Structure of APEC SEN

Steering Council

The Steering Council is the governing body of APEC SEN entrusted to make recommendations to the overall progress of APEC SEN work on developing its initiatives and strategic work plans, with a focus on strengthening coordination on seafarer-related issues.

The Steering Council, will report to the TPTWG MEG and collaborate with other APEC fora and meetings. APEC SEN Steering Council meetings will be held annually to coordinate, review progress with a focus on ensuring that APEC SEN’s initiatives remain responsive to the evolving needs of the maritime sector.

APEC SEN Expert Groups

APEC SEN Expert Groups propel APEC SEN’s mission and goals by reviewing and supporting seafarer-related projects, events and activities. Each expert group provides guidance on project development, identifies relevant experts, and fosters broader participation to ensure the effective development and implementation of activities that align with APEC SEN’s objectives.

There are three expert groups as below:

• Expert Group on Maritime Education and Training (EG1)

.1 Advise on the development of Maritime Education and Training (MET) including professional development programs for seafarers within APEC to enhance seafarers’ capacity;

.2 Enhance seafarer’s competency through the provision of standardized MET courses;

.3 Establish provision of varied train-the-trainer MET courses to improve instructors’ capacity, and support their professional growth;

.4 Facilitate lifelong distance learning within APEC economies to better support seafarers’ education and training both onboard and ashore;

.5 Promote and provide opportunities for the exchange of views and personnel on MET-related issues (e.g. on-board training issues) amongst members of APEC SEN; and

.6 Explore cooperation for research opportunities amongst members of APEC SEN and others.

• Expert Group on Seafarers’ Better Welfare (EG2)

.1 Promote seafarers’ physical and mental well-being to include cross-cultural issues;

.2 Promote the protection of seafarers’ rights, interests and welfare as per MLC 2006 and related international instruments on fair treatment of seafarers;

.3 Promote the development and provision of mentoring programs for seafarers;

.4 Support women seafarers throughout their career lifecycle via a broad spectrum of APEC-led activities, including the joint development of capacity-building projects, in collaboration with   TPTWG-WiT under the La Serena Roadmap for Women and Inclusive Growth (2019-2030); and

.5 Raise awareness and share best practices that contribute to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment in the maritime sector, including sexual harassment, bullying and  sexual assault.

• Expert Group on Career Development and Job Transition (EG3)

.1 Support the career progression and job transition of seafarers in the APEC region;

.2 Recognize emerging technologies that may impact seafarers and support opportunities for employment and job transition;

.3 Facilitate policy dialogue to enhance the labor mobility of seafarers across the APEC region, including the promotion of mutual recognition of Seafarers’ Certificates of Competency (CoC) among member economies;

.4 Promote seafaring careers to individuals of all ages, with a particular emphasis on inspiring young people to enter the profession, and contribute to fostering a sustainable shipping industry.