Tributes to expert and champion of seafarers’ rights
ONE of the world’s leading experts on the working conditions of seafarers has died at his home in Cardiff.
Professor Alastair Couper, who was 87 and born in Aberdeen, spent 10 years as a seafarer himself, rising to become a master mariner.
At the age of 19 he helped persuade British seamen to strike in support of New Zealand dock workers protesting about poor working conditions.
He embarked on an academic career, eventually becoming director of the Seafarers International Research Centre for Safety and Occupational Health at Cardiff University. He also worked at the World Maritime University in Malmo, Sweden. Students he mentored there included a future Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations and a number of High Court judges.
Prof Couper became a leading figure in the international campaign to improve seafarers’ and fishers’ rights, many of whom endure appalling working conditions that are arguably tantamount to slavery. Through a series of books, he raised awareness of their plight. He also worked with the International Maritime Organisation, the International Labour Organisation and other UN agencies to put in place several conventions on the Law of the Sea designed to enhance seafarers’ training and rights, as well as tackle environmental issues.
Until days before his death he was working on a book about the history of seafarers’ rights, which will now be completed by academic colleagues including Dr Azmath Jaleel, of Cardiff University, who said: “Alastair devoted his life to improving the lot of seafarers and made an incalculable contribution. We‘ll ensure that the final book he was working on will be completed.”
Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, president of the World Maritime University, said: “He was a champion and indefatigable defender of seafarers’ and fishers’ rights. He was an individual who made the greatest impact on the lives of so many.”
Professor Devinder Grawal, interim academic director of the Australian Institute of Business, said: “I am sorry to know of the going of one who taught me many things, and in his own quiet way, remained my mentor.
“There are very few about whom we can say that the Earth was better because of them being present among the rest of humanity. Alastair was one of those few. He did so much for so many people and never spoke about it.
“I try to keep his values in me and pass them to those who are worthy of receiving them.”
Prof Couper is survived by his widow, Norma, his children, Callum, Rona, Katrina and Roderick, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
His funeral will be held at 11am on September 27 at The Cardiff and Glamorgan Memorial Park and Crematorium in Barry.