CRIMINALISATION SURVEY TECHNOLOGY HEALTH & SAFETY MINIMUM WAGE shipmaster arrests – is it putting ITF / WMU study assesses Fatigue risk ILO set out the International seafarers off the job? automation’s threat to jobs in Panama Canal minimum wage for seafarers seafarerthe global Volume 3 | Number 13 | February 2019

COURTING TROUBLE?

Survey reveals continued fears over criminalisation CONTENTS FOREWORD

the global Volume 3 | Number 13 | February 2019 seafarer Welcome Having attended the ITF Congress, Mark Dickinson 5 11 HEALTH & SAFETY explains how the work of 05 New rules on emergency signs after Costa Concordia disaster Nautilus with fellow labour

44 EU funded project to improve organisations around the at-sea health care using digital world benefi ts members… technology

SUPERYACHTS

23 18 Deborah McPherson reports on n October 2018 I was part of the All seafarers are protected by the minimum 18 the Monaco Yacht Show 2018, Nautilus delegation at the 44th standards of the MLC. It is timely that I am part of which off ered plenty of advice I Congress of the International the ITF delegation attending the Joint Maritime and support to yacht crew Transport Workers’ Federation. There Commission subcommittee on wages of were lots of interesting debates and we set the seafarers, looking to agree a real-terms increase INTERNATIONAL policy and work programme to guide the work of in this pay fl oor. However, for far too many the ITF for the next fi ve years around the theme of workers these minimums become maximums. 26 What does a Brexit no-deal really Building Union Power. Until the ILO And while it is important that we achieve a mean for UK certifi cated offi cers? The ITF and its work internationally on behalf minimum decent increase under the ILO mechanism, which Justin Stares gives a view from of its affi liates is important and assists Nautilus many other agreements are built on, we will Brussels in its mission to protect our members, but it can wage is never have a true level playing fi eld and fair pay sometimes feel a long way from the everyday at sea until all seafarers are able to continuously 26 36 ENVIRONMENT enforced by lives of those working at sea. I was not back from improve the terms and conditions of their the ITF Congress for long before the reality of life fl ag states, employment through strong trade unionism. 36 Michael Howorth reports on a at sea for too many seafarers was brought home Until the ILO minimum wage is enforced by special vessel designed to clear some shipping to me once again. Our Nautilus/ITF inspector in fl ag states, with penalties for non-compliance, up the plastic out of our oceans NW England sent me details of a case he had been companies will some shipping companies will continue to pay TECHNOLOGY working on where seafarers were contracted on continue to their seafarers these shockingly low rates, and basic salaries as low as $235 per month. Even with pay very low this in turn will make it harder for the decent 40 Research commissioned by the overtime payments, some of those onboard were employers out there to compete and engage with International Chamber of Shipping still only earning $500 per month. That’s under half rates, making trade unions to provide decent work for seafarers 44 predicts shore-based centres for the consolidated salary recommended in the ILO it harder – wherever in the world they come from. the future of autonomous ships Maritime Labour Convention. For more information on the ILO discussions, Despite not even paying their seafarers a decent for decent please visit the dedicated website fairpayatsea. 40 wage – and forcing them to work very long hours employers to org. In the meantime, I and all other Nautilus that compromised the safety of everyone onboard compete personnel – including our ITF inspectors and our – this unscrupulous company then had a list of lay representatives working to improve terms Published by deductions coming straight out of the crews’ pay. and conditions within their own companies – will Nautilus International on behalf of Many had spent money on expensive satellite continue to work alongside the wider ITF family telephone cards, simply trying to keep in touch to ensure fair treatment and fair pay for all with their families while they were away. maritime professionals.

nautilusfederation.org 2 February 2019 February 2019 3 nautilusfederation.org HEALTH & SAFETY

In brief

Reporting cut: European SIGNS OF transport ministers have backed plans to cut the number of reporting requirements for ships visiting EU ports. The ‘maritime CONFUSION single window’ scheme aims to reduce the administrative burden Lessons learned from the Costa Concordia disaster have helped to shape new rules by introducing a ‘once-only Pictured above is the 20,954TEU CMA CGM Louis Bleriot making a maiden UK call to the UK port of governing emergency signs on merchant ships. ANDREW LININGTON reports… principle’ in which ships would Southampton on 3 December 2018 Image: Gary Davies/Maritime Photographic only need to report once per port call, and the same information anuary 2019 will see would be re-used for subsequent ‘Cadets’ on FoC ship changes to the port calls within the EU. J International Maritime Coastal call: the UK treated like slaves Organisation’s SOLAS Convention government has been urged to that clarify and harmonise the improve the support it gives to Nautilus/ITF inspector Tommy Molloy has requirements for escape route encourage freight to be moved on helped to get owed wages and repatriation for signs and equipment location water instead of roads. A British seafarers who were being treated like slaves markings – bringing them into line Ports Association seminar last onboard a foreign ship visiting the UK port of with International Organisation month heard that the proportion Bromborough. for Standardisation (ISO) criteria. of domestic freight being moved Mr Molloy is pictured right with two Signs – especially on ships – are by coastal shipping has fallen Indian crew members he supported after all around us, and their shape, from 27% in 1975 to 8% in 2017. UK Border Force offi cials raised concerns colour and symbols are about conditions onboard the Tuvalu-fl agged determined through a science Carbon plan: Maersk has general cargoship Amira Laura. known as semiotics. This seeks to ‘Despite the crew being responsible routes and equipment announced plans to become a He discovered that the pair – who were listed ensure that signs are immediately The new for assisting the passengers to their inappropriately marked with signs ‘carbon-neutral’ shipping as being cadets – were being paid just US$250 a IMO signage recognisable and unambiguously requirements assigned assembly/embarkation based on graphical symbols company by 2050. The company month, although their contracts specifi ed $400 understood by the person on the have been stations, language diffi culties intended for use on fi re control says it has cut its relative CO2 a month. Even worse, Mr Molloy added, they developed in receiving end. response to the between the various nationalities plans, which may not be easily emissions by 46% since 2007, but had paid $5,500 for the jobs. Semiotics infl uence every Costa Concordia onboard resulted in a chaotic, understood when used as signs,’ warns that work on new green The employees were in fact working aspect of safety signage – from disaster disorganised abandonment,’ the the working group noted. Image: Thinkstock technologies must accelerate if as an OS and a wiper, and were regularly why warning signs are yellow, paper added. ‘The recently boarded ‘The current inconsistencies in ‘decarbonised’ ships are to doing 16-hour days. ‘They were also under- application for asylum is considered. safety signs green, prohibition passengers, having spent only a the regulations could result in become a reality by 2030. nourished, as they were being fed nothing Mr Molloy said the Maritime & Coastguard signs red and mandatory signs limited time on the ship, lacked a confusion over the proper in the morning, some kind of bread in Agency had told him the ship could not be blue to what shape a fi re escape thorough familiarity with its layout direction of escape travel in an Wind base: a £10m project to the afternoon and no cooked meal in the detained to secure payment in line with the marker should be. and the established escape routes, emergency, hindering the safe build a new operations and evening,’ Mr Molloy said. ILO minimum wage. ‘This was a shocking However, a paper submitted to resulting in a prolonged evacuation.’ escape of passengers,’ it warned. maintenance base for the Further checks found that an Egyptian case of exploitation, but I can’t see why it was the IMO by the United States and In response to the paper, the The review found that the Galloper offshore windfarm has crew member was being paid US$500 per allowed to happen,’ he added. the ISO called for revision of the adequacy of shipboard safety signs existing SOLAS rules fail to set begun in the UK port of Harwich. month, despite his contract saying he should ‘How can authorities say they can’t enforce rules for signage indicating the and markings was reviewed by an clear standards for marking or The Hutchinson Ports scheme will get $1,750, and Mr Molloy lodged a claim for the ILO minimum wage when it’s referred to location and arrangement of IMO working group on passengership signs to embarkation stations, and include a purpose-built pontoon $27,500 in unpaid wages with the owners. in the Maritime Labour Convention? They are escape routes to the assembly safety established after the Costa give no guidance on the means of for crew transfer vessels. ‘The crew members were petrifi ed and had not the only fl ag state authorities to do so. I stations, as well as markings for Concordia accident. illumination or type and been physically abused onboard,’ Mr Molloy have been told directly by one fl ag state that the locations of fi re protection This concluded that the current arrangement of escape route and Fishy power: The Norwegian said. ‘I was also threatened and had to call in it is not enforceable. In which case what is the equipment and life-saving SOLAS standards ‘have become equipment marking signs. shipping company Hurtigruten the police and port security to intervene so point of it? appliances. scattered and inconsistent’, with The new rules will come into has announced plans to power at that we were able to get the three guys off the ‘In effect they are saying a shipowner is ‘The loss of the Costa Concordia ambiguous regulations leading to force on 1 January 2019, and will least six of its 17 ships with ship OK.’ welcome to pay as little as they can get away illustrated the compelling need to shipyards and shipowners frequently apply to all ships built after that liquefied biogas – produced from Since then the two Indian seafarers have with.’ ensure consistent and effective following different approaches to date. They will also require dead fish and other organic waste fl own home, with ITF offi cials meeting Nautilus general secretary Mark Dickinson signs and markings to facilitate the escape route signs and equipment existing vessels to update signage – as well as using LNG and large them in Chennai to ensure their safety. The said the case highlights the importance of rapid evacuation of passengers in markings. when they undergo repairs or battery packs. Egyptian seafarer is in the UK while his the Fair Pay at Sea campaign. an emergency,’ it warned. ‘It is not unusual to fi nd escape modifi cations.

nautilusfederation.org 4 February 2019 February 2019 5 nautilusfederation.org HEALTH & SAFETY MAIB warns offi cers ‘Name and Insurers seek shame’ call action to cut not to silence alarms on reports boxship fi res Seafarers have been warned against disabling over the bridge from the master at midnight. Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems The master told the OOW to revise the route, Bulk carrier owners have suggested Marine insurers are set to table (ECDIS) alarms to prevent ‘annoyance and which he did on the ECDIS. The route was checked that the International Maritime proposals at the International distraction’ while on watch. visually but the results of the automatic check Organisation (IMO) should ‘name and Maritime Organisation for new The warning comes in the latest UK Marine route function were not inspected. shame’ flag states which fail to measures to cut the risks posed by Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) Safety The MAIB says there have been a number of publish accident investigation reports. containership fires. Digest, which reports on a case in which a small groundings in recent years resulting from revised Delegates attending the annual The International Union of Marine bulk carrier became grounded on a sandbank for passage plans not being checked thoroughly. It meeting of the owners’ organisation Insurance (IUMI) said it is concerned six days. stressed the need for visual checks to be made on Intercargo expressed concern at ‘undue at the potential for huge losses The MAIB said an inspection of the vessel’s larger scale ENCs and for the automatic check to delays’ in the production of casualty arising from incidents involving ultra- ECDIS found the system’s safety frame or ‘look be utilised. The report admits that some ECDIS investigation reports – highlighting the large containerships, and it is seeking ahead’ was inactive and that its audible alarm had alarms ‘can appear unhelpful and distracting’ but continued lack of information about the to tighten SOLAS Convention fire been disabled. says they are ‘potential lifesavers’ in open waters loss of the Marshall Islands-flagged protection requirements. The vessel had been following a planned track where monitoring of the ship's position is reliant bulker Stellar Daisy and its crew of 22 in ‘On large containerships where on the ECDIS when the second offi cer had taken on the bridge watchkeeper alone. March 2017. around 20% of boxes are empty, we Intercargo said it wanted to see ‘strict are likely to see a combined cargo compliance’ with the IMO’s casualty and hull value of around US$1.5bn, ECDIS mistake led to grounding investigation code, and it questioned and that doesn’t include any wreck whether this should be backed up with a removal or pollution costs,’ said IUMI Emergency services deal with the decomposing cargo onboard Purple Beach Image: Haveriekommando A 72,561dwt bulk carrier ran aground on a reef day after leaving Hong Kong to comply with the ‘naming and shaming enforcement president Dieter Berg. after a test route was mistakenly uploaded onto charterer’s suggested route. However, the report process’. IUMI is seeking improved fire the ECDIS. says, ‘it appears likely that on the changeover of Outgoing chairamn John Platsidakis detection, monitoring and IMO urged to tackle The Maltese-flagged Marbella suffered the route at sea, the test route was inadvertently said Intercargo supports the work of the extinguishing systems, as well as damage to bottom shell plating and internal clicked and uploaded’. IMO, but is concerned about the divisions such as bulkheads and hatch structures in a ballast tank after grounding Electronic navigation charts were not checked practicality of recent regulations such as covers, above and below decks, to fertiliser hazards during a ballast passage from Hong Kong to for visual verification and the risks of sailing in ballast water management and prevent fires from spreading. Indonesia in September 2017. close proximity to the reef were not recognised, emission reduction measures. Meanwhile, Maersk Line has taken The International Maritime ammonium nitrate-based fertilisers as A Maltese flag state investigation found that it adds. Investigators said it was possible that ‘Policing the quality of the new steps to improve the carriage of Organisation is facing a fresh call a Group B, rather than Group C, cargo the ship’s watchkeeper – who was alone on the the scale was not optimised and the reef was not compliant fuels seems to be a great dangerous goods following a review from accident investigators to tighten to more clearly reflect the risk of a bridge and navigating mainly by sight and radar viewable on the ECDIS, and that while ECDIS was challenge already, as it has proved conducted in response to the fire the rules governing the carriage of chemical reaction. – had failed to see the reef when he changed the primary means of navigation, ‘its extremely difficult to address the versy onboard Maersk Honam in March, in fertiliser cargoes. BSU also called for the IMO to delete course to avoid some fishing vessels. innumerable functions were not used to their full serious recent problems with existing which five crew members died. Barely two months after an Isle the solid bulk cargo ‘non-hazardous’ The original voyage plan had been changed a potential’. fuels,’ he added. ‘All cargo aboard the Maersk of Man probe into the loss of the definition suffix ‘because it fails to Honam was accepted as per the Bibby bulk carrier Cheshire revealed account for the hazards actually posed requirements of the International The Tunisian shortfalls in the existing regulations, during loading and carriage’. ferry Ulysse Ferry collides Maritime Dangerous Goods Code and a German report has recommended The investigation failed to determine struck the stowed onboard the vessel anchored with boxship action to close loopholes in the the cause of the cargo decomposition, boxship CSL accordingly,’ said head of fleet International Maritime Solid Bulk but the report criticises the decision to Virginia Clean-up and salvage operations were technology Ole Graa Jakobsen. Image: Marine Cargoes Code (IMSBC). carry out welding work in the vicinity Nationale launched last month after a Tunisian ferry ‘Despite this, as the fire originated The call comes in a report on of the cargo hold to attach additional struck an anchored containership some 15 in a cargo hold in front of the an incident in May 2015 when the D-rings to secure the load. miles off the coast of Corsica. accommodation which held several Marshall Islands-flagged vessel Purple BSU said the ship’s crew had The 17,907gt ro-pax Ulysse was reported containers with dangerous goods, it Beach had to be evacuated in the mistakenly assumed the cargo was on to have been sailing at 19 knots when it ran had an unbearably tragic outcome,’ German Bight when the decomposition fire, and the use of CO2 to deal with the into the 54,592gt CSL Virginia during a he continued. ‘This clearly showed us of ammonium nitrate fertiliser caused incident ‘was not appropriate’ voyage between Italy and Tunisia. No one that the international regulations dense smoke, heat and fumes. However, investigators said the was injured, but the collision resulted in a and practices with regards to The German investigation board, emergency procedures within the significant fuel leak and 4km-long slick. dangerous goods stowage needs to BSU, said ‘ambiguous’ rules resulted in cargo information given to the crew Local authorities said that a be reviewed in order to optimally the cargo being misleadingly classed as had only addressed the outbreak of judicial inquiry into the accident will protect crew, cargo, environment and not harmful. fire and made no mention of possible be undertaken. vessels.’ It urged the IMO to reclassify decomposition.

