developed by WMU, in collaboration with the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, MARI-WEL is delivered by distance learning via an innovative online portal consisting of a series of videos, lectures and activities – enabling participants to follow the programme from anywhere in the world. MARI-WEL is designed to meet the needs of anyone who works with or interacts with seafarers, both onboard and onshore. This includes ship management companies, crewing agencies, port chaplains, and welfare providers.
The MARI-WEL programme is comprised of three in-depth modules that provide a wealth of invaluable information covering:
o International/Interagency regulation & collaboration relating to seafarers
o Psycho-social and occupational health relating to seafarers
o Crew & resource management and land-based welfare relating to seafarers
“The comprehensive MARI-WEL programme was designed by WMU and the ITF Seafarers’ Trust with world-leading experts to support the professional development of people with an interest in seafarers’ welfare. With the dire situation seafarers have been facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now, more than ever, seafarers’ welfare should be of great concern to all. It is their dedication and perseverance that has kept global trade moving despite a pandemic that has substantially changed our world,” said Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of WMU
“While many of us are now working from home, we hope this course will be particularly useful for those wishing to improve their skill set and get a better understanding of the challenges facing the world’s seafarers,” said Ms. Katie Higginbottom, Head of ITF Seafarers’ Trust.
To learn more and to register for the MARI-WEL programme, click here.
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For further information please contact:
Maia Brindley Nilsson, Communications and Conference Officer. World Maritime University
email: mbn@wmu.se Phone: +46 40 35 63 14
Katie Higginbottom, Head of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust,
email: katie@seafarerstrust.org Phone: +44 (0)7909 806647
Note to editors
About WMU: The World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden is established within the framework of the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. The mission of WMU is to be the world centre of excellence in postgraduate maritime and oceans education, professional training and research, while building global capacity and promoting sustainable development. WMU’s vision is to inspire leadership and innovation for a sustainable maritime and oceans future. WMU is an organization by and for the international maritime community and is committed to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
Facebook: @WMUHQ
Twitter: @WMUHQ
About the ITF Seafarers Trust: The ITF Seafarers’ Trust is a UK charity established in 1981, which funds programmes that advance the wellbeing of maritime workers, seafarers and their families. We are funded by the Trust’s own capital funds, and by the investment income of the Welfare Fund at the International Transport Workers Federation, a global federation of transport workers’ unions with nearly 20 million worker members.
Facebook: @ITFtrust
Twitter: @Seafarers_Trust