Authorities, Organisations and GeopoliticsWorldwide

Mandatory internet for seafarers

Seafarers win commitment to mandatory internet access in international law

 

Seafarers’ groups have won the right to mandatory social connectivity for crews –including internet access – in updates to the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC), but are disappointed that shipowners and governments may seek to charge for it.

The MLC is an international treaty designed to protect seafarers’ rights and has been ratified by more than 100 countries, who represent over 90% of the world fleet. One of its provisions is that governments, shipowners and seafarer representatives meet periodically to keep the convention under review and up to date. The latest Special Tripartite Committee (STC) meeting ended in Geneva on 13 May, with agreement on a number of changes including a commitment to better social connectivity for seafarers.

“We’ve learned a lot during the Covid period and that has been driving us to improve the MLC,” said Mark Dickinson, vice chair of the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s (ITF) Seafarers’ Section, STC vice-president and spokesperson for the Seafarers Group.

“Working for long periods at sea can be isolating,” Dickinson said, “And a lack of contact with the outside world can have profound implications for seafarers’ wellbeing — which we saw the worst effects of during Covid.”

“Being able to keep in touch with family and friends isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a basic human right. That’s why we fought so hard for seafarers to be given internet access and to have a mandatory provision in the MLC.”

Despite the fact that ships already have the technology to provide internet access, shipowners dug their heels in over the change. They insisted that they should be able to limit access and be able to charge seafarers for internet connectivity.

The Seafarers Group lobbied to ensure that any charges levied on seafarers remain an exception, and if any charges are imposed that they are reasonable. Governments were also encouraged to increase internet access in ports and associated anchorages without cost to seafarers.

Repatriation rights remain archaic

The meeting failed to reach agreement on changes to the MLC’s terms on repatriation under the MLC that were being demanded by the Seafarers Group. The Seafarers Group demanded that the breadth of shipowners’ responsibility to repatriate seafarers at the end of their contracts be extended to the point at which seafarers land at their home location

For most seafarers, the journey home is considerably longer than shipowners currently cover. A Filipino, for example, who lives in Davao may find themselves dumped at Manila Airport 1,600 miles away from home. They then have a subsequent air journey of around 2.5 hours, costing them P2,500–3,000. In that final leg, the employer is no longer covering insurance, medical or other costs.

As we have observed over the course of the pandemic, many seafarers have been detrimentally impacted by quarantine measures introduced in many countries, which has exacerbated the risk of disruptions and costs to seafarers to get to their actual residence.

“Shipowners outright rejected the proposal despite attempts at providing a compromise,” said Dickinson. “As seafarers’ representatives, we’re disappointed. We’re buoyed by the support of some governments, but still, it is the first time in the history of the STC that one group has rejected an amendment outright.”

ITF General Secretary said that the refusal of shipowners to negotiate on this issue is heart-breaking given what seafarers who were caught up in Covid restrictions endured.

“It’s a shame that after all the collaboration during the Covid period, when we worked together across the industry to defend seafarers’ rights, that shipowners have failed to engage in dialogue at all, especially over such an important issue for their workforce. I’m sure that shipping executives’ costs are covered door to door, why shouldn’t a seafarer deserve the same right, especially given the cost-of-living crisis that many are facing.”

A group of EU governments also sought an amendment to ensure a clearer commitment to the de facto maximum period of service of 11 months that seafarers can serve at sea before shipowners are obliged to get them home. Shipowners, and some governments, insisted on flexibility and requiring seafarers 12 months sea time to qualify, especially for trainees. The Seafarers Group refused to concede, citing fatigue and safety concerns.

“It is hard to believe that in 2022 we have to argue that 12-months service is too long,” said Cotton. “And this doesn’t even account for the fact that crewing levels have halved, and the reality that shore leave is now more restricted than ever. Shipowners say it is a freedom of choice for seafarers, but they have all the power, so it actually amounts to forced labour.”

Other changes

The STC did agree a number of significant changes to the MLC, including:

  • Personal protective equipment must be made available in sizes that suit seafarers onboard, including for women.
  • Improved access to free drinking water, quality provisions and balanced diets were agreed as part of food and catering rules.
  • Clarification on responsibilities for governments to provide information to seafarers on mandatory systems of protection that must be put in place by recruitment and placement agencies.

The STC also adopted several resolutions that will guide the future work of the Committee. These included further work on the eradication of sexual harassment at sea, the sustainability of the financial security provisions provided by P&I Clubs and insurers, and the ability of seafarers to enforce seafarers’ employment agreements against shipowners.

