"Too often seafarers...do not feel valued"

The Importance of Respect at Sea

A recent study highlighted that seafarers "do not feel valued and even feel disrespected" by manning offices. At WMSI, we believe that establishing clear expectations for respectful and professional behavior is fundamental to a positive work environment. As the "Sustainable Crewing Guidelines" emphasize, fostering respect and inclusion improves well-being, teamwork, and overall job satisfaction.

Fostering Respect and Dignity at Sea: The WMSI Commitment 

The Global Maritime Forum's study reveals a concerning reality: a significant portion of seafarers report feeling undervalued and disrespected by shore-based management. This isn't merely a matter of morale; it has profound consequences. A toxic work environment erodes teamwork, increases the risk of safety lapses, and triggers an exodus of talent from the industry. 

Wallem Maritime Services, Inc. (WMSI) understands that Filipino seafarers deserve better. That's why we champion a proactive approach, embedding respect and dignity into every stage of our crewing process. We advocate for clear behavioral expectations, continuous training programs that instill a culture of respect, and robust, open communication channels connecting ship and shore, ensuring that the voices of our seafarers are always heard. 

By cultivating a workplace where every Filipino seafarer feels genuinely valued and empowered, we not only uphold their well-being but also unlock a more engaged, productive, and loyal workforce – a strategic advantage for our principals in today's competitive landscape. This commitment is at the heart of WMSI's mission to connect skilled Filipino seafarers with reputable employers who share our values.

"It is important to me to have access to an anonymous helpline"

Ensuring Psychological Safety at Sea

Upholding Safety and Justice 

Psychological safety isn't a negotiable commodity; it's the bedrock of a productive and sustainable maritime career. 

The Global Maritime Forum's "Sustainable Crewing Guidelines" powerfully advocate for a zero-tolerance stance against all forms of harassment, bullying, and abuse. This isn't just about policy; it's about practice. 

WMSI goes beyond simply echoing this mandate. We embed this principle into our rigorous crewing processes, ensuring that Filipino seafarers are not only placed in environments committed to their safety but are also equipped with clear channels to report any violations, with the assurance that their concerns will be met with swift and decisive action. By prioritizing psychological safety, WMSI fosters a culture of trust, attracting and retaining the most skilled and dedicated seafarers while simultaneously mitigating the significant risks and liabilities that harassment and abuse pose to shipowners and operators.

"The decision to assign me a task or not is often based on my gender/appearance and not my skills"

Championing Fair Opportunities in Maritime

Creating Pathways to Advancement 

Fairness and transparency aren't mere industry jargon; they are the cornerstones upon which WMSI builds successful and sustainable maritime careers. 

Aligned with the Global Maritime Forum's guidelines, WMSI champions the implementation of clearly defined, rank-specific criteria for task allocation, training opportunities, and performance appraisals. 

We believe in empowering Filipino seafarers with a transparent pathway for professional growth, providing them with the knowledge and tools to navigate their career trajectory with confidence. This commitment to a merit-based system not only fuels individual ambition and fosters a more inclusive industry but also directly addresses the critical skills gap that poses a significant threat to the sector's future, ensuring a robust talent pipeline for our partners.

"It's uncomfortable to walk around with coveralls made for men's body type"

Prioritizing Seafarer Well-being Through Proper Equipment

Ensuring Appropriate Equipment and Facilities 

Fairness and transparency aren't mere industry jargon; they are the cornerstones upon which WMSI builds successful and sustainable maritime careers. 

Aligned with the Global Maritime Forum's guidelines, WMSI champions the implementation of clearly defined, rank-specific criteria for task allocation, training opportunities, and performance appraisals. 

We believe in empowering Filipino seafarers with a transparent pathway for professional growth, providing them with the knowledge and tools to navigate their career trajectory with confidence. This commitment to a merit-based system not only fuels individual ambition and fosters a more inclusive industry but also directly addresses the critical skills gap that poses a significant threat to the sector's future, ensuring a robust talent pipeline for our partners.

"Poor connectivity and less data provided leads to no connectivity with family and creates depression"

The Vital Role of Communication at Sea

Reliable Communication 

Fairness and transparency aren't mere industry jargon; they are the cornerstones upon which WMSI builds successful and sustainable maritime careers. 

