Ecumenical charity Liverpool Seafarers Centre met with a government minister to discuss ways of better supporting the maritime industry.
Nusrat Ghani MP, the Parliamentary under secretary of state at the Department for Transport, requested a private meeting with LSC chief executive John Wilson to discuss how the department could assist seafarers and the wider industry.
Mr Wilson met with Nusrat at the offices of Peel Ports, congratulating her on retaining her role and suggesting the maritime section of her department could be located within a maritime city, with Liverpool a prime candidate.
Nusrat visited the centre in May 2019, where she learned about the impact its work has on the welfare of crews docked in Liverpool and all Mersey ports.
The minister is promoting initiatives to relieve mental health within the maritime sector and aiming to raise the profile of women working in the industry.
Isolation and loneliness while at sea can impact on mental health and long working contracts can amplify these feelings. The MP heard that the centre has support from a clinical psychologist, who is upskilling staff and volunteers.
Treatment of seafarers, including abuse and bullying, was also on the agenda as well as issues around the exploitation of crew in the cruise industry by other sailors.
Mr Wilson also told Nusrat about vessel detentions, welcoming ports exercising their authority where conditions did not meet regulations, and the port levy.
He said: “Nusrat visited the centre in May last year so it was a perfect opportunity to meet again to discuss our work and any developments in the industry. It was great to share the good work Liverpool Seafarers Centre is doing in supporting the seafarers that come into our ports and also suggest any ways the government can improve conditions and working practices in the maritime sector.”