In his closing remarks, Dickinson said he was disappointed that since the MLC entered into force, it appears that shipowners focus was on agreeing technical changes, rather than resolutions that support the continuous improvement of seafarers’ conditions.

“They have lost sight of the original tripartite vision of the MLC to enhance the minimum standards for seafarers. Unless this changes path, it will have profound consequences on the future of the shipping industry.”

ITF General Secretary Cotton called on the industry to continue to collectively tackle challenges that face the industry and seize on opportunities to make shipping a decent, safe and career for seafarers, especially for attracting women into the industry.

“Through Covid, ITF and ICS worked so well together, and with other shipping partners such as IMEC, so it would be an incredible shame if we didn’t continue to work together in that spirit. Decent work for seafarers must be at the heart of this”. 

This article is shared by courtesy of the International Workers’ Federation (IFT). A democratic, affiliate-led federation of transport workers’ unions recognised as the world’s leading transport authority. www.itfglobal.orghttps://www.itfglobal.org/en

For more news about seafarers, click here: www.maritime-professionals.com/seafarers

 

Narjiss Ghajour

Editor-in-Chief of Maritime Professionals

1,316 Comments

  1. Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good success. If you know of any please share. Thank you!

  2. Thanks for some other excellent post. Where else may just anyone get that type of information in such a perfect wayof writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I amat the look for such information.Also visit my blog Takipçi SATIN AL

  3. Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very useful information particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot. I was looking for this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

  4. excellent issues altogether, you simply received a new reader.What could you suggest inn regrds to your publish that you simply made a few daysago? Any sure?

  5. Its wonderful as your other content : D, thanks for posting . “It takes less time to do things right than to explain why you did it wrong.” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

  6. Wonderful post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic?I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more.Thanks!

  7. What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & assist other users like its helped me. Great job.

  8. Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. Spending some time and actual effort to create a very good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and never seem to get nearly anything done.

  9. A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you need to publish more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but usually people do not speak about these issues. To the next! Many thanks!!

  10. I don’t even know how I stopped up here, but I thought this put up used to be good. I do not realize who you might be however definitely you are going to a famous blogger in case you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

  11. Попробуйте выиграть РЅР° автомате Ballon!: balloon казино – balloon казино играть

  12. What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It absolutely helpful and it hashelped me out loads. I’m hoping to give a contribution &aid different customers like its helped me. Goodjob.Feel free to visit my blog: 온카지노

  13. Казино всегда предлагает выгодные акции.: balloon game – balloon игра

  14. Казино предлагает отличные условия для РёРіСЂС‹.: balloon game – balloon игра

  15. Баллон — это автомат для настоящих любителей.: balloon game – balloon игра

  16. I was suggested this blog through my cousin. I am no longer sure whether or not this post is written by him as no one else understand such exact approximately my problem. You are amazing! Thank you!

  17. Автомат Ballon предлагает уникальные Р±РѕРЅСѓСЃС‹.: balloon игра – balloon игра

  18. An interesting discussion is worth comment. There’s no doubt that that youneed to publish more on this subject, it may not be a taboo matter but typically people don’t speak about such issues.To the next! Many thanks!!

  19. Играйте Рё выигрывайте РЅР° автомате Ballon!: balloon game – balloon game

  20. Игровые автоматы делают вечер незабываемым.: balloon казино – balloon казино

  21. balloon game balloon казино Играйте РЅР° деньги Рё получайте удовольствиe.

  22. Играйте РІ Ballon Рё наслаждайтесь процессом.: balloon игра – balloon игра

  23. Xoilac Tv Thẳng đá Bóng bk8Đội tuyển nước Việt Nam chỉ muốn một kết quả hòa có bàn thắng nhằm lần thứ hai góp mặt tại World Cup futsal. Nhưng, để làm được điều này

  24. I was skeptical not far from CBD at first, but after frustrating them like https://joyorganics.com/products/delta-9-thc-tincture-citrus , I’m unqualifiedly impressed. They presentation a suitable and enjoyable sense to pleasing CBD without any hassle. I’ve noticed a calming force, outstandingly in the evenings, which has helped with both stress and sleep. The best some is the pre-measured dosage, so there’s no guessing involved. If you’re looking as a replacement for an easy and tasty detail to know CBD, gummies are plainly value in view of—straight cut unshakeable to gain from a estimable sort!

  25. I don’t even know how I ended up right here, however I thought this post was once good.I don’t recognise who you might be but certainly you’re going to a well-known blogger for those who arenot already. Cheers!

