Direct negotiated procedure with prior publication concerning a Study on diversity on board Belgian ships

The Belgian maritime sector faces the challenge of attracting and retaining sufficiently qualified seafarers and making sustainable careers at sea possible. At the same time, attention to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is growing within the sector, including to ensure that all seafarers can work in a safe, respectful and supportive environment. Against this background, the contracting authority wishes to conduct a study into the factors that influence the inclusion and retention of seafarers, with particular attention to underrepresented groups such as LGBTIQ+ seafarers and seafarers during pregnancy and parenthood, without losing sight of the broader group of seafarers. The aim of the assignment is to develop policy and practice-oriented insights that support Belgian shipping companies in strengthening inclusion, psychosocial safety and sustainable retention on board ships. The research is based on the hypothesis that an inclusive working and living environment contributes to the retention of seafarers. The research focuses specifically on the unique living and working conditions of seafarers, where work and private life come together for long periods in a closed environment with a pronounced hierarchical structure. The study is structured in five successive phases. First, a knowledge base is developed through an analysis of existing national and international studies, policy documents and good practices. It then examines the key factors that determine why seafarers continue to work on board, advance or leave the sector. It then examines how organizational culture, collaboration, inclusion and psychosocial safety on board influence seafarers' experiences and what impact these factors can have on overall safety on board. Based on these insights, a practical and feasible action plan is drawn up