Seafaring is a critical yet often overlooked part of global logistics, carrying most of world trade. But what does life look like onboard a container vessel, and what risks do seafarers face daily? Join our latest ‘Shipping Insights’ podcast episode, where host Sara Vollmer sits down with Jeremy Nixon, CEO at Ocean Network Express Co Ltd, to explore the human side of maritime shipping. From the roles and duties of crew members to the increasing presence of female seafarers, Jeremy offers a comprehensive view of life at sea. Sara and Jeremy dive deep into the critical safety protocols, including how to mitigate the risks of hazardous cargo and the unique challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Key topics of this episode are: The diverse roles and duties of crew members aboard a container vessel, managing risks onboard, from piracy and weather to the dangers of hazardous cargo, the unprecedented challenges faced by seafarers during the Covid-19 pandemic, strategies for ensuring the well-being and safety of seafarers in a demanding environment. Recorded in September 2024. Details: (01:08) An introduction to our guest, Jeremy Nixon. (02:55) Sara brings up SOLAS, and Jeremy talks about seafaring. (04:43) Sara asks Jeremy how many people work on a container vessel. (06:38) Jeremy explains the roles and duties of the people on a container ship. (08:40) Jeremy describes the seafarers' working schedule and how the crew is rotated. (10:06) Jeremy talks about the increasing presence of female crew in seafaring. (11:06) Sara and Jeremy discuss the risks onboard a vessel, including piracy, attacks, fires, and weather. (13:53) Sara queries Jeremy on how they ensure the safety of the crew while onboard. To answer this question, Jeremy goes through the greatest dangers on a vessel, particularly the danger of misdeclaration of hazardous cargo. (17:25) Jeremy goes over what can be done to reduce the risk of undeclared hazardous cargo. (21:08) The challenges seafarers faced during the Covid-19 time. (25:15) Jeremy shares his advice on the importance of viewing shipping with a human element and considering the safety of the seafarers.