Seaways Focus - July 2026
Support in difficult times
by John Lloyd FNI Chief Executive, The Nautical Institute
In difficult times it is often hard to remember to celebrate important milestones. For many, the International Day of the Seafarer 2026, will have passed unnoticed on the global stage.
But it is an important day and this year particularly so as the theme of ‘Carrying World Trade, Carrying Risks’ has become so poignant in the context of the shipping crisis in the Gulf.
With thousands of seafarers trapped in the region, the risk of attacks from any quarter and the uncertainty raised in relation to repatriation flights and the availability of food and water as basic needs on board create an unsettling and challenging work environment. We know that innocent seafarers have been killed during the hostilities and we send our thoughts, prayers and condolences to the families of those affected. It is simply unacceptable that shipping has not been assigned safe havens during this conflict. Both the United Nations and the combatants should have delivered better solutions in this regard.
I hope you will enjoy the article in this edition of Seaways considering in more detail the challenges of coping with leadership and management responsibilities in the region. Real insights into contemporary issues, and another great example of how our members share their experiences for the benefit of other members and the wider readership of Seaways.
Voyage planning
Safe navigation is central to the professional focus of The Nautical Institute and so it is with pride and pleasure we launched the second volume of our BRM series Bridge Resource Management Volume 2: Voyage Planning during June.
This is an outstanding publication authored by some of the most respected professionals in the sector and we thank them for their time, commitment and contribution to enhancing maritime safety. We marked the occasion with an excellent webinar on the topic in June – available to view exclusively in the Members’ area of the website – and will follow this with a physical launch at Trinity House in early July. This book provides the ideal reference to mariners in using best practice during their voyage assessment and execution and should be a source of inspiration and guidance to mariners around the globe.
Order your copy here.
Connecting with the community and sharing knowledge and insights is a key part of our work at The Nautical Institute. In October we are pleased to be hosting our Annual Offshore Energy event this year in New York. We would like to thank the State University of New York for their assistance in hosting this event. This gathering brings together the leading professionals delivering training solutions for the industry specialising in Dynamic Positioning qualifications but much more than that. We will hear from senior representatives from industry on their emergent needs and industry changes. We will learn of their expectations and learn how we can continue to lead the sector in this important specialisation.
Reaching out
I want to give an extra and huge thank you to all of our volunteers around the world who contribute to our activities. Whether on our Committees, Council, attending the IMO as a volunteer delegate or helping to run branch events, your support and energy is incredibly important and highly appreciated.
Our branch engagement with local and regional communities is central to our presence and contribution to maritime safety. Do not hesitate to call in support from the Membership and Branches team if we can help make your functions make an even bigger impact.