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The seminar was part of the ITF’s global initiative to introduce modules on HIV/AIDS and wellbeing issues for maritime students. This was the first such seminar at the Myanmar maritime university, which has 1,600 students across seven faculties.
IFOMS general secretary Aung Kyaw Lin said: "The union is implementing a wellbeing programme for its members and their families to ensure that all future seafarers have adequate knowledge to be happy and safe while they start their sea careers. This seminar was an important initiative as part of that work."
ITF inspectorate co-ordinator Steve Trowsdale commented that the federation had developed a programme on HIV/AIDS, health and wellbeing tailored to seafarers’ needs, in response to concerns highlighted by seafarers and their unions. He added that the Myanmar students had participated with great interest and said they had found the seminar informative and helpful.
In 2015, the ITF published a report of its survey of maritime unions and seafarers on HIV/AIDS, health and wellbeing. This revealed significant concerns about feeling anxious and depressed on board. Download A broader vision of seafarer wellbeing (English only).
Download the ITF’s wellbeing app for seafarers.
Since its inauguration in 2015, IFOMS has been very active in working with the ITF to promote the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 and build union awareness.