nautilusfederation.org 6 February 2019 February 2019 7 nautilusfederation.org HEALTH & SAFETY P&I action on ECDIS failings Death leads A leading P&I club has warned that there is position-fi xing method, a lack of GPS position has joined forces with London Offshore to call for growing evidence of problems with the set- cross-checking, a lack of understanding of Consultants to produce a guide to the proper up and use of electronic chart display and the safe application of deep-contour, safety- management of ECDIS onboard ships. D&A review information systems (ECDIS) onboard ships. depth, shallow contour and safety contour, It stresses the need for companies to ensure The London Club says its inspections have and a failure to revise the safety management that watchkeepers have comprehensive P&O Ferries has been urged to review revealed an ‘increasing number of negative system (SMS) to include ECDIS. training – including type-specifi c the enforcement of its drug and alcohol fi ndings that are attributable to how the ‘The primary function of ECDIS is to familiarisation – and that they have ‘a strong policy following an investigation into introduction of ECDIS on ships has been enhance the safety of navigation, but management-of-change policy at the heart the death of a crew member on a managed’. experience is showing that installation and of SMS’. vehicle deck on the 22,152gt ro-ro Common problems identifi ed include a approval alone are not enough to achieve this European Endeavour. lack of ECDIS content in the watch handover goal,’ the Club warns. A report by the Irish Marine Casualty checklist, a lack of familiarity with the manual In a bid to tackle the problems, the club Investigation Board (MCIB) also recommends that the company review Mission tackles the language gap its working systems for unaccompanied MAIB warns trailer cargo operations. The Mission to Seafarers (MtS) is The seafarer died after being crushed A CCTV image showing the CMA CGM Centaurus hitting the quay in the port of Jebel Ali running a series of English courses for on enclosed by a trailer that he was guiding into seafarers in Myanmar in a bid to position onboard the Bahamas-flagged improve safety at sea. The charity says it space risks ferry in the port of Dublin last June. Time pressures led to is on target to have provided lessons to Investigators said the AB was found 400 seafarers by the end of 2018. A renewed warning about the deadly to have a ‘significant’ blood-alcohol ‘The Mission to Seafarers has risks of enclosed spaces has been issued level, above STCW limits, which ‘may boxship port crash invested in this service as we following an incident in which a crew have contributed to loss of understand that the importance of member died onboard a UK-registered concentration or impaired judgement’. Nautilus has raised concerns after an contributing to the accident were the communication at sea is ensuring the fishing vessel. The report notes that the cargo investigation into an accident involving a consequence of ‘a focus on completing acts of highest of safety standards and in The second engineer of the pelagic loading system means the driver of the UK-fl agged containership highlighted serious pilotage as quickly as possible’. Port control helping seafarers secure employment,’ trawler Sunbeam was found unconscious tractor unit is unable to see the crew shortcomings in safety culture. had ordered the ship to enter the approach said Ben Bailey, director of advocacy in one of the vessel’s refrigerated salt member guiding unaccompanied The 131,332gt CMA CGM Centaurus suffered channel before the pilots had embarked, and regional engagement. ‘Mis- water tanks while preparing for refit trailers into position and has to rely on structural damage after making heavy leaving limited opportunity for an effective communication can lead to disaster, work in the port of Fraserburgh in whistles to raise alerts. ‘During this contact with the quay and two shore cranes master-pilot exchange, and the pilot’s fi rst especially during an emergency, which August. incident the driver did not have sight of in the port of Jebel Ali in May 2017. One of the action on boarding was to order full ahead. is why we have placed such importance Three crew members who went to his the guide and the whistle system was cranes collapsed, resulting in 10 port workers The MAIB said that while no one it in rolling out this project,’ he added. aid became dizzy, confused and short of not effective, either because no whistle being injured. interviewed said time pressures had breath soon after entering the tank and was heard or the guide was not in a A UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch infl uenced their decisions, ‘their actions tell two of them had to be recovered by position to blow the whistle,’ it adds. (MAIB) report on the incident points to the a different story’ and it recommends that Double collision after UK ship colleagues wearing breathing apparatus. ‘particularly exasperating’ cultural divide DP World UAE Region removes KPIs ‘that A safety bulletin issued by the UK Lessons from fatal between masters and pilots, and also warns of potentially create inappropriate performance dragged anchor in Humber Marine Accident Investigation Branch the negative safety impact of time targets and bias towards effi ciency against safety’. (MAIB) notes that no safety procedures pilot boat capsize bonus payments set by port ‘key performance It also calls for international shipowner, A UK-flagged general cargoship collided with two the ship was dragging. for entering or working in the tanks had Accident investigators have called for indicators’ (KPIs). maritime pilot and harbour master other vessels after dragging its anchor in heavy Investigators said the ship was unable to been completed by the second engineer. improved standards to govern pilot Investigators said the 11,388TEU vessel was associations to conduct a joint campaign weather in the Humber estuary earlier this year. manoeuvre in sufficient time to avoid the collision Tests after the accident showed the level boats following an incident in which two going too fast when the pilot began a turn into to promote the benefi ts of effective bridge The 2,840gt Charles M Willie vessel Celtic Spirit because its engine was not on standby, and class of oxygen at the bottom of the tank to people died when a launch capsized and a basin at the port. ‘The pilot’s performance resource management procedures during struck its sistership, Celtic Warrior, and the 1,420gt conditions relating to engine readiness while be less than 6%, compared to the normal sank after encountering ‘unexpected’ was focused on effi ciency, which infl uenced pilotage. survey ship Atlantic Explorer after drifting in force 8 operating with only one anchor were not followed level of 20.9%, and the presence of high waves up to 4m as it manoeuvred his decision to turn the ship into the basis Nautilus professional and technical offi cer to 9 winds at the Hawke anchorage. All three ships or understood. refrigerant gas was also discovered. to collect a pilot from the tanker Sten without ensuring that the manoeuvre was David Appleton commented: ‘It is quite sustained shell plate damage, but there were no The report says a lack of company guidance The MAIB said the crew had failed to Nordic in the Gulf of Finland last year. conducted at a suffi ciently slow speed to disconcerting to hear that the bridge team injuries and no pollution. meant that there was an inconsistent approach to appreciate the levels of risk they were The Finnish Safety Investigation enable its safe completion,’ the report states. did not have suffi cient knowledge of the A UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch engine readiness onboard sister vessels in the taking, and stresses the need for all work Authority found that the L-242 boat The MAIB said the bridge team failed manoeuvring characteristics of their own (MAIB) report concludes that Celtic Spirit failed to same fleet. activities to be subject to risk assessment. could lose up to 70% of its stability in to effectively challenge the pilot because ship to be confi dent in challenging the pilot’s deploy sufficient anchor cable for the tidal range Charles M Willie has updated its safety ‘Working in enclosed spaces is such conditions and it warned of an they ‘lacked the necessary knowledge actions. It is vital that crews are suffi ciently and environmental conditions, and it had taken management system in response to the accident particularly hazardous, and procedures absence of clear official standards and experience to be able to confi dently trained and experienced so as to enable them nine minutes for the watchkeeper – who was fixing and Associated British Ports has undertaken an for entering and working in them should covering the various ways in which intervene’. to intervene when necessary – even in the face the position at 30-minute intervals – to spot that anchorage review. be robust and understood,’ it adds. commercial craft are used. The report says many of the factors of unacceptable commercial pressures.’

