Diversity and inclusion in shipping

THE seafaring life brings together people from countries all over the world.

Multinational crews run most of the world's merchant fleet; they work out of ports in countries not their own. Cultural differences are inevitable in such situations and can give rise to misunderstandings, disrespect, intolerance, prejudice and fear. While these may cause hurt feelings and squabbles that may be ironed out in other workplaces, in shipping they can have more serious consequences, such as accidents and even loss of lives.