19th Nov 2021 – Press Release
Caledonian MacBrayne, Red Funnel and Wightlink are among the first shipping companies to offer their support to Safer Waves.
Caledonian MacBrayne, the UK’s largest ferry operator, serves the Clyde and Hebrides network on the west coast of Scotland.
The company’s employee-led ‘Inclusive CalMac’ steering group – which works to prevent discriminatory or non-inclusive behaviour while promoting inclusion – recently invited Safer Waves to talk about their services. CalMac have since raised awareness of Safer Waves to their people via the company’s digital platforms, and Safer Waves resources are being delivered to crew rest areas on board their vessels.
Robbie Drummond, Managing Director, CalMac Ferries said:
“Our people are at the heart of the service we provide. Through our Inclusive CalMac steering group, we empower them to champion and encourage a sustainable culture of inclusion within the company. Assault, harassment and discrimination of any kind can be difficult subjects to confront but it is important that we talk about them. We are looking forward to working with Safer Waves and promoting a safe and welcoming work environment at CalMac.”
Meanwhile, at the other end of the UK, Solent operators Red Funnel and Wightlink have also pledged their support. Red Funnel have sent Safer Waves posters out to their vessels for display in their mess rooms, and Wightlink have offered their support to Safer Waves CEO Becky Newdick in her role at the charity.
Photo Courtesy of Ben Rue
“Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to Red Funnel’s culture and core values and we’re proud that equal opportunities are available at Red Funnel to everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, belief, sexual orientation, family status or disability. We support Safer Waves because their mission to support merchant seafarers who have experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment or gender discrimination on board aligns with our unwavering commitment to ensure our workplace is a safe, positive, and nurturing environment for everyone.” said Fran Collins, CEO, Red Funnel
Safer Waves CEO Becky Newdick, is also a Wightlink Chief Officer:
“After starting out as cadets and junior officers working worldwide and near-coastal, myself and many of my friends and colleagues have found rewarding and happy careers at domestic ferry companies. So it feels significant that Calmac, Red Funnel and Wightlink have been among the first companies to proactively engage with Safer Waves and offer their support, as part of their commitment to ensuring inclusive and positive workplaces. We were also recently invited to speak at Crowley Maritime’s SASH Prevention Committee; it’s really encouraging to see that there are companies who are prepared to speak openly about the issue of sexual violence at sea, and to share information about our support services to their staff.”
Seafarers who have been affected by gender discrimination, sexual harassment or sexual assault at any time during their career, can contact support@saferwaves.org for confidential emotional support and information.
Companies wishing to find out more about working with Safer Waves are invited to contact the team at info@saferwaves.org.