nautilusfederation.org 8 February 2019 February 2019 9 nautilusfederation.org HEALTH & SAFETY Almost 100 cars, vans and freight units were Death sparks Report points damaged when the ro-ro Epsilon rolled to new outcry to shortfalls in an angle of 33 degrees in heavy over lashing generic SMS weather Image: MCIB A fatal accident in the port of Dublin has Dutch accident investigators have raised renewed concerns over the use of warned of the dangers of using generic seafarers to do container lashing and safety management systems after an securing work. accident in which a welder died onboard Filipino seafarer Dennis Gomez Regana a dredger in the North Sea in 2017. died after being struck by a container A Dutch Safety Board report on the Masters disagreed during cargo operations onboard the incident – which involved the 5,116gt Antigua & Barbuda-flagged vessel trailing suction hopper dredger on voyage safety Francop at Southbank Quay. Scelveringhe – notes that two welders International Transport Workers’ were repairing the loading pipe on the A ferry company has been urged to which two masters on a ship make Federation (ITF) maritime coordinator ship when the bridge team decided to clarify its chains of command after an decisions in such circumstances. The Jacqueline Smith said: ‘When a ship gets pump water into the hold to help incident in which master and senior report recommends that the company to port the seafarers onboard have done stabilise the ship in deteriorating master disagreed over the safety of a clarifi es both roles ‘in order to ensure their work; they should be maintaining weather conditions. planned voyage in heavy weather. the effective safety management of the their ship and resting. Investigators noted that no permit The Irish Marine Casualty ship and the change of command in ‘The very last thing they should be had been issued for the work, and the Investigation Board (MCIB) found that mixed mode operation’. doing is the difficult and dangerous work bridge crew were unaware that the men the 26,375gt ro-ro Epsilon had rolled The investigation found that the of lashing and securing containers. The were in the pipe. Welding in the pipe to an angle of 33 degrees in force 10 handover arrangements for command work should be left to dockers who have had been identified as a risk onboard, conditions and wave heights of up to of the ship – which were suitable for the training and experience to do it more but ways of mitigating the risk had 9m while sailing from Cherbourg to the Dublin-Holyhead service operated Large ships navigate the Panama canal Image: hstiver/Getty Images safely.’ never been systematically analysed or Dublin in February 2016. by the ship during the week – were ITF dockers’ section representative included within the safety management Ten passengers and two crew not in accordance with the procedures Peter Lahay added: ‘We must put an end system (SMS). members were injured, and 59 cars, required for the longer voyages to Study shows fatigue to unscrupulous shipowners and port The report notes that the dredger’s vans and caravans and 40 freight units continental Europe at the weekend. operators putting pressure on seafarers operator had been using a generic SMS were damaged in the incident. The MCIB also noted that the lashing to do lashing and securing. to manage risks on the vessel, and it The MCIB found that the senior system used onboard Epsilon had not risk in Panama Canal ‘I hope they take notice of this tragedy says the incident shows that SMSs will master on the Italian-fl agged vessel, been approved by the fl ag state or and change their ways. If they don’t, then guarantee or increase safety only if they which was on charter to Irish Ferries, a classifi cation society acting on its Fatigued tug captains are posing a major independent study confi rms what the UCOC, more seafarers will be seriously hurt or tie in with onboard practices on specific had expected to be able to run ahead of behalf. And investigators found that safety risk in the Panama Canal, according and the ITF, have consistently said to the Panama killed.’ vessels. the deteriorating weather and be in the the weather forecast was not being to independent research carried out for the Canal Authority: that the signifi cant reduction In response to the accident, the vessel shelter of the Irish coast before the sea automatically updated on the bridge International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). in manning, compounded by the excessive operator has revised its SMS and state exceeded the agreed 8.0m limit computer because of an issue with the Produced following a long-standing dispute overtime being required of tugboat captains, Research calls introduced an ‘enclosed space’ for work for the ship. logging-on process. between the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) and are jeopardising the safety of workers, including in the loading pipe. The senior master had overruled the The report concludes that the ferry’s the ITF and the captains’ union UCOC, the report Panamanian citizens, and risk exposing them to a for a re-think night-time duty master, who believed roll had probably been caused by ‘a highlights serious health and safety concerns potential environmental disaster. An in-depth analysis of almost 700 the conditions were not suitable and high and unique wave train added arising from current work patterns. ‘Tugboats play a key role in the transit of large accident investigation reports has Salvage switch argued for the sailing to be delayed to by the refraction and refl ection of Many of the captains are doing continuous vessels with hazardous cargo through the narrow concluded that a new approach to Keeping tugs on standby to respond to until the storm passed through. waves around the headland and from shifts in excess of 12 hours – and some are doing and complex waterways of the Panama Canal, and reducing risk at sea is required. maritime emergencies is no longer The MCIB said the incident had the shore that synchronised with the more than 20 hours in a row following a decision the potential for a catastrophic incident mounts The Seafarers’ International Research sustainable, International Salvage raised an issue about the way in vessel’s roll period’. by the ACP to cut crewing levels last year. with the increase in a tugboat captain’s fatigue,’ Centre report says the study shows that Union (ISU) president Charo Coll said Researchers found that tug captains are he added. better training and recruitment practices last month. Alarm at ballast system failures now being relied on to accompany the larger ‘Fatigue, anxiety and health-associated risks would have a significant impact on But while ISU members have neo-panamax ships for the entire length of the are exposing the tugboat captains to unnecessary preventing some of the most common accepted ‘the reality of different ways of Up to 80% of ballast water treatment Singapore last month. He said feedback waterway, and have to be on-task for the entirety hazards, while also endangering other seafarers accidents. working’, Ms Coll warned that ship systems are failing to operate properly, from members indicated that 60% to 80% of their shift. ‘Captains complained that they transiting the canal. There is also increased risk The report says the analysis shows owners and insurers need to ‘provide the tanker owners’ organisation of ballast water treatment systems are are unable to use the toilet, eat or address other to vessels passing through the locks and the areas in which shore-based managers sufficient remuneration to encourage Intertanko has warned. not functioning correctly. personal needs, when necessary, during vessel canal’s own facilities. This situation needs the ‘need to place greater priority on safety investment in vessels, equipment, ‘Failures are unfortunately becoming a Mr Wilkins said the IMO needs to be assists,’ the report notes. full attention of the shipping community, before and less emphasis on commercial training and the development of highly daily problem,’ Intertanko environmental given information so regulators can ITF general secretary Stephen Cotton said: ‘This disaster strikes.’ considerations’. qualified staff’. director Tim Wilkins told a conference in understand the scope of the problems.

nautilusfederation.org 10 February 2019 February 2019 11 nautilusfederation.org INTERNATIONAL

In brief CANADA In brief

Judgment call: a French Owners warn on plight of Scrubber ban: Singapore has appeal court has dropped fines of announced a ban on the use of €30,000 and €1m imposed on the crew held for over a year open-loop scrubbers in its waters, master and owner of a Liberian- effective from 1 January 2020. flagged bulk carrier who were A Canadian maritime union has claimed a the country’s waters. The Maritime & Port Authority of found guilty of ‘voluntary pollution’ major victory after the country’s government The union had fi led more than 50 lawsuits Singapore said the discharge of off the coast of Brittany in February agreed to clamp down on the employment of against the Canadian government complaining wash water from open-loop 2016. The court held that Liberia foreign seafarers in Canada’s coastal waters. that it was violating the temporary foreign Pictured above is the 399,999dwt Pacific Vision on the basis of the wide range of technological exhaust gas scrubbers in its port had the rights to judge the case Following a long campaign by the Seafarers’ worker programme by systematically issuing – described as the world’s first ‘intelligent’ very features fitted onboard, including a smart waters will be prohibited, and under the terms of the Montego International Union of Canada (SIU), the work permits to non-Canadian crew members large ore carrier (iVLOC). Built in China, the navigation decision support system, a ship visiting vessels fitted with open- Bay Convention. government has changed the rules governing on hundreds of foreign ships engaged in Hong Kong-flagged vessel is the first VLOC to energy efficiency management and loop scrubbers will be required to the use of temporary foreign workers to ensure cabotage services. It uncovered evidence that get the SmartShip notation from the optimisation system, and smart-vessel use ‘compliant’ fuel. Indian corridor: India has that Canadian seafarers retain the fi rst right to some foreign seafarers were being paid as classification society DNV GL. This was awarded operation and maintenance system. announced the creation of a be employed in any available jobs in the coastal little as C$2.41 (€1.59) an hour while serving in Drone checks: Norwegian maritime corridor 15 miles off its trades. Canadian coastal trades. authorities are buying three new west coast in a bid to cut the Under the new rules, Canadian seafarers will ‘This is a signifi cant and hard-fought victory NORWAY ‘sniffer’ drones to carry out checks increasing number of serious have to be offered jobs before companies can for Canadian seafarers and the collective on ship emissions following collisions between merchant ships gain a work permit to employ a foreign crew Canadian maritime industry,’ said SIU president Union sinks ferry fi rm’s successful trials during the and fishing vessels, which are member for more than 30 days. The SIU says James Given. ‘The next step will be ensuring summer. The inspection particularly prevalent off Kerala. the move will help to protect foreign seafarers that there are enforcement and regulatory programme resulted in five The 20-mile corridor may from exploitation by ensuring that they have procedures in place to ensure these policy plans for fl agging out shipping companies being fined ultimately become a traffic Canadian pay and conditions while working in changes are being strictly enforced.’ between €25,770 and €61,845 separation scheme. The Norwegian Seafarers’ Union (NSU) has also protecting national security and the after they were found in breach of won a long-running battle to prevent ferry environment.’ sulphur content rules. Mexico move: French-owned company Color Line from switching ships Stian Grøthe, the union’s director of Mexican operator Baja Ferries has from the NOR domestic ship register to the politics and governmental affairs, said the MSC fined: Swiss containership taken delivery of the former French international one (NIS) – a move that would key lesson from the campaign is never to give owner MSC has been fined ferry Stena Carrier, which was on have potentially cost 700 Norwegian jobs as up. ‘It was a lot of hard work and a matter of US$630,625 for breaching air charter in the North Sea with P&O cheaper foreign crews were introduced. keeping going. Our expectations changed quality rules in the ports of Los Ferries this summer. The 21,174gt In a decision hailed by the International from month to month. Angeles and Long Beach by failing vessel has been re-christened Transport Workers’ Federation as ‘a signifi cant ‘Sometimes the news made us feel to reduce auxiliary engine power Mexico Star and will operate on a victory’, the Norwegian government optimistic and sometimes the news made generation by at least 50% and service between Mexico and confi rmed it will not push ahead with the us feel not so optimistic. But we’ve been for exceeding limits for auxiliary California. plans to open up the Norway-Germany ferry working very hard and systematically,’ engine run time while at berth. routes to the international register. he added. ‘As time was going on, we saw Master jailed: a Russian NSU president Johnny Hansen that people from all around Norway were Panama mission: the shipmaster has been jailed for four commented: ‘This is a major win for our engaging with the case. Not just because of Mission to Seafarers is set to open months by a Swedish court after RUSSIA country’s seafarers, and the country itself. Color Line but because it was bigger than up new seafarer welfare services prosecutors alleged that he had Enforcing and maintaining cabotage that. We had interest from colleagues in other at all major ports in Panama been drunk when the 7,138gt ITF helps stranded seafarers safeguards our strategic interests, provides Nordic countries and politicians in other under a new agreement with the general cargoship BBC Lagos ran jobs and brings added economic value, while Nordic countries.’ country’s maritime authorities. onto a sandbank off Helsingborg Netherlands-based International Transport May for unpaid bills. It is one at least eight ships The agreement will also cover the while sailing from Lithuania to Las Workers’ Federation inspector Gijs Mol has gone owned by the Murmansk Shipping Company provision of welfare services for Palmas in August earlier this year. to the aid of the crew of a Russian ship who have which have been seized in recent months in ports ‘SLAVERY’ ROW OVER FILIPINO CREW seafarers in the Panama Canal. been stranded in the port of Terneuzen since in Europe, the US, Asia and Africa as a result of The Norwegian Maritime Authority stopped Norwegian Seafarers’ Union inspector May. financial problems affecting the firm. Corsica boost: Corsica Ferries a Bergen-registered cargoship from sailing Rune Larsen said the Filipino crew were Ship withdrawn: the He helped with local community efforts to The Seafarers Union of Russia has voiced is set to open new services following union complaints of ‘slave-like underpaid, including the fi rst offi cer who was charities Médecins sans Frontières provide the 21 seafarers onboard the 23,169dwt concern about the conditions being experienced between France and Sicily next conditions’ for crew members. allegedly on a monthly wage of US$4,600. and SOS Méditerranée have bulk carrier Kuzma Minin, above, with food and by the ships’ crews, and the Russian Investigative April ahead of the expected The authority detained the 756gt Ottar The seafarers have had their passports announced that they are ending other essential supplies after they ran out of Committee has opened legal proceedings over renewal of public service contracts after fi nding more than 30 defi ciencies confi scated and face possible deportation, the operation of the migrant fresh fruit and vegetables and started to run low the non-payment of wages for more than three for ‘lifeline’ operations between onboard and ruling that the vessel was according to local media reports. rescue vessel Aquarius, blaming on water last month. months. The company has denied reports it will Marseilles and five Corsican ports overloaded and some paperwork and A lawyer representing the ship’s owners, European governments for The Russian-flagged vessel was arrested in file for bankruptcy. in October 2019. contracts were not in order. Norse Marin AS, rejected the allegations. ‘actively sabotaging’ its mission.

nautilusfederation.org 12 February 2019 February 2019 13 nautilusfederation.org INTERNATIONAL

