2019-2022 APEC SEN Projects

Fostering Future Maritime Global Leaders: APEC SEN Onboard Training Program

The APEC Seafarers Excellence Network (APEC SEN) has undertaken the project “Onboard Training to Foster Competent Young Future Maritime Global Leaders” to address the critical need for standardized and comprehensive shipboard training across the Asia-Pacific region. This initiative seeks to equip the next generation of maritime professionals with the skills and knowledge required to meet international standards and contribute to the global shipping industry.

Key Features of the Program Include:

Three Month Onboard Training Curriculum: Incorporating theoretical and practical learning experiences to meet STCW requirements.
Onboard Training Record Books: Customized for deck and engine cadets to document and verify acquired competencies.
Collaborative Efforts: Contributions from maritime administrations, MET institutions, and industry experts to ensure holistic development.
Focus on Inclusivity: Attention to gender representation and cross-cultural understanding within the maritime sector.

Project Information:

Project No.: TPT 03 2019A
Project Title: APEC Seafarer Excellence Network (SEN) On-Board Training to Foster Competent Young Future Maritime Global Leaders
Project Status: Completed Project
Fund Account: APEC Support Fund
Project Year: 2019 ~ 2022
Proposing Economy: Korea
Co-Sponsoring Economies: China; Malaysia; Philippines; New Zealand; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; United States; Viet Nam

The full report is available on the “Publication” menu on the APEC SEN Website. Stakeholders, policymakers, and maritime professionals are encouraged to explore these resources to contribute to a skilled and sustainable maritime workforce.

Empowering Seafarers’ Mental Health through APEC SEN Training Curriculum

The APEC Seafarers Excellence Network (APEC SEN) is pleased to present the Mental Health Training Curriculum to Empower Well-being of Life Onboard for Seafarers across the APEC Region. This initiative highlights the importance of addressing mental health challenges in the maritime industry, aiming to equip seafarers with the tools and support needed to foster resilience, reduce stigma, and enhance their overall well-being while working at sea.

Key Features of the Curriculum Include:

Module 1: Understanding mental health as an integral part of overall well-being
Module 2: Establishing support structures onboard and onshore
Module 3: Implementing the “ALL ACT” framework to encourage peer support and intervention
Module 4: Reducing stigma and fostering positive mental health practices within teams

Project Information:

Project No.: TPT 02 2020S
Project Title: APEC SEN Mental Health Training Curriculum to Empower Well-being of Life Onboard for Seafarers across the APEC Region
Project Status: Completed Project
Fund Account: Self-Funded
Project Year: 2020 ~ 2022
Proposing Economy: Korea
Co-Sponsoring Economies: Brunei Darussalam; China; Chinese Taipei; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Peru; Philippines; United States; Viet Nam

The program’s interactive approach ensures that participants gain practical skills to manage mental health challenges, support colleagues, and create a healthier onboard environment.

The full report is available under the “Publication” menu on the APEC SEN Website. Stakeholders and maritime professionals are encouraged to explore this vital resource to contribute to a safer and more inclusive maritime workforce.

Maximizing Cross-Border Labor Mobility of Seafarers in the Digital Age

The APEC Seafarers Excellence Network (APEC SEN) is proud to present its initiative, “Maximizing Cross-Border Labor Mobility of Seafarers for the Digital Age.” This ambitious project addresses the critical challenges faced by seafarers, industries, and economies within the Asia-Pacific region. It aims to enhance the flexibility and inclusiveness of labor mobility in response to evolving global demands.

Seafarers from APEC economies represent over 56% of the global maritime workforce, playing a pivotal role in sustaining international trade. However, barriers such as inconsistent certification standards, economic disparities, and the impacts of global crises like COVID-19 significantly hinder their mobility. This project examines these obstacles from individual, industrial, and economic perspectives while proposing actionable solutions.

Key Focus Areas of the Research Include:

Investigating barriers to labor mobility at various levels, such as skills gaps, certification recognition, and industry expectations
Analyzing the effects of COVID-19 on the maritime workforce, including health risks, job insecurity, and disrupted career pathways
Exploring the role of digitalization and automation in reshaping seafaring careers for sustainable development
Proposing strategies to ensure equitable access to global opportunities for seafarers through policy alignment, enhanced training, and mutual cooperation

Project Information:

Project No.: TPT 03 2020A
Project Title: Maximizing APEC SEN Cross-Border Labor Mobility of Seafarers for the Digital Age
Project Status: Completed Project
Fund Account: APEC Support Fund
Project Year: 2020 ~ 2022
Proposing Economy: Korea
Co-Sponsoring Economies: Canada; China; Chinese Taipei; Indonesia; Malaysia; Mexico; Philippines; Thailand; Viet Nam

Through surveys and collaborative inputs from APEC economies, shipping companies, and seafarers themselves, the project highlights pressing issues and actionable recommendations. These include creating standardized training programs, developing efficient information systems for recruitment, and fostering greater international collaboration.

The full research report is available on the “Publication” menu on the APEC SEN Website. We invite all stakeholders, policymakers, and maritime professionals to explore the findings and join our efforts to strengthen cross-border seafarer mobility in the digital age.