  26. mexican drugstore online [url=https://agbmexicopharm.shop/#]buying prescription drugs in mexico[/url] mexico drug stores pharmacies

  27. canadian pharmacy online store [url=https://gocanadapharm.shop/#]GoCanadaPharm[/url] canadian drug pharmacy

  28. I needed to thank you for this excellent read!! I certainly enjoyed every little bit of it. I have got you bookmarked to look at new stuff you postÖ

  29. canadian pharmacy tampa [url=https://gocanadapharm.com/#]GoCanadaPharm[/url] canadian pharmacies online

  30. www india pharm [url=https://wwwindiapharm.shop/#]reputable indian online pharmacy[/url] indian pharmacy

  31. buy prescription drugs from india [url=https://wwwindiapharm.shop/#]www india pharm[/url] www india pharm

  32. can you get clomid without prescription [url=https://clomfastpharm.com/#]Clom Fast Pharm[/url] Clom Fast Pharm

  33. can you buy cheap clomid no prescription [url=https://clomfastpharm.shop/#]Clom Fast Pharm[/url] Clom Fast Pharm

  34. prednisone 250 mg [url=https://predpharmnet.shop/#]prednisone buy online nz[/url] Pred Pharm Net

  35. Lisin Express [url=https://lisinexpress.shop/#]lisinopril generic drug[/url] Lisin Express

  36. ZithPharmOnline [url=http://zithpharmonline.com/#]buy azithromycin zithromax[/url] zithromax 500 tablet

  37. slot casino siteleri [url=http://casinositeleri1st.com/#]casino siteleri[/url] casino siteleri casinositeleri1st.shop

  38. lisansl? casino siteleri [url=https://casinositeleri1st.shop/#]casino siteleri 2025[/url] deneme bonusu veren siteler casinositeleri1st.shop

  39. gerГ§ek paralД± slot uygulamalarД± [url=https://casinositeleri1st.shop/#]guvenilir casino siteleri[/url] lisansl? casino siteleri casinositeleri1st.shop

  40. sweet bonanza slot [url=http://sweetbonanza1st.com/#]sweet bonanza demo[/url] sweet bonanza giris sweetbonanza1st.com

  41. bonus veren siteler [url=http://casibom1st.com/#]casibom guncel giris[/url] 100tl hosgeldin bonusu veren siteler casibom1st.shop

  42. Thanks for any other wonderful article. Where elsemay just anyone get that type of information in such an ideal approach of writing?I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am on the look for such info.my blog post: Keto Lean Body Review

  43. I do accept as true with all the conceptsyou’ve introduced in your post. They are really convincing and can definitely work.Nonetheless, the posts are very short for starters. May you pleaseextend them a little from next time? Thanks forthe post.

  44. deneme bonusu veren siteler [url=https://casinositeleri1st.shop/#]casino siteleri[/url] guvenilir casino siteleri casinositeleri1st.shop

  45. certified Mexican pharmacy [url=https://usmexpharm.shop/#]usa mexico pharmacy[/url] USMexPharm

  46. buying prescription drugs in mexico [url=https://usmexpharm.shop/#]USMexPharm[/url] UsMex Pharm

  47. mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa [url=https://usmexpharm.shop/#]usa mexico pharmacy[/url] mexico drug stores pharmacies

  48. mexico drug stores pharmacies [url=https://usmexpharm.com/#]Us Mex Pharm[/url] UsMex Pharm

  49. UsaIndiaPharm [url=https://usaindiapharm.shop/#]mail order pharmacy india[/url] UsaIndiaPharm

  50. best india pharmacy [url=https://usaindiapharm.shop/#]USA India Pharm[/url] USA India Pharm

  51. п»їlegitimate online pharmacies india [url=https://usaindiapharm.shop/#]cheapest online pharmacy india[/url] USA India Pharm

  52. wonderful put up, very informative. I ponder why the other expertsof this sector do not understand this. You should proceedyour writing. I am confident, you have a great readers’ base already!

  53. india pharmacy mail order [url=https://usaindiapharm.com/#]buy medicines online in india[/url] buy prescription drugs from india

  54. top 10 pharmacies in india [url=https://usaindiapharm.com/#]Online medicine order[/url] indian pharmacy paypal

  55. Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying toget my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results.If you know of any please share. Many thanks!

  56. I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great.I do not know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

  57. Hi, I do think this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will come back once again since I book-marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.

  58. Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and may come back down theroad. I want to encourage you to continue your great posts, have a nice morning!

  59. That is a good tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere. Brief but very precise informationÖ Many thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!

  60. Hi just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of thepictures aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why butI think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two differentinternet browsers and both show the same outcome.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button