In brief FRANCE In brief

US safety: the US Senate has Shipmaster faces prison Indian boom: India is now the unanimously approved new world’s third largest seafarer supply maritime safety legislation sentence for grounding country, the country’s shipping developed in response to the loss minister has announced. The Indian of the containership El Faro in A Turkish shipmaster is facing a six month suspended jail sentence and a fi ne of €20,000, government says policy measures 2015. The new rules address issues prison sentence in France after prosecutors prosecutors said he had failed to heed warnings have increased the number of including ship inspections, safety claimed his ‘gross negligence’ was to blame for of adverse conditions when he decided to take seafarers from 108,446 in 2013 to equipment, weather forecasts, the grounding of his vessel off the Brittany the ship to sea in ballast condition. PIRACY 154,349 today, and the country now float-free voyage data recorders, coast. He had also failed to make a timely report provides 9.35% of the world’s and a confidential safety reporting Brest Criminal Court heard that Captain Rifat to the shore authorities that the vessel was in seafarers. In a bid to expand programme. Fresh warnings over numbers further, the government Tahmaz had committed a ‘series of errors and diffi culty. mistakes’ before the Maltese-fl agged general Defence lawyer Stanislas Lequette said has lifted a ban on opening new Battery progress: Stena Line cargoship TK Bremen ran aground and spilled Capt Tahmaz had been asked to leave port to Gulf of Guinea risks pre-sea and post-sea institutes. has reported positive results in the 112 tonnes of oil in December 2011. make way for another ship and had sought first phase of its project to operate Prosecutor Jean-Philippe Recapé said: shelter after being advised by a pilot of the As 12 seafarers were freed last month after recorded by the IMB in the fi rst nine months GPS alert: US maritime the 29,691gt ferry Stena Jutlandica ‘There was a succession of bad decisions that deteriorating conditions. Urging the court not being kidnapped from a Swiss-fl agged of 2018. The total compares with 121 for authorities have warned ships as a battery hybrid vessel on a should have been avoided by an experienced to make the master a ‘scapegoat’, he said Capt merchant ship off Nigeria in September, the the same period last year and includes 107 about the risk of ‘multiple service between Sweden and captain like Captain Tahmaz. His choice to Tahmaz had warned the port that the ship International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) Piracy vessels boarded, 32 attempted attacks, 13 instances of significant GPS Denmark. In the first month of leave the port of Lorient was a mistake, a real was drifting, but had been ‘abandoned’ by the Reporting Centre issued a new warning about vessels fi red upon and four vessels hijacked. interference’ in the eastern operation, the use of battery power imprudence, and a fault. He endangered his authorities. the risks of attack in the Gulf of Guinea. The number of crew members held hostage Mediterranean Sea. Reports of amounted to savings equivalent to ship, his crew and of course the environment The judgment has been reserved, and Lengthy negotiations between Geneva- increased from 80 in the fi rst nine months of interference, resulting in lost or some 500 tonnes of fuel and 1,500 through pollution.’ the court is set to deliver the verdict on based Massoel Shipping and the kidnappers 2017 to 112 by the third quarter of 2018. altered GPS signals, have come tonnes of CO2, it said. Calling for the master to be given a six-month 13 December. led to the release of the Filipino, Bosnian, The IMB said the Gulf of Guinea accounted from ships in Port Said, the Suez Croatian, Romanian, Slovenian and for 57 of the 156 reported incidents. While Canal, the Saudi Arabian port of Chinese cruises: the Chinese Ukrainian crew from the bulk carrier Glarus, most of these incidents have been reported Jeddah, and near Cyprus. operator Cosco is moving into which was seized by pirates on 22 September. in and around Nigeria (41), the Nigerian Navy cruiseship operations after buying Nautilus national secretary Holger Schatz has actively responded and dispatched patrol MLC move: the United Arab the P&O Cruises ship Oriana. Cosco welcomed the release of the crew. ‘We had boats when incidents have been reported Emirates says it is seeking to ratify will take delivery of the vessel next been in close contact with Massoel Shipping promptly, it added. the Maritime Labour Convention year and has established a joint and the Swiss authorities and urged them There has also been a noticeable increase soon in response to a series of venture with China Travel Service to do everything they could to resolve the in the number of vessels boarded at the seafarer abandonment cases in its to run the ship, with V.Ships being issue,’ he said. ‘The company did its best for Takoradi anchorage, in Ghana. water. UAE authorities say that appointed to carry out technical the kidnapped seafarers and also supported The IMB said 37 of the 39 crew kidnappings they have had to deal with 60 management and hotel the seven crew members who were not for ransom globally have occurred in the abandonment cases involving 300 operations. kidnapped. But it is clear to us that the Gulf of Guinea region, in seven separate seafarers in the last few years. authorities in Nigeria and internationally incidents. A total of 29 crew members were Fjord rules: Norway is Biggest fast ferry will run on LNG need to intensify their efforts to ensure the kidnapped in four separate incidents off Ferry switch: after 30 years of proposing to introduce new rules The Spanish ferry operator Baleària has ordered into service on routes to Spain’s Balearic islands safety of seafarers on ships in the region.’ Nigeria and the IMB advises that all waters cross-Channel service, the French to reduce emissions and discharges what is claimed to be the largest ever high-speed in summer 2020. The attack on the Glarus was one of 156 off Nigeria are deemed ‘risky’ and crews freight ferry Nord Pas-de-Calais has from cruiseships in its world catamaran – pictured above – a 125m dual-fuel Powered by four dual-fuel Wartsila 16V31DF incidents of piracy and armed robbery should remain vigilant in the area. been sold to Cyprus-based Vanessa heritage fjords. It is consulting on a Shipping and switched to the vessel which will carry up to 1,200 passengers main engines of 8,800kW each, the vessel will UNITED STATES plan to prohibit ships from using and 500 cars. have a service speed of 35 knots, and a top speed Cyprus flag. The 13,727gt vessel has scrubbers or burning fuel The €90m catamaran is being built at the of more than 40 knots. LNG storage tanks give OPERATOR FINED $3.2M FOR ‘MAGIC PIPE’ been renamed Al Andalus Express containing above 0.10% sulphur in Armon Gijón shipyard in Spain and is due to come the ferry a range of 400nm. and is now operating between the West Norwegian fjords. A German shipping company has been fined Prosecutors said the intentional discharges Spain and Morocco. FRANCE US$3.2m after being found guilty of obstructing from the 27,674dwt vessel had occurred over a Grimaldi orders: the Italian justice and maintaining false records to conceal nine-month period. The company had been Asbestos fine: Dutch firm operator Grimaldi has announced a BRITTANY FERRIES BLAMES BREXIT FOR BOOKINGS SLUMP deliberate pollution from one of its ships. convicted in 2016 of falsifying an oil record book Damen Ship Repair has been fined $1.5bn plan to build six ro-ro French operator Brittany Ferries has warned that obstacle to our growth and to the development of The US Department of Justice said the to cover up deliberate oily waste discharges by a French court and ordered to vessels for Europe-West Africa lines concerns about Brexit are behind a ‘worrying the regions we serve,’ said chief executive Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Marguerita, from another of its ships – including discharges the pay legal expenses of 12 former and four ro-paxes for its passenger downward trend’ of advance bookings. Christophe Mathieu. operated by Mineralien Schiffahrt Spedition und into the Great Lakes. workers who fear they may have services in the Mediterranean and ‘The uncertainty, instability, and decline in the The company said this summer’s freight volumes Transport GmbH (MST), had discharged oily bilge MST was additionally sentenced to four years been exposed to asbestos while the Baltic. confidence of travellers crossing the Channel are an declined by 5% from the previous year. waste through a ‘magic pipe’ bypass. of probation. working on an Algerian LNG carrier.

nautilusfederation.org 14 February 2019 February 2019 15 nautilusfederation.org INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

autilus has welcomed JAPAN a decision by a crucial In brief N International Long-standing seafaring Maritime Med curbs: authorities in the Organisation (IMO) meeting to Spanish city of Barcelona have reject industry pressure for a ‘go backed plans to create a new nations ‘must do more’ slow’ implementation of the global emissions control area in the 0.5% cap on the sulphur content of Mediterranean, which would limit Countries with long maritime traditions need marine fuel. the sulphur content of ship to do more to ensure that they have suffi cient Delegates attending the exhaust to 0.1%. The proposals, seafarers for the future, Nautilus general Organisation’s Marine Environment which have been developed by secretary Mark Dickinson told the recent Protection Committee turned the CleanCruiseNetwork alliance, annual congress of the All Japan Seamen’s down a proposal for an ‘experience- would require ships to take power Union (AJSU). building’ phase to assess fuel from the local electricity grid In an address to delegates at the Japanese availability and safeguard against while they are berthed. union’s conference, Mr Dickinson said countries fuel-quality problems. like the UK and Japan faced similar challenges The shipowner groups BIMCO, Northern boom: cargoes in maintaining a sustainable supply of younger Intercargo and Intertanko, together carried by ships on Russia’s seafarers. with the Marshall Islands, Liberia, Northern Sea Route are set to ‘We must pay particular attention to our Panama, the Bahamas and the have topped more than 17m tons respective governments to ensure they take United States, had tabled the plan to during 2018. Authorities report the necessary policy measures to protect the avoid ‘unduly penalising individual that freight volumes have almost future of our national seafarer skills,’ he added. The AJSU is campaigning to increase the ships’ for non-compliance when Pictured above is the world’s 8,070gt ship is being deployed transhipment operations, doubled over the past year, and ‘This is no easy task as the world gets smaller, number of new Japanese seafarers following the new limits come into effect in largest LNG bunker supply in the Baltic region to undertake Kairos has an LNG capacity of controversial plans to relax globalisation continues, and many shipowners several decades of decline which have seen total January 2020. vessel, the Cyprus-fl agged LNG fuelling of ships including 7,500 cu m. The vessel has ice-class requirements have been try to avoid strong trade unions. numbers fall to just 2,300. Yasumi Morita, the While the meeting agreed to stick Kairos, which was delivered to ferries, containerships, cruise several other unique features, drawn up in a bid to further ‘We must therefore work together to face union’s president, says the government should to the deadline, delegates adopted Babcock Schulte Energy (BSE) vessels and shore-based gas including a ballast-free design increase shipping movements. these challenges and continue to fi ght for consider employment subsidies to help bridge a proposal to consider any evidence last month. consumers. and installation of a CNG tank national jobs, decent work, and a future for the cost gap with crews from cheaper countries of non-availability of low-sulphur Built at Hyundai Mipo Capable of performing both to store vapour return gas Speedy skipper: a New our young people in the shipping industry,’ Mr and to ensure that a strategic target of 5,000 fuel or problems with fuel quality in Dockyard in South Korea, the ship-to-ship bunkering and from customer vessels. Zealand ferry skipper has been Dickinson said. Japanese seafarers is reached. May next year. fined NZ$1,688 (€1,021) after To tackle quality issues, the being found guilty of speeding in TAHITI DENMARK committee is issuing ‘best practice’ SHIPOWNER GROUPS FAIL the port of Wellington. A court guidelines to assist crew, operators heard that the passenger ferry MASTER SENTENCED FOR Register win and owners with technical City Cat grounded at 17 knots in a challenges that might arise. TO DELAY CLEANER FUEL 5 knot area and the vessel lacked GROUNDING ON REEF for unions The committee also upheld the a detailed chart of Wellington The master of a Philippines-flagged general cargoship has The Danish parliament has plan to ban the carriage of non- Union lauds IMO environment committee’s decision to stick to harbour. been given a one-year suspended prison sentence after being unanimously approved a bill that compliant fuels by ships without implementation timetable for 0.5% sulphur cap... found guilty of not reporting an engine failure and a enshrines the rights of unions to an approved scrubber or another Shortsea call: Greek grounding in French Polynesia. negotiate on behalf of members alternative arrangement after 1 effective implementation of the cap in order consideration by the IMO. Further proposals will shipowners have called for the The 13,110gt Thorco Lineage ran aground on the Raroia Atoll serving on ships on the country’s March 2020. to provide a level playing fi eld. The proposed also be developed for the subsequent phases of European Union to boost the use in June 2018 while sailing from the US to Australia with a international register, DIS. Shipowner groups generally “experience-building phase” would have only the Energy Effi ciency Design Index (EEDI). of shortsea shipping by adopting cargo of zinc. The vessel was towed to safety six days later and The new rules – which have been welcomed the agreements, although muddied the waters and created uncertainty Seafarer representatives voiced opposition to measures to improve the prosecutors said it was fortunate that the incident had not backed by maritime unions and Intercargo said it remained for fuel oil suppliers, therefore exacerbating proposals to limit shaft power in order to meet efficiency and competitiveness of resulted in an environmental disaster shipowner organisations – will concerned about safety issues. It potential availability issues. EEDI requirements, but to allow for suffi cient the European fleet, including The criminal court of Papeete heard that the ship had mean that Danish wages and also stressed the need for consistent The IMO said the 0.50% sulphur cap will reserve power to be used in emergencies. ‘This financial support and reduced experienced a series of problems in the nine days leading up working conditions will prevail on and uniform enforcement of deliver benefi ts for the environment and is a good idea in principle but hidden in the bureaucracy. to the accident — which the chief engineer had blamed on ships operating in the scheme, the rules by port state control human health, pointing to research into SOx detail of the paper was a proposal to amend the poor quality fuel — and it criticised the ship’s captain for including the many that operate in authorities. emissions from ships which estimated that regulation 21.5 of Marpol Annex VI, which is the Sail plan: the French car failing to warn the local maritime authorities of engine failure Denmark’s extensive wind energy Nautilus professional and failure to change would result in more than only mandatory regulatory requirement that manufacturer Renault has and not reporting the grounding. sector in the North Sea. technical offi cer David Appleton 570,000 additional premature deaths worldwide addresses minimum power required for safe revealed plans to build two wind- The master’s lawyer told the court he had informed the The bill replaces the existing DIS commented: ‘This is a welcome between 2020-2025. navigation,’ Mr Appleton explained. ‘Nautilus powered vehicle carriers to owners of the problems, and considered the situation was Act, which specifically precludes outcome and the only sensible The meeting also discussed further proposals is fully supportive of measures to reduce the operate a pilot service between under control. bargaining rights for Danish unions, decision that the committee could for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from environmental impact of shipping; however, France, the US eastern seaboard The owners, Sinbanali Shipping Incorporated, were fined and is part of a major overhaul of have taken. Responsible shipowners ships – with the concept of mandatory speed such measures must be based on sound and Newfoundland. the equivalent of US$227,000. Danish shipping regulations. are calling for certainty and caps or speed reductions set to receive detailed evidence and not jeopardise safety.’

