Each year, thousands of people risk their lives crossing the world’s busiest shipping lanes on unseaworthy vessels. When they fall into distress, commercial ships often become first responders, often without adequate means, clear guidance or support. While international maritime law affirms the duty to rescue, many shipowners and crews are left navigating complex operational, legal and reputational challenges.
This webinar brings together two perspectives: Dr Caroline Abu Sa’Da, humanitarian leader, co-founder and Director of the Foundation for Humanitarian Action at Sea (FHAS), and Richard Watts, maritime consultant, co-founder and President of FHAS. Together, they will present the foundation and the tools they are developing to support the shipping sector in navigating this sensitive issue, such as the dialogue platform and the virtual assistant.
Key takeaways:
- The operational and reputational risks facing commercial vessels during SAR
- Existing gaps in support for crews performing rescues
- How FHAS works with maritime actors to offer practical tools and guidance
- Why constructive engagement serves both humanitarian goals and industry interests.
Speakers:
Caroline Abu Sa’Da, Co-Founder and Director, Foundation for Humanitarian Action at Sea (FHAS)
Dr Caroline Abu Sa’Da is the co-founder and Director of the Foundation for Humanitarian Action at Sea. She had previously founded and directed SOS MEDITERRANEE in Switzerland, which was awarded the Right Livelihood Award during her tenure.
She has led humanitarian programs in the field, notably in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, for Oxfam GB, the United Nations, and MSF (Doctors Without Borders) Switzerland.
Dr Abu Sa’Da is the author of numerous papers, reports and chapters on humanitarian action, NGOs and the Middle East, as well as books, and has taught at New York University, Paris; Sciences Po, Lille; and the University of London.
She has also been the Director of the Research Unit of MSF Switzerland and the Editorial Responsible for the International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights in Geneva. She holds a PhD in Political Science and International Relations from Sciences Po, Paris, and was awarded a doctorate honoris causa by Lausanne University in June 2023.
Richard Watts, Director of HR Maritime, Co-Founder and President, Foundation for Humanitarian Action at Sea (FHAS)
Richard Watts is the Director of HR Maritime, a Geneva-based consultancy he founded in 2008 to support commercial shipping, commodity trading, and maritime logistics stakeholders. With over two decades of experience, he advises clients globally on chartering, contracts, laytime and demurrage, marine insurance, dispute resolution, regulatory compliance, and operational risk.
He also serves as an expert witness in international arbitration cases involving maritime and trading disputes.
Richard began his career in independent rice trading before transitioning to shipping and logistics consulting. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and serves as President of the Propeller Club Geneva Chapter.
In addition to his advisory work, he is a frequent speaker and moderator at international maritime and commodity conferences and actively contributes to training and knowledge-sharing initiatives across the industry.
He was previously President of SOS MEDITERRANEE Switzerland, a civil search and rescue organisation operating in the Central Mediterranean. He is also the co-founder and current President of the Foundation for Humanitarian Action at Sea (FHAS).