Nautilus pushes for fair working conditions at maritime training roundtable

Nautilus assistant general secretary Sascha Meijer took part in a roundtable in Rotterdam looking at the future of maritime training, which was also attended by International Maritime Organization (IMO) secretary general Arsenio Dominguez.

Ms Meijer represented Nautilus International in a sectoral roundtable discussion at the Rotterdam observation tower, Euromast, during the event, which included a visit to the city's Shipping and Transport College (STC) on 4 March 2025.

Also at the meeting with Mr Dominguez were key figures from the Dutch maritime industry.

Ms Meijer emphasized the need to make the shipping profession more attractive and stressed that 'quality shipping must be accompanied by quality employment'. Her contributions to the discussions underscored the importance of fair working conditions in shaping a sustainable maritime workforce.

She had been invited to the event by the deputy director general of aviation and maritime affairs at the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management Brigit Gijsbers.

Following the roundtable, attendees enjoyed a boat trip on the Nieuwe Maas vessel, hosted by the Port of Rotterdam. The event showcased innovative maritime projects contributing to sustainability.

The day concluded with an interactive college tour at the STC, where Mr Dominguez met vocational and higher education Dutch maritime students shared their views on digitalization, sustainability, and the evolving maritime landscape. He also toured STC's advanced simulators which are playing an increasing role in seafarer training. He addressed the skills maritime professionals will need in the future but also emphasizing the need for a balanced approach between simulator-based training and onboard experience.

STC collaborates with maritime educational bodies including MET-NET from the European SkillSea Project, which Nautilus is involved in, and the European Maritime Skills Forum.