Support without borders: MTWTU meets with seafarers in Chisinau

Such meetings were already held last year in Varna and Bucharest, proving that distance is not an obstacle to help and communication. We continue to work to ensure that every seafarer could feel part of a large trade union community wherever they are.

MTWTU stands with seafarers

The MTWTU Chairman Oleg Grygoriuk shared the Union's work during the war: how it changed the situation for the maritime industry and how the MTWTU quickly adapted to continue to support its members.

“The war has changed everything, but not our mission — to protect seafarers’ rights and support them in the most difficult conditions. We work without borders: we provide humanitarian assistance, resolve legal issues, implement educational projects and attract international support so that our seafarers and their families are not left alone with problems,” emphasised Oleg Grygoriuk.

During the meeting, Oleg Grygoriuk focused on how the MTWTU keeps in touch with seafarers even when they are far from home. Thanks to cooperation with international partners and constant support from fraternal unions, the MTWTU was able to create a reliable rear for its members by organising a number of initiatives that help seafarers and their families.

The seafarers emphasised that the meeting was a reminder of the importance of unity and support in these difficult times. The MTWTU continues to be a pillar of support for its community, no matter where they are.

Concerns of Ukrainian seafarers

The main topic of discussion at the meeting was issues related to maritime documents and certificates, as well as the situation with the non-issuance of passports to Ukrainians outside the country. The seafarers shared their problems with the processing and renewal of documents, and the MTWTU provided relevant information on the situation and possible solutions.

The MTWTU specialists also provided the participants of the meeting with useful links on issues related to maritime documents and other relevant information.

Particular attention was paid to the organisation and conduct of the Unified State Qualification Exam (USQE), which in 2025 will become a required component of certification for students in the speciality 271 'Maritime and Inland Water Transport'. The MTWTU is actively working to protect the rights of cadets and create fair conditions for passing the exam. The MTWTU appealed to the relevant ministries to postpone the introduction of the USQE until the end of martial law and within one year after its termination or cancellation, and to provide maritime education institutions with the right to determine the form of certification independently. In response to the appeal, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine informed that it is currently impossible to organise the USQE abroad due to the lack of additional funding, lack of human resources and the need to develop additional sets of test tasks. At the same time, the position of the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, which is responsible for shaping maritime transport policy, has not yet been provided. The MTWTU emphasises the importance of this issue and proposes to establish a joint working group to develop effective solutions for the organisation of certification in 2025.

During the meeting, participants also discussed the issue of merging maritime educational institutions in Ukraine. The Union's position is unchanged: protection of the rights and interests of cadets and teachers is a priority.

Day of the Seafarer 2025: combating violence and harassment in the maritime industry

For the Day of the Seafarer, the IMO has chosen a crucial topic that emphasises the need for a safe, inclusive and decent working environment for maritime workers. This year, the IMO's global campaign will focus on combating violence and harassment, which remain a serious risk not only to personal well-being but also to productivity in the maritime sector.

The IMO is launching a major initiative with the main message of zero tolerance for violence and harassment in the maritime industry. Recognising the urgency of this issue, the IMO calls on all international organisations and trade unions to actively fight for a safe environment for all workers.

The MTWTU always focuses on current issues so that every seafarer can be informed of their rights and have the opportunity to protect themselves. That is why the topic of bullying and harassment was discussed at a meeting with seafarers in Chisinau.

The MTWTU shared cases on this topic from its practice, and seafarers told their own experiences, which further emphasised the importance of combating this problem.

Assistant to the ITF Inspector in Ukraine provided information on the mechanisms for combating harassment and bullying on board, told about the importance of creating a safe environment for each seafarer and the concrete actions that can be taken to protect the employees' rights.

Mental health of seafarers: MTWTU support

The MTWTU continues to pay attention not only to the professional but also to the personal needs of its members. At a meeting with seafarers in Chisinau, the Union invited a psychologist to discuss the importance of mental health and well-being.

Seafarers working in conditions of constant change, long voyages and isolation face a number of challenges that can affect their emotional and psychological well-being. Psychologist Yanina Amelchyts shared practical recommendations aimed at maintaining psycho-emotional balance.

The topic of the meeting — “Nature of a Healthy Mind: Basic Knowledge and Skills to Achieve and Maintain a Stable Emotional and Psychological State of Crew Members” — was actively discussed with the seafarers. The psychologist explained how important it’s to find a balance between work and leisure, how to cope with stress and prevent it from accumulating.

The seafarers noted that such meetings are very important, especially when many of them are away from their families and homes, facing emotional and psychological difficulties.