nautilusfederation.org 16 February 2019 February 2019 17 nautilusfederation.org SUPERYACHTS

admitted. ‘But the MCA [UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency] and Nautilus are in discussion to facilitate and streamline this process, and the MCA is #METOO, SAY YACHT CREW open-minded to improvements.' Commenting on the range of international regulations that had Behind the glitz and glamour of the superyacht sector can be found some highly recently come into force to protect unsavoury behaviour, heard DEBORAH MCPHERSON at a special seminar… yacht crew, Mr Wendt said there were positive signs that owners were starting to pay more attention to their obligations. 'There is still a widespread assumption, however, that private yachts don't have regulations, and some people fi nd it surprising you MARITIME FACETIME cannot have slaves onboard,' he added – only partially joking. Masters and senior offi cers need to Nautilus staged a lively event in 2018 at the Monaco Yacht make themselves aware of the various regulations, including the Large Yacht Show off ering advice and support to superyacht crews. Code, he added, ‘as they cover safe DEBORAH MCPHERSON dropped in… manning, security, and stability of machinery, and it doesn't do any harm With the high-altitude artistry of a Red free legal support and an international for junior offi cers to be aware of these Arrows air display going on overhead, network of helpful connections, she as well.’ Nautilus aimed to bring a similar level pointed out – but you must sign up Looking back on a successful three of expertise to its three-day drop-in before you go to sea. days of listening and information- session at the ACREW lounge in the 'The most important thing for sharing, Nautilus strategic organiser famous La Rascasse bar. seafarers is to ensure they know who Danny McGowan told the Telegraph: Jorg Wendt of their key contact is before they set sail,' 'It’s clear from what we have heard at Antibes-based she stressed. 'Often, when crew are Monaco that being prepared for the Nautilus partner D&B Services and contacting us, it is too late.’ unexpected before you set off is really Corine Archambaud Union offi cials can also help crew important – even if you think you are of French union CFDT on issues as diverse as employment on a well-run yacht. contracts, working hours, sexual ‘Nautilus’s package of benefi ts and The yachting industry must take action on sexual abuse and 'Yacht managers are telling me there is burnout, or people taking harassment and tax, Ms Archambaud protections are unmatched by any harassment, delegates were told at the Monaco Yacht Show 2018. a lot of sick leave,’ she reported. ‘Mental health conditions that can added. She cited a recent example other union or crew association. With Research by the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) was exhibit as a result of abuse include depression, OCD, personality where she had been called to help assistance from our colleagues in presented to the yacht show’s Sea Changes seminar in September, disorder and substance abuse.' an abandoned charter yacht offi cer the unions affi liated to the Nautilus showing that 40% of yacht crew have experienced unwanted sexual Having a safe place and someone to approach who can be trusted The event, from 26-28 September unfairly dismissed in Nice. Thanks Federation, access to our 24/7 contact, mostly from colleagues. with confi dential information is key to managing abuse, emphasised 2018, provided information on matters to support from the international helpline, legal support and worldwide Drawing on a survey of 820 yacht offi cers, interior crew the PYA speakers. Crew should also receive training on what bullying such as sea service verifi cation and network of unions, as well as directory of lawyers, joining Nautilus and shoreside staff, the fi ndings showed abuse was not and harassment means, and employers should have anti- the impact of the Large Yacht Code, coastguard and port state control should be the fi rst thing all maritime confi ned to women – although women tended to bullying policies and take action against perpetrators. and emphasised the benefi ts of Union inspectors, the wages owed to the crew professionals do in the superyacht describe the abuse in the survey in more harrowing 40% The seriousness of the problem in the yacht industry membership in the superyacht sector. member were paid. industry so they know where to go in detail. Examples were read out to the seminar of of the yacht crew was illustrated by a well-publicised American yachting Nautilus personnel were on hand Jorg Wendt of Antibes-based D&B an emergency.’ gender coercion, groping, and being drugged and surveyed by the PYA sexual harassment case, cited at the seminar, where a to share their knowledge and answer Services reminded visitors of the raped while on a night out with crewmates. had experienced crew member won a US$70m settlement. questions, alongside representatives importance of the Nautilus Service The PYA said it had decided to investigate sexual In Europe, duty-of-care issues have been highlighted Nautilus strategic unwanted sexual from the Union’s yacht sector partners organiser Danny Record Books – a free benefi t of harassment after seeing a marked increase in the by a case where a long-serving stewardess, who had been McGowan (left of contact D&B Services, Hemisphere, Sovren, picture) assisting membership – and reported that, number of incidents of unwanted sexual contact drinking with crewmates during World Cup celebrations, UKSA and Voyonic – and from two a visitor to the thanks to feedback from members, reported by crew members, and in light of the recent global was put to bed inebriated in her cabin, but found dead the next Nautilus drop-in unions in the Nautilus Federation: event efforts were underway to improve the #metoo movement, which revealed the prevalence of sexual day. Investigations are ongoing. CFDT (France) and SPH (Croatia). Image: Vana Bosto format of these. assault and harassment against women in all careers. In another tragic example, a 21-year-old Australian deckhand had Corine Archambaud of CFDT spoke 'The wording is not as crystal clear Commenting on the fi ndings, Sea Changes panel member Karine suffered a 'series of issues regarding job performance and issues with of the help she provides to union as some people would wish it to be, Rayson – who runs The Crew Coach professional development crew and hanged herself.' members facing unfair dismissal and in terms of logging onboard seatime, web service and blog – said it was no coincidence the industry was The survey also noted a potentially worrying trend that the abandonment. Belonging to a Nautilus standby time or whatever hours, and experiencing a costly high turnover of crew, many of whom had majority of respondents had secured jobs though social media and did Federation union gives crews access to it is causing a lot of confusion,’ he longstanding vessel knowledge or were crucial to running the vessel. not come through the safer option of crew agencies.

nautilusfederation.org 18 February 2019 February 2019 19 nautilusfederation.org SUPERYACHTS SUPERYACHTS

US OWNS MOST Union secures member‘s wages Nautilus calls for partnership to The United States has the largest Nautilus has obtained some US$30,000 in wages International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), prevent another Indian Empress number of superyacht owners, a new owed to a superyacht member after arranging the Nautilus had the vessel arrested to enable the study has revealed. According to a arrest of his vessel in France last month. member’s claim to be resolved. Nautilus has won a long battle to secure to ensure that crew are paid the remainder of ‘If the owner had a relationship with report from investment managers The member had contacted the Union to report Charles Boyle, director of Nautilus legal services, almost US$1m in unpaid wages for crew their outstanding wages as part of the process Nautilus, we are sure that we could have Knight Frank, there are 406 US yachts of that he had not been paid for two months after said: ‘As this was a private yacht, we could not members from the superyacht Indian to pay all the creditors – including suppliers, resolved the issue without resorting to 40m and above, followed by 168 in being told by the owner’s representatives that his recover the money through the MLC financial Empress, which was abandoned by its owner service providers and fi nanciers – who were arresting and selling the vessel,’ he pointed Russia and 107 in Greece. The study contract was being terminated with no notice. security provisions, and so we had to arrest it. This over a year ago. owed money by Mr Mallya. out. ‘Again, we issue our call to superyacht found 96 superyacht owners in the UK The private yacht was about to sail from Antibes was a good example of the support that the Union The Union has been representing the A total of US$290,426 has been secured owners, managers and other potential and 54 in Saudi Arabia. to the Caribbean and, working with the can provide, with the back-up of the ITF.’ interests of crew on the 95m yacht, which was through these negotiations, with individual strategic partners to work with us to try and arrested in Malta in March 2018 after being payments ranging between US$1,300 to prevent situations escalating as they did here.’ abandoned by its owner, Kingfi sher beer and $55,000 and averaging $20,745. Head of legal services Charles Boyle said Formula 1 Force India tycoon Vijay Vittal One member told the Union: ‘On behalf of he was pleased to see the end of the long- Royal Mail ship set to become a private yacht Mallya, in September 2017. all the other crew I would like to thank you running case. ‘It has been a complicated The Nautilus legal team then managed and your team for your hard work with our process, which was not helped by the fi rst sale The former Royal Mail Ship St Helena has pictured arriving in Portland following a short- maritime newspaper TradeWinds reports that to secure an initial total of US$615,000 in situation. We appreciate it all!’ falling through. However, it has demonstrated arrived back in the UK and could become a lived spell as a counter-piracy support ship the new owner of the ship is connected to the owed wages following discussions with the Nautilus international organiser Danny the importance of the Maritime Labour private yacht, according to press reports. under the name MNG Tahiti. Formula 1 racing industry and plans to send it superyacht’s P&I club under the terms of McGowan commented: ‘We are glad that we Convention’s fi nancial security amendments, The 6,767gt vessel – which provided a Now fl ying the St Kitts & Nevis fl ag, the for a two-year conversion into a private yacht. the Maritime Labour Convention’s fi nancial were able to help our members in this way. It which meant that the P&I club Skuld paid up lifeline service to the South Atlantic island ship has been re-named St Helena and sold security provisions. is so important that maritime professionals to four months’ wages owed to crew members between 1990 and February this year – is to a Jersey-registered fi rm, St Helena LLP. The Image: Paul Dallaway Following the judicial sale of the vessel to working onboard superyachts join Nautilus earlier in 2018. Had those provisions not been the company Sea Beauty Yachting for €35m before they encounter this type of issue, as there, the members would not have received in September 2018, the Union’s lawyers have waiting until they have a problem normally this money at that stage, so the value of the been working with court authorities in Malta means that it is too late. MLC is very clear.’

Court rules on detained yacht FATAL COLLISION PROBED

A superyacht which was stranded in the Arab kingdom has no right to uphold a Authorities in the United States are investigating a fatal United Arab Emirates after being caught freezing order enforced by a UK court, collision involving a superyacht and a fishing charter boat. up in a bitter divorce battle has been and that the vessel belongs to Mr One man died and two others were injured when the 100m freed to sail by a court in Dubai. Akhmedov. Attessa IV collided with the 19m fishing charter boat Prowler The 115m yacht Luna was arrested in Some legal experts suggest the ruling off the southern California coast. Port Rashid as part of a disputed £453m will not end the dispute, as not all the A US Coast Guard helicopter and two boats rescued 17 settlement of divorce proceedings legal channels in Dubai have yet been people from the damaged fishing boat and a further 10 between the Russian owner, oil and gas exhausted. passengers were transferred to Attessa IV, which then took The Dutch builder Oceanco has launched the 109m superyacht Project incorporates signifi cant battery capability, is combined with a single- tycoon Farkhad Akhmedov, and his ex- Nautilus intervened in the case earlier them to San Diego. Bravo – the fi rst vessel built to its new LIFE (Lengthened, Innovative, tier engineroom that allows novel use of space for outstanding spouse, Tatiana Akhmedov. this year after members onboard the The causes of the collision are now the subject of an Fuel-effi cient and Eco Friendly) design and build philosophy. luxury accommodation,’ said Lateral Naval Architects director James But Dubai’s Sharia Court ruled last Luna had their passports seized by local investigation which is expected to take around six months to ‘The LIFE design’s use of advanced hybrid propulsion, which Roy. month that a commercial court in the authorities in Dubai. complete.

nautilusfederation.org 20 February 2019 February 2019 21 nautilusfederation.org INDUSTRY INDUSTRY FAIRER TREATMENT THE VALUE OF CONSISTENCY A research project is assessing the benefi ts of crewing policies that keep the same team ACROSS A CONTINENT together across multiple voyages. SANDRA SPEARES heard the initial results…

dopting stable The global fi ght for seafarers’ rights manning strategies received a boost last month as key A could make ships safer and more effi cient, a Asian nations pledged to improve the conference of leading ship owners way they deal with maritime accidents and managers was told last month. Delegates at the fi fth annual and incidents. ANDREW LININGTON International Shipowning & reports… Shipmanagement Summit heard preliminary fi ndings of Solent igh-level talks between University research to examine the 10 Asian countries have potential benefi ts and challenges Pictured at the H secured a ‘crucial’ fair treatment of implementing more consistent agreement on regional meeting in Manila crewing policies. are Philippines action to enforce the global guidelines employment The study is comparing the that aim to prevent seafarers from minister Silvestre impact of implementing back-to- Bello, SRI executive being criminalised after accidents. director Deirdre back schedules for the four most The meeting in Manila – which was Fitzpatrick, and ITF senior offi cers with the more ‘fl uid’ general secretary attended by representatives from Stephen Cotton system of assignments to different some of the world’s biggest seafarer ships and sailing with different supply nations – agreed a statement crews on each trip. pledging increased cooperation to Project leader Dr Kate Pike said is being used. Benefi ts seem to The optimum time for a crew to stay secure the ‘proper and effective by the International Maritime involving allegations of bribery, crewing costs are the largest single outweigh challenges, however. Does it make together is about two to three years, implementation’ on the guidelines for Organisation and the International breaches of customs and security rules, a diff erence operating cost – representing The study has included a if your the research suggests, but onboard the fair treatment of seafarers Labour Organisation in 2006. drug and fuel smuggling, human about 50% of the total – and proper questionnaire which was completed colleagues culture needs to be considered following maritime accidents and It comes as Nautilus International trafficking and illegal cargoes. change each crewing strategies are therefore by more than 100 respondents and time you join a as part of that timeframe, which incidents. has highlighted continued member Ms Fitzpatrick welcomed the Manila essential. There is at present little extended by interviews and two case vessel? could result in it being extended or Delegates from countries including concerns over the threat of agreement as a ‘crucial step in the information available about the studies. Feedback shed light on such reduced. China, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, criminalisation, with a survey showing fight to raise awareness over the fair benefi ts of keeping shipboard factors as safety, effi ciency and best There were also shorter handover Myanmar and Indonesia agreed to that 87% of maritime professionals are treatment of seafarers’. The decision teams together, but there is an practice in crewing policies. times as people got to know each work together to raise awareness of worried about the potential for being by major Asian countries to back the opportunity to learn from other As well as delivering fi nancial other, and better retention – the guidelines and to develop treated as a scapegoat after an guidelines is significant, she added, industries, such as aviation. benefi ts, the stable strategy could although there might be challenges resources, knowledge and expertise accident and 70% saying that it affects and should pave the way for other The Solent University research prove advantageous in other ways. if a team member went sick, across the region to assist with their their desire to work in the industry. regions to follow suit. has considered the external factors Dr Pike said the survey indicated for example. There was greater enforcement. Speaking at the Union’s UK branch International Transport Workers’ infl uencing manning systems, that crews took on ‘ownership’ of collaboration and team spirit and The Manila meeting was the first to symposium on criminalisation in Federation (ITF) general secretary such as international or national the vessel if they were returning improved abilities to respond in be held after an international October 2018, SRI executive director Stephen Cotton attended the meeting legislation. It has also addressed to it and wanted to leave it in a diffi cult circumstances. conference in 2017 recommended a Deirdre Fitzpatrick said research had and congratulated the Asian nations the role of elements such as good condition, with resulting The downside to stable teams programme of such events to shown that just one-third of IMO for the agreement. labour sources, crew nationality maintenance and safety benefi ts. was the potential for complacency encourage more countries to bring member states had implemented the Mr Cotton said the ITF is ‘totally and vessel trading patterns. There was also a potential increase to creep in, Dr Pike said, and the their national legislation into line with guidelines into their national committed’ to making the statement a Signifi cant changes in fl eet size in personal accountability, as right questions need to be asked the fair treatment guidelines. legislation, one-third said they success. ‘Now the hard work begins,’ make it diffi cult to have a regular respondents said they wanted to to monitor the strategy given the The initiative is being led by the followed the guidelines and the he added. ‘We must create an stable team, Dr Pike noted, so instil a better safety culture onboard. length of different voyages. Actual London-based organisation Seafarers remainder did nothing at all. implementation plan to roll out the companies use manning pools Companies with stable teams said costs were diffi cult to quantify, Rights International (SRI), which has As well as prosecutions arising out statement to ensure that every to get around this. There is also a these fostered a greater sense of the researcher added, and her highlighted the slow progress being of pollution, collisions, fatal accidents, seafarer feels the benefits of what has potential impact on promotion responsibility, with implied safety team would like to work with an made across the world to implement shipwrecks and groundings, she said been agreed here; that they receive opportunities within a company and maintenance benefi ts linked to individual company to produce the guidelines since they were agreed there are a growing number of cases fair treatment.’ when a strict stable team system the time the team stayed together. more detailed conclusions.

nautilusfederation.org 22 February 2019 February 2019 23 nautilusfederation.orgtion.org NAUTILUS AT WORK NAUTILUS AT WORK LEVELLING THE PLAYING FIELD

INLAND INSIGHT Europe’s inland navigation industry is facing major challenges to get the investment it needs in a new generation of vessel crews and a modern, environment-friendly fl eet, Nautilus Council members heard last month…

resenting his fi nal report to the Nautilus urgently needed if IWT is to keep an environmental Council on inland waterways transport edge over road transport. Only nine of the 187 new P (IWT), the Union’s now retired vessels built between 2014 and 2016 meet the emission The ILO sets an international minimum wage for seafarers − a measure unions strongly support, international offi cer Nick Bramley said performance standards that are being introduced in as it helps prevent members from losing their jobs to cheap labour. In the latest round of negotiations there is a mixed pattern of operations in the European 2019 for new engines. to set minimum wage rates, the seafarers’ side was led by the Nautilus general secretary… sector – with freight levels being largely stagnant, Mr Bramley reported that Nautilus had recently while passenger cruises are booming. been involved in discussions over the potential autilus general secretary acknowledging that statistics showed for a decade and revenues were up, Mark Dickinson has Nautilus general global seaborne trade was doing well and making it a ‘fortuitous moment’ to The latest annual report from the Rhine Commission for autonomous inland waterway vessels, and secretary Mark shows that inland waterways carry around 6% of the European Transport Workers’ Federation had N welcomed the outcome of Dickinson shipping has held up well during a 10-year address the wages of seafarers. top-level talks on the (front, centre) economic downturn. He also called on shipowners not to European freight, and cargo volumes have been rising organised a seminar to assess the issues. with Dirk Max Johns at an annual average of 1% over the past two decades – ‘The development of automation will be international minimum wage for of the International However, he pointed out that the costs treat the minimum wage as a maximum seafarers in late 2018. Chamber of Shipping of new regulations, a rise in operational wage, which is a reality for many while passenger numbers soared by an average annual complicated, not least due to the complex regulatory and members of the rate of 13% between 2012 and 2016. There are currently systems,’ he noted. ‘Higher levels of automation are Mr Dickinson led the seafarers’ side in ILO Joint Maritime costs and continued global political seafarers, and argued for the introduction some 13,500 vessels in the European inland navigation probably beyond the resources of the mass of owners. the two days of negotiations between the Committee uncertainty meant that there were still of sanctions for member states that freight fl eet, with a total cargo capacity of 17m tonnes ‘There is a widespread assumption that the removal International Transport Workers’ many ‘ifs’ involved in the industry completely ignore the ILO minimum. and employing around 30,000 people. of the human error factor under automation will make Federation (ITF) and the International remaining financially secure. ‘Only then will we have Fair Pay at Sea,’ The river cruise fl eet has more than doubled over the shipping safer,’ he added, ‘although there is little or Chamber of Shipping at the International ‘It will require good management, he concluded. ‘As the ILO approaches 100 past 13 years. There are now 346 active vessels, with a no research on this. The reduction of remaining crew Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Joint good judgement, good research, good years of striving for social justice and total passenger capacity of more than 50,000, and 17 members to the role of mere observer could even Maritime Committee. advice and good luck to remain decent work, that seems to me to be an new boats entered the market last year. The number of create new hazards, and the nature of IWT, with high The meeting agreed to update the profitable, he concluded. appropriate goal.’ jobs on cruise vessels has increased to almost 14,000. traffi c density on rivers with varying water levels and minimum wage for an able seafarer by In his opening statement for the ITF, Mr The two sides also agreed to find ways Operators are reporting skill shortages in some parts currents, would require a dense network of onshore US$27 over the next three years, to provide Dickinson noted: ‘It is clear from the to ensure that the ILO formula used as the of the industry, and inland navigation is also facing the equipment. an overall increase of 4.5% on the current preparatory papers for this meeting just basis for negotiations remains fair and problems posed by an ageing workforce – with 38% to ‘As in maritime transport, automation raises legal rate of $614. There will be an increase of $4 how hard the decision, taken by this reflects the reality for seafarers and the 41% of qualifi ed crew members in key countries such as questions on issues such as liability, life-saving, as of 1 July 2019, followed by an increase of meeting two-and-a-half years ago not to industry. the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium aged over 50. and certifi cation,’ Mr Bramley pointed out. ‘And $7 as of 1 January 2020 and a final increase increase the minimum wage has hit Following the negotiations, Mr There have been attempts to tackle these issues by considering the small numbers of crew members on of $16 as of 1 January 2021. seafarers. Dickinson admitted that the two sides making the industry more attractive to young people, inland waterway vessels – usually between two and Mr Dickinson admitted that the ‘Within the 55 major maritime had begun very far apart, with and new entrant numbers rose in the Netherlands, fi ve per barge – large-scale reductions could bring increase had been hard fought. ‘We countries, seafarers have seen the shipowners initially looking for a Romania, the Czech Republic and Serbia between social problems and reduce the attractiveness of the started slowly but gained momentum as spending power of the minimum wage reduction in the current level of pay. Fears 2009 and 2015. Nautilus has been involved in these profession.’ the parties exchanged opinions and fall in all but seven of them. In some of a stalemate were overcome, and it was initiatives, and in discussions on new qualifi cations Concluding his report, Mr Bramley said that provided arguments to support their cases, the falls have been dramatic – also agreed to reconvene in 2021 to and clearer rules on work and rest times. Nautilus is working to increase Union membership positions,’ he said. ‘There was strong seafarers in seven countries have further review the figure. ‘The fl eet itself is under-funded and getting older, in the sector, but there are major obstacles to this. It opposition from the shipowners’ side for experienced their minimum pay fall in ‘We have fought hard to maintain an with around 50% of vessels being over 50 years old is hard to secure collective bargaining agreements a significant increase.’ value by more than 15%.’ international minimum standard, and we and 15% being more than 75,’ Mr Bramley continued. because so many companies are small, he said, and up Dirk Max Johns had opened the Mr Dickinson said that global trade is are determined to continue to increase New tonnage – with greener propulsion systems – is to 80% of the vessels are run by owner-operators. negotiations for the shipowners, fundamentally healthier than it had been that figure,’ Mr Dickinson stressed.

nautilusfederation.org 24 February 2019 February 2019 25 nautilusfederation.org INTERNATIONAL