Aligned with the Global Maritime Forum's guidelines, WMSI champions the implementation of clearly defined, rank-specific criteria for task allocation, training opportunities, and performance appraisals. 

We believe in empowering Filipino seafarers with a transparent pathway for professional growth, providing them with the knowledge and tools to navigate their career trajectory with confidence. This commitment to a merit-based system not only fuels individual ambition and fosters a more inclusive industry but also directly addresses the critical skills gap that poses a significant threat to the sector's future, ensuring a robust talent pipeline for our partners.

"Life on board is isolated, and we have no support after the contract ends"

Fostering Supportive Communities for Seafarers

Combating Isolation at Sea 

The inherent isolation of life at sea poses a significant challenge to seafarer well-being, but WMSI firmly believes it doesn't have to define the experience. 

Echoing the Global Maritime Forum's guidelines, we champion the development of robust, supportive communities on board. This goes beyond simply organizing social events; it involves fostering mentorship programs that provide guidance and support, and implementing initiatives that cultivate a deep sense of belonging and shared purpose. 

WMSI recognizes that a connected crew is not only more resilient and collaborative but also demonstrably safer. By actively promoting a positive onboard culture, we provide our partners with a powerful advantage: enhanced conflict resolution, increased productivity, and the ability to attract and retain Filipino seafarers who prioritize a harmonious and supportive work environment.

"Extended contracts without the consent of the person is extremely harmful"

Advocating for Reasonable and Respectful Contract Terms

The Necessity of Reasonable Contracts 

WMSI understands that respecting seafarers' time is not a mere concession, but a fundamental pillar of sustainable and ethical employment practices. 

The Global Maritime Forum's research compellingly illustrates the detrimental consequences of unplanned contract extensions and strongly advocates for the implementation of flexible contract options tailored to individual needs. At WMSI, we operate on the core principle that providing predictable schedules and rigorously honoring contract agreements is not only ethically imperative but also crucial for cultivating trust, mitigating seafarer burnout, and empowering them to achieve a healthy and sustainable work-life balance. 

This commitment translates directly into tangible benefits for our partners, including optimized crew planning, minimized operational disruptions, and significantly reduced crew turnover costs.

"They demand so much work output from us that they forget we are people too with family to come back to"

Acknowledging the Importance of Family Considerations in Maritime Careers

Supporting Seafarers

This poignant statement from a seafarer reminds us of the importance of considering the personal lives of those who serve at sea. 

WMSI recognizes that the maritime industry is evolving, and with this evolution comes a growing awareness of the need to support seafarers in balancing their careers with their family responsibilities. The Global Maritime Forum's guidelines highlight various aspects of this, including discussions around parental leave. While we understand that implementing specific policies like paid parental leave may require careful consideration and adaptation within the diverse operational contexts of our principals, WMSI is committed to fostering open communication and exploring supportive strategies. This includes promoting flexible scheduling where feasible, facilitating open dialogues between seafarers and employers regarding family needs, and seeking innovative solutions that contribute to the long-term well-being of seafarers and the sustainability of the industry. 

Our focus is on collaborative solutions that respect the needs of both seafarers and shipowners. 

"If you ask questions, you must take action about it. If I don't see any follow-up, why should I continue to answer the questions?"

The Imperative of Continuous Feedback and Action

Empowerment Through Continuous Feedback and Trust at WMSI

The Global Maritime Forum's "Sustainable Crewing Guidelines" provide a clear and compelling directive: continuous feedback is not merely a suggestion, but a fundamental driver of progress and sustainable growth. 

At WMSI, we are deeply committed to actively soliciting and valuing the perspectives of our seafarers, transforming their insights into meaningful and impactful action. This commitment necessitates the establishment of regular feedback mechanisms, including comprehensive surveys and open communication channels, alongside the cultivation of a company-wide culture of responsiveness and adaptability. 

We recognize that ensuring our policies and practices remain relevant, effective, and fully aligned with the evolving needs and expectations of our valued workforce is not simply about appeasement. It is about fostering a robust culture of trust, empowering Filipino seafarers to actively shape their work environment, and relentlessly driving continuous improvement throughout our organization and the broader industry.