Useful Information for Seafarers
Enrico Fermi
It is of vital importance for professionals to be thoroughly updated with recent progresses in their chosen field of work. The Shipping Industry is a vast field with a large amount of important information that might not be disseminated to all.
However, at WRS Tech we believe that every day is a school day and this article’s aim is to highlight relevant information and share it with the maritime community.
The following read provides some insight into some data that is extremely useful to all seafarers.
1. Global Integrated Shipping Information System – IMO public information cell: The IMO (International Maritime Organization) is a driving force in safeguarding and promoting the shipping industry; raising and passing legislations as well as being a governing body, the IMO also publicises a lot of information on their website useful to the worlds seafarers.
For More information please follow the Link Below.
2. Holiday pay: The MLC has been a positive force in the Maritime industry and brought in many new and fair changes. The Seafarers Employment Agreement (SEA) states that a seafarer is entitled to a paid annual leave amounting to that which he earns for 2.5 days for every month that he works.
For More information please follow the Link Below.
www.ilo.org/maritime-labour-convention
3. Women seafarers: The issue of women in the Shipping industry has been at the forefront of industry discussions for a long time. Women currently constitute a very miniscule part of the shipboard workforce. For that reason the IMO, ITF and others have emphasised the inclusion of more women in the industry. Efforts continue to made to address the various problems, rights and regulations.
For More information please follow the Link Below.
4. Benefits of maritime unions: There are many International dedicated maritime unions for safeguarding and providing benefits to seafarers. Not only do they assist in legal matters, but some have a provision for medical benefits, financial assistance and accommodation across different states to enable seafarers to save money when they travel. Most of them have membership set at nominal rates to enable all to avail of the benefits. If you are a seafarer, you must enrol yourself with these unions.
For More information please follow the Link Below.
5. Seaman’s club: Generally located in proximity to the governing authority conducting exams, seaman’s clubs across the world also provide an array of facilities for seafarers. Most ports have a seaman’s club that supports seafarers with the local knowldge, be it SIM cards, local entertainment venues, cheap calling, presence of local amenities etc. Seaman’s Clubs often also help in saving money by providing much cheaper accommodation compared to standard hotels.
6. War zone: Companies working with the International Trade Federation (ITF) are obliged to let seafarers choose if they want to sign off or continue sailing if the vessel is headed towards a war zone. It is mandatory for the company to allow the individual to sign off without any cost to the sailor irrespective of the tenure of contract served. This also applies to piracy-inflicted zones and the provision also entitles the seafarer to double his/her pay for the number of days spent in the war/piracy areas if he/she decides to continue sailing on his own accord.
7. Provident funds: Retirement can be rough for professionals who do not have a pension. However a provident fund that facilitates a chunk of savings that belongs to a seafarer upon retirement can go some way to support a seafarer. Most companies allocate a certain amount of money into the provident fund for an individual thereby cushioning a seafarer financially when in need. Detailed provisions can be found based on nationality by a quick Google search
8. Rights in Case of Legal Actions
If vessel or seafarer is involved in any type of accident which may lead to prosecution/ prison, the following rules must be noted.
If your vessel is involved in a maritime accident, there are international guidelines to ensure that you are treated fairly if there is an investigation or if you are detained following the accident.
Your shipowner and the ship’s insurers can provide you with legal support and advice if you are arrested or detained, and support any welfare needs that arise. International Maritime Organisation (IMO)/International Labour Organisation (ILO) guidelines on the fair treatment of seafarers in the event of a maritime accident are available for viewing.
For more information please take a look at the following links:
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