grounds. Despite the fact that the procedure involving multiple competence that year, making the country’s training system was largely up threats and numerous EMSA ‘visits’, UK the largest issuer in the EU. to scratch, ‘lengthy discussions on the all designed to encourage reform. These fi gures were, however, based BREXIT VOYAGE INTO legal framework of the EU’ were These efforts have met with mixed on ‘potential manpower’ rather required. success, judging by the fact that than the number of active seafarers, In comparison, Bangladesh was discussions regarding Filipino which was unknown. THE UNKNOWN processed quickly. Bangladesh secured reforms are still ongoing in Brussels. The extent to which operations three EU sponsors – Cyprus, Italy and According to shipowners’ sources, onboard EU-fl agged ships would be Belgium – who collectively put in an the Commission backed off from de- interrupted if all UK certifi cate application in July 2007. By December recognition because there are holders were effectively fl ung out is 2011, Bangladeshi seafarers had the simply too many Filipinos working therefore a tricky question. The EU Brussels green light to work on ships on EU-fl agged vessels. These claims does, however, recognise around 50 fl agged within the EU. That’s four and a are diffi cult to assess, because providers of manpower from half years. statistics regarding seafarers – around the world. It is therefore a For Fiji – sponsored by Germany – it where they exist at all – are fair bet that the replacement of one took just over six years: from February notoriously inaccurate. When certifi cate provider would not be an 2011 to August 2017, plus a few more Brussels was threatening the insurmountable task. months until space could be found to Philippines, anywhere between In conclusion, a no-deal Brexit publish the decision in the EU’s offi cial 5,000 and 60,000 jobs were said to would not necessarily be a disaster journal. be at risk. for UK certifi cate holders, though it Technical glitches can be compounded The same uncertainty applies to would launch them on a journey by the discovery of substandard training holders of UK certifi cates and their into the unknown: all of which is institutes. If even one institute is not up relative strength within the EU fl eet. unlikely to be reassuring for those The European to STCW standards, the others risk Maritime Safety Figures compiled by EMSA in 2014 currently considering revalidation. Image:Image: ThinkstockThinkstock having to wait while remedial action is Agency keeps suggested there were around data on the Justin Stares is editor of taken. Presumably, the UK’s application certifi cates issued 220,000 EU seafarers and that the There’s been a lot of talk about a no-deal Brexit making life at the European Maritime Safety Agency would not suffer this fate. by member states UK issued 28,865 certifi cates of maritimewatch.eu (EMSA) already can’t keep up with their Then there’s the ‘goodwill’ factor. Or harder for seafarers with UK certifi cates, but what would ever-expanding rounds of ‘visits’ (the term rather, the lack of it. The Commission in this actually mean in practice? From Brussels, JUSTIN ‘inspection’ is out of favour in today’s Euro- theory operates according to the rule of sceptic world). The UK would have to wait in law. In practice, however, it is a political STARES looks at what the future could hold... line for inspections that would in all body with its own priorities. If one of probability turn out to be a mere formality. those priorities were to make the UK’s o deal’ would mean ‘no elsewhere, all is not lost. EU rules on recognition applications, life as diffi cult as possible – in order to favours’, and that’s not If the UK is forced to re-apply for which are currently being redrawn in dissuade other countries from leaving 'N good news for EU recognition, the request is Brussels, set out two years as a more the EU – could the Brussels executive, seafarers who hold UK- almost certain to be approved. reasonable timeframe. Prior to applying, acting out of spite, deliberately hold up issued certifi cates. As the European British education and training the UK would need to fi nd an EU sponsor the UK’s recognition application? That’s Commission has warned, the UK standards already meet the (again, not a problem: allies such as Malta anyone’s guess, though mine is that it’s would under this scenario be European requirements, and there would surely be willing to help). So, when possible. treated as any other third country is no reason to expect objections you factor in a few months of mindless On the plus side, once you’re in, you’re seeking permission for its seafarers when EU governments meet in the bureaucracy, three years seems achievable. in. There have been very few cases of to work on ships fl agged within the secretive Brussels committee that There is only really one ‘but’. If there third country providers of seafarers who European Union. decides the fate of third country is any kind of problem with the Brussels have seen their EU recognition removed: Existing UK certifi cates would seafarers. inspection process, delays could soon as few as two, according to old hands in remain valid until expiry, but, The only real question is: how add up. As other applicants have Brussels. To have your recognition according to the Commission’s long would re-recognition take? If experienced, Brussels lives in its own removed, you have to be engaged in the hardline interpretation of the rules, it’s a quick, seamless procedure, time zone: GMT + ages. wholesale issuance of fraudulent certifi cate holders would not be able then UK certifi cate-holders could Japan, which convinced Cyprus to act as certifi cates (as was the maritime to switch jobs between ships soon fi nd themselves back in the its sponsor, applied for EU recognition in authority in one former Soviet republic) registered in the various EU fl ag European fold. 2005. It took until November 2014 to push or something similarly grave. states. Offi cially, the assessment of the the paperwork through the Brussels Not even the widespread discovery of While hard Brexit therefore recognition application should take machinery – that’s nine years. According to substandard training centres was looks grim both for British 18 months. This period is, however, the offi cial version published at the time, enough to see recognition removed from seafarers and thousands of others in the Commission’s own words, the delay was due to Japan’s reluctance to the Philippines, a country which was across the Commonwealth and ‘not realistic’. The team of inspectors accept an EMSA inspection on sovereignty instead funnelled into a decade-long

nautilusfederation.org 26 February 2019 February 2019 27 nautilusfederation.org NAUTILUS AT WORK NAUTILUS AT WORK

The latest results from the Nautilus criminalisation survey Graphic: June OCCUPATIONALOCCUPATIONAL HAZARD? Cattini-Walker/ Thinkstock images

riminalisation continues to be a C huge concern among maritime professionals Criminalisation survey results – and it is posing a big threat to recruitment and retention, as the October 2018 Nautilus Fair Treatment Symposium heard. A new survey carried out by the Union has updated the results of similar research undertaken almost Do seafarers still a decade ago, and shows that 87% of seafarers are worried about the fear criminalisation? threat of criminalisation – slightly 2010 2018 other causes down from 92% in 2010. Some 70% say the threat has an 92% 87% Concerned impact on their desire to remain at about criminalisation • Collision sea – up from 66% in 2010, said head of strategy Debbie Cavaldoro. of maritime industry Presenting the preliminary • Scapegoat for others fi ndings of the survey to the 66% 70% Affects desire to work in industry meeting, she said it was clear • Injury onboard that concerns about the risk of criminalisation extend across the Pollution considered to be most likely world, and there appear to be an • Incorrect paperwork increasing number of court cases 52% 84% to cause of possible criminalisation against crew and a lack of protection from companies. ‘There are intense industry pressures, but no margin for human error,’ she noted. Around 15% of the 500-plus respondents reported that they had been directly involved in legal Involved in action – 30% of which involved of which... civil action, 20% maritime legal action 15% administrative action and 20% criminal action. Of those involved in action, about resulting 30% Civil action one-third contacted their union for help and around one-quarter were from a 20% supported by their employers. Maritime administrative action Survey respondents – who belong maritime to the 19 unions in the Nautilus 20% Criminal action Federation – said they felt most incident... likely to be criminalised as a 30% Other action consequence of

nautilusfederation.org 28 Februaryy 2019 February 2019 29 nautilusfederation.org NAUTILUS AT WORK

pollution incidents. Three-quarters said they Incidents involving physio- wanted to see more information about the legal rights therapists and all other health care and responsibilities. personnel – other than doctors and Ms Cavaldoro said Nautilus is working to address nurses – are investigated by the this need and to provide more support to members Health & Care Professions Council, on top of the existing 24/7 helpline, its worldwide she explained. This will examine network of lawyers, and the JASON advice and such cases as reckless or deliberately assistance scheme run in partnership with Nautilus harmful acts, fraud and improper Federation unions. relationships with service users and The Union will be launching a new mobile app, she will determine whether someone is reported, giving members instant access to advice ‘fi t to practise’. following an incident, as well as facilities to record Sanctions can take the form of reports straight after incidents. being struck off or suspended from The symposium then heard from a panel of expert the register, conditions being placed speakers who examined different aspects of the legal on practice, or a caution. The CSP challenges faced by seafarers. provides medical malpractice cover Deirdre Fitzpatrick, director of the legal for its 57,000 members, in the same research centre Seafarers' Rights International, said way that Nautilus provides certifi cate Above: criminalisation has been a high profi le issue for more Jacqueline protection and legal support for its members. than 20 years and shows no sign of diminishing. Smith, Ms Beswetherick said she was horrifi ed by the way International ‘Even if the chance of being involved in a criminal Transport seafarers are treated, and she noted the multiple action is small, the perception is high, and that is why ‘Criminalisation still presents one of the greatest Workers’ jurisdictions that maritime professionals can be Deirdre Federation it is important to address,’ she said. Fitzpatrick, risks for seafarers on a daily basis,’ she warned, maritime exposed to. Incidents may often be the result of an Although there is no reliable data to show the scale director of ‘and we have to continue to challenge the tendency coordinator error of judgement, she pointed out, and in cases the legal of the problem, it is clear that typical cases arise from research centre for criminalisation and eradicate the attitude that Above left: where there is no intent it is wrong to bring a criminal pollution, collisions, fatal accidents, shipwrecks and Seafarers Rights seafarers are problems rather than solutions in such Debbie case. The frequent failure to fully investigate shipping International Cavaldoro, head groundings, Ms Fitzpatrick said. situations.’ of strategy, accidents is in sharp contrast to the approach taken in There are also a growing number of cases International Transport Workers’ Federation Nautilus the health care sector, she added. ‘A full investigation International involving allegations of bribery, breaches of customs maritime coordinator Jacqueline Smith highlighted can show systemic failures, and if you don’t look at and security rules, drug and fuel smuggling, the need to gather more data on the problems to the full context of an incident it is deeply unfair. human traffi cking and illegal cargoes – often in better understand the nature of the risk. ‘Sometimes it is the organisation that could be at circumstances where seafarers are in unfamiliar ‘With proper information we could identify part-fault because of things like a lack of investment situations. patterns such as the geographical areas or the Natalie or poor processes.’ Beswetherick, She reminded the meeting of cases such as the countries where seafarers are most likely to be director of Michael Lloyd said he believed seafarers had been jailing of the master of the tanker Prestige, the criminalised,’ she argued. ‘We could establish Helen Kelly, from Lloyd’s List, described the work practice and let down by the International Maritime Organisation. development at detention of the crew of the tanker Tasman Spirit whether certain nationalities of seafarers are more at done by her newspaper to reveal the widespread the Chartered But general secretary Mark Dickinson said it was and the imprisonment of the master and chief offi cer risk, or if the problem is higher with certain types of failure by many fl ag states to publish accident Society of unfair to blame the IMO – which is currently led by Physiotherapy of the tanker Hebei Spirit. ‘A common theme in all ships or certain fl ags, and this could help us to focus investigation reports. The resulting lack of adequate Images: Colin a former seafarer – and the focus should instead be of these cases was a strong view that prosecutions our efforts on where we should be promoting the information about the causes of incidents helps McPherson placed on fl ag states. should never have been brought and that seafarers need for fair treatment guidelines to be incorporated to fuel the blame culture and the scapegoating of Malcolm Graves said it is usually a ‘lottery’ as to were scapegoated and laws were unfairly applied,’ she into national law.’ seafarers, she pointed out. whether or not a seafarer will be supported by the added. Ms Fitzpatrick said the problems that seafarers Ms Kelly said that fl ag states had failed to provide employer after an accident. But Tim Springett, from Ms Fitzpatrick spoke of the work being done to face are exacerbated by the diffi culties in fi nding 58% of all very serious casualty reports that should the UK Chamber of Shipping, said the owners would encourage countries to implement and enforce the lawyers who have adequate knowledge of shipping have been submitted to the International Maritime be keen to progress a ‘social partnership’ approach international guidelines for the fair treatment of and maritime labour issues – with cases in which Organisation over the past four years. to promoting the adoption of the fair treatment seafarers following maritime incidents. SRI had found seafarers have been convicted where judges did not Major fl ag states like Panama, the Marshall Islands, guidelines by governments. that around one-third of major maritime nations had understand what a bill of lading is. ‘Ignorance of the Liberia, and China have the worst records, she noted, Ian Hampton, chief people and communications not done anything to bring the guidelines into their maritime industry can go up to the highest levels, and it is possibly right to consider the introduction offi cer with Stena Line, said his company would national legislation, she pointed out. and it is a really important aspect in defending of penalties for countries that consistently fail to always stand by its seafarers in the face of a ‘toxic seafarers,’ she added. publish accident investigation reports. and contagious’ blame culture. ‘Unless we are able Ms Smith said the ITF had identifi ed a trend Natalie Beswetherick, director of practice to identify the root causes, we will always have this A common theme in cases like the of increasingly complex legal cases involving and development at the Chartered Society of fanaticism about fi nding someone to blame,’ he ' seafarers, and there is a need to ensure that maritime Physiotherapy, contrasted the harsh treatment of added. Prestige, Tasman Spirit and Hebei Spirit professionals are given timely advice and assistance seafarers following incidents with the processes for in such situations. Companies should also do more dealing with cases involving the medical profession There is still time to take part in the Nautilus was that seafarers were scapegoated to support crews, she added, as they have a vested in the UK – with criminal prosecutions of medical criminalisation survey – go to www.surveymonkey. and laws were unfairly applied' interest in resolving situations quickly. practitioners being very rare. co.uk/r/FairTreat18

nautilusfederation.orgnautilusfed 30 Februaryebruary 2019 February 220190 31 nautilusfederation.orgeration.org LAW

‘The reasons why more than 90 maritime nations maintain some form of maritime cabotage law are not hard to see. They are a bulwark against a free-for-all that opens OUR WATERS up national services to lowest common denominator competition. They help to protect against an open-coast approach that undermines domestic employment and training, presents a threat to safety at sea, and OUR WORKERS attacks the principles of national wage rates. ‘Any maritime nation serious about its future Nautilus International has called for countries such as the UK, the Netherlands must have policies in place that help to maintain States with cabotage a sustainable supply of domestic seafarers and Denmark to re-introduce cabotage laws, after a major new study showed and a healthy national shipping industry,’ Mr that more than two-thirds of maritime nations around the world have regulations Dickinson noted. ‘Cabotage protection helps to safeguard those precious resources by staving to restrict foreign operations in their coastal trades... off damaging deregulation and guarding against the excesses of exploitation in the globalised rade liberalisation, free markets, open The study says the nature of cabotage laws can shipping industry. competition – that’s what the shipping vary, but they are usually geared towards: protecting ‘Our Jobs, Skills and the Future report T industry is all about, isn’t it? Seafarers in local shipping industries; ensuring the retention of highlighted the need for the UK – as an island many countries have long been told that skilled maritime workers and the preservation nation with a huge reliance upon a strong and global business requires them to put up with being ‘The SRI report of maritime knowledge and technology; viable domestic shipping fl eet – to adopt an undercut by cheaper foreign labour. But new research debunks the safeguarding fair competition; promoting ambitious policy programme that will give the has revealed that numerous nations are doing just fi ne myth that safety; and bolstering national security. country the shipping industry, and the seafaring with a form of protectionism in their coastal waters. cabotage is It points out that countries have been workforce, it needs for the future. Cabotage will Described as one of the most comprehensive studies implementing cabotage policies since the 14th help to deliver that.’ an exception, States without cabotage of its kind, the Seafarers’ Rights International (SRI) not the rule. century, and many of the measures now in place David Heindel, chair of the ITF seafarers’ report – Cabotage Laws of the World – provides the These fi ndings around the world date back to laws brought into section, commented: ‘The lack of accurate fi rst independent analysis of maritime cabotage laws will assure effect in the 19th century. sometimes it is extended to the exclusive economic facts on cabotage laws around the world has for more than 25 years. The report – commissioned by the zone or the continental shelf. been an impediment for policy-makers considering governments Based on an analysis of legislation and feedback International Transport Workers’ Federation In many countries, cabotage laws are backed up by implementing cabotage laws. This report represents from lawyers in 140 countries, the report reveals that it makes (ITF) – says there is no single, internationally penalties, fi nes, detention and even imprisonment for a circuit breaker, providing policy-makers with the that 91 countries – representing 80% of the world’s sense to enforce agreed defi nition of cabotage, and various those who break them. relevant facts for proper decision-making. maritime states – have some form of cabotage national regional and national laws can refer to terms SRI executive director Deirdre Fitzpatrick said the ‘The SRI report debunks the myth that cabotage regulations. cabotage laws’ such as coastal trade, coastwise trade or study aims to fi ll an important gap. ‘For many people, is an exception, not the rule,’ he pointed out. ‘We domestic trade as alternatives. maritime cabotage – or coasting, coastwise or coastal know there are a number of countries considering However, it points out, cabotage is usually trade, as it is sometimes referred to – is understood introducing, strengthening or diminishing cabotage understood as covering shipping services between only vaguely, if at all,’ she pointed out. regulation. This report will assure those governments two ports located in the same country or exclusively ‘This is not surprising, as so little is published on the that it makes sense to enforce national cabotage laws.’ within a country’s territorial waters. subject. This was a complex project, given language James Given, chair of the ITF’s cabotage task force, Researchers said previous studies had shown there and cultural barriers, and diffi culties in statutory added: ‘The benefi ts of cabotage laws are self-evident. were at least 33 countries with cabotage restrictions interpretations. But the subject is important. It affects For countries that depend on the sea for their trade, in place in 1920, and at least 40 out of 53 maritime a very wide range of trades, services and activities cabotage safeguards their strategic interests as nations had cabotage policies in 1991. around the world, with signifi cant social and economic maritime nations, bringing added economic value The countries that now have no cabotage restrictions consequences. Policy-makers, especially, need to know while also protecting national security and the include the UK, the Netherlands, Denmark, New more about the subject.’ environment. Zealand and South Africa, according to the SRI study. Nautilus general secretary Mark Dickinson said: ‘We The report ‘Cabotage provides jobs for a country’s seafarers Cabotage Laws It says there is a diverse range of restrictions warmly welcome this report, and believe the fi ndings of the World is and safeguards foreign seafarers against exploitation imposed by the 91 countries that have cabotage rules – deserve serious attention by all governments and, in available free of posed by the liberalisation in the global shipping charge at www. although they are often linked to requirements to use particular, other EU member states. seafarersrights. industry, preventing a race to the bottom. national-fl agged, national-crewed ships. ‘Reservations ‘This thorough and groundbreaking research org/research- ‘Without strong cabotage rules, local workers projects (click on regarding the manning of vessels are also common,’ it demonstrates not only the global scale of cabotage Cabotage) often have to compete with cheap, exploited foreign Seafarers’ Rights adds. protection, but also the strength of the economic labour on fl ag of convenience vessels, the owners International Some cabotage restrictions are linked to certain and political case for protecting domestic shipping of which usually pay substandard wages and fl out executive director Deirdre Fitzpatrick trades and services, or certain types of ship, and services. safety laws.’

nautilusfederation.org 3232 February 2019 February 2019019 33 nautilusfederation.org LAW Captain Francesco Schettino is pictured onboard the wreck of Costa Concordia when he returned to the vessel with experts investigating the accident The tanker Stainless Image: Reuters The letter points out that charges The capsized Costa Concordia before Commander was auctioned in salvage operations began 1996 to recover some of Adriatic against the cruise company and Tankers’ debts professional expertise. other members of the bridge team ‘The theoretical knowledge is were dropped as a result of plea valid to examine the failures after bargaining, leaving Capt Schettino any occurrence that takes place as the only person taking the full and subsequently implementing legal consequences of the disaster. the appropriate corrective actions,’ ‘We claim that the transfer of the Capt Schettino argues. ‘It is not operational responsibility from supposed to analyse the behaviour the company to the captain by plea and conduct held by another person bargains is a clear breach of the without having the prerequisites requirements of the ISM Code,’ it adds. and the capability to place oneself in Those supporting Capt Schettino’s that particular situation.’ move to bring a further appeal Capt Schettino says he believes to the European Court of Human his experiences as a seafarer have Rights, after an appeal to the Italian served as ‘a sort of preparation for Supreme Court to reopen the withstanding the overwhelming case was rejected, include former memories of the accident and for accident investigators, maritime accepting my life today’. education lecturers, safety experts, He says he feels ‘morally and a former shipping company such as the status of watertight compelled’ to repeatedly analyse superintendent. doors and the failure of life-saving the accident and to offer insights Norwegian casualty investigator appliances. that would prevent a similar Arne Sagen said it was wrong that The way in which Capt SCAPEGOAT accident in future. ‘Few captains criminal action had been taken Schettino has been singled out lived a similar experience, and I against Capt Schettino on the basis for blame raises the risk of other sincerely wish that none will ever go of an ‘inappropriate’ investigation masters being criminalised after through anything similar,’ he adds. by the Italian authorities which had maritime accidents, Mr Sagen SCHETTINO? Capt Schettino says it was too failed to properly explain what had argues. His treatment by the simplistic to blame the Costa happened and why. police and other authorities – at The case of former Costa Concordia master Concordia disaster on the ship’s Mr Sagen said analysis showed Former accident developed, taking information a time when he was probably deviation from the standard route. the Italian investigation report was investigator from a range of sources including suffering from post-traumatic Francesco Schettino, now behind bars in an Arne Sagen is He says the accident, and others partly contradictory and ‘extremely pictured with Jan the voyage data recorder. As well stress in the aftermath of the Italian prison, is still not closed. As ANDREW since, demonstrate the need inaccurate, incomplete and biased Harsem from the as confi rming that the Indonesian incident – failed to refl ect the Skagerrak Safety LININGTON reports, a Norwegian safety expert for more attention to be paid to in disfavour of the captain’. Foundation, helmsman had incorrectly turned principles set down in an EU the way in which bridge teams The treatment of the master had delivering a letter the ship to starboard after he directive and international to the Italian is leading eff orts to take an appeal to the interact, communicate and share amounted to ‘a grave misconception embassy in Oslo, misunderstood Capt Schettino’s guidelines for fair treatment. information. of the ISM Code’, and failed to follow seeking a pardon order to turn hard port, Mr Sagen Mr Sagen said Italy’s practice European Court of Human Rights… for Capt Schettino Meanwhile, a group of maritime the Code's intention of giving the said the simulation had also of giving a criminal investigation professionals from across Europe ship operating company the overall raised questions about the fi nal precedence over statutory safety wo years into his principles of seamanship are continuing to lobby to overturn responsibility for safety culture, routes manoeuvring of the vessel. investigations was out of line with 16-year jail sentence, and of crucial factors that led to Capt Schettino’s conviction, and procedures, he added. The analysis of the Italian EU principles, and the ISM Code had T Francesco Schettino – the accident in which 32 passengers arguing that ‘the unbalanced The investigation had also failed investigation report also questions not been properly implemented in the former master of the and crew died in January 2012. criminalisation of the captain, alone to adequately address issues around its approach to evaluating the the Italian judicial system. cruiseship Costa Concordia – has Relevant arguments were judged to be solely responsible for the use of electronic charts onboard qualifi cations and training of all In an article in Maritime Risk raised questions about the fairness of ‘neglected and misinterpreted’, the total operation of the ship, is Costa Concordia, and the ECDIS members of the bridge team and International last month, he also the trial that saw him convicted he complains, as ‘nobody had undermining the basic intention of training given to the bridge team, whether the company's bridge team questioned whether cruise shipping of multiple manslaughter, causing nautical legacy and practical IMO’s ISM Code’. Mr Sagen noted. He said a computer procedures were appropriate and was safer as a result of the Costa a maritime accident and abandoning experience for understanding In an open letter sent to the simulation of the accident had been ship-specifi c. Concordia accident. ‘Did we really ship before all passengers and crew the various limitations aroused Italian maritime administration It argues that the investigation's learn what we should and what had been evacuated. after the collision for handling the and Carnival Cruises president focus upon human errors was we needed to gain most from this In a letter written from prison emergency on a mega-cruise ship’. Arnold Donald, they warn that the The way the Schettino case made without the necessary unfortunate event? The industry in Rome, Capt Schettino points to His letter questions whether the way in which the case has been ‘ deeper systemic analysis of error- needs to examine the investigation the absence of maritime knowledge behaviour and conduct of someone handled could adversely affect has been handled could inducing workplace conditions and into this incident and address the in the proceedings that led to his can be properly judged unless the recruitment and retention of adversely aff ect recruitment organisation. safety questions that are raised, to imprisonment, with the court there is adequate familiarity with seafarers, and damage the cruise It also points to shortcomings in ensure the risk of a repeat tragedy is lacking an understanding of the their working environment and shipping industry. and retention of seafarers’ the report's consideration of factors minimised.’

nautilusfederation.org 34 February 2019 February 2019 35 nautilusfederation.org ENVIRONMENT The Maersk Launcher towing the Ocean USS Gerald R Ford, by advanced plasma-processing Cleanup boom out to the Pacifi c from company PyroGenesis. The US Navy specifi ed the system San Francisco for the ship in order to have a highly compact means of destroying waste at sea, as an aircraft carrier can be out for many months without coming to port. While the vessel’s curved front windows echo superyacht design, their purpose is far more utilitarian, as they will lessen the impact of rogue waves, green water and windage, and will offer maximum visibility for the crew. The wheelhouse is located on the third deck, which will also house the main crew areas and helipad. A single Ocean Saviour vessel aims to clear fi ve tonnes of plastic per day, so one vessel would take 40 years to clean up the Pacifi c garbage patch using plasma technology. This could obviously be scaled up if there was more than one vessel in operation. Announcing the initiative at the Southampton Boat Show, Mr Roberts said: ‘This is very much phase one of BOOM TIME PLASTICPLASTIC the project and I look forward to working closely with our While plans for the Ocean Saviour vessel are still at the design stage, an partners on its development. earlier project to clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is very much up ‘Our oceans are a vital resource, and it is essential we all and running. do what we can to preserve them for future generations. The Ocean Cleanup – featured in the March 2018 Telegraph – aims to I’m especially pleased to work with such a talented group collect floating plastic waste by trapping it in a ‘skirt’ under a 600m-long POWER of individuals to help make this a reality.’ weighted boom. ‘It’s staggering to think that there are currently more The boom system was designed and built in the Netherlands, and tested than fi ve trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean, which is in the North Sea with the help of Nautilus members at Boskalis. It was then It’s estimated that around eight million tonnes of plastic waste having a hugely detrimental impact on our ecosystem and taken to San Francisco for further work and assembly on the Pacific coast. ends up in our oceans each year. MICHAEL HOWORTH reports the ocean’s biodiversity,’ he added. ‘It’s essential that we On 8 September this year, the system was launched in San Francisco Bay remove plastic before it breaks down into microplastics – and towed to a location 240nm offshore by the Maersk Launcher, which has on plans for a special vessel that will help to clear it up… and, through Ocean Saviour, we aim to help eradicate the been made available to the project by A.P. Møller-Maersk and DeepGreen, ocean of this problem.’ its current charter holder. t looks a lot like a superyacht – and the be incorporated where possible, but not at the expense of Concept designer Ricky Smith added: ‘Ocean Saviour After a two-week trial at the first location (pictured below), the boom self-powering, 70m, tri-deck cleanup An artist’s the overall appeal of the design. It is planned that solar proposes an environmental revolution whereby we, as system continued its journey toward the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, impression I vessel Ocean Saviour certainly aims to of the planned power panels and multiple, small wind generators will be a community, undertake the immense and urgent task 1,200nm miles offshore, to start the cleanup. The floating garbage trapped perform like a superhero. plastic-fuelled incorporated into powering ancillary systems. of physically