Key outcomes from the 12 March 2020 Seacare Authority meeting (News)

The Seacare Authority met via videoconference on 12 March 2020. The key outcomes of the meeting are set out in this news item.

Launch of the Seacare Authority’s online mental health resource centre

The Seacare Authority’s Mental Health Strategy seeks to inform and engage the maritime sector through the availability and promotion of mental health information. Launched in early April 2020, the Seacare Authority has published an online resource centre which will provide a central source of links to specialist mental health resources, information, and events relevant to the maritime sector, but accessible by all who visit the site.

Consultation on the Seacare Authority’s exemption guidelines

Section 20A of the Seafarers Act allows the Seacare Authority to grant an exemption for employment on a specific vessel. The Seacare Authority has published guidelines which set out the factors of exemption, and to ensure the ongoing relevance of these guidelines and factors of exemption, the Seacare Authority has undertaken a review and proposed changes to both elements.

The Seacare Authority agreed to a consultation approach regarding the proposed amendments, however, due to the unprecedented events of COVID-19 consultation will be delayed by approximately six months.

Next meeting

The next meeting of the Seacare Authority will be held on 11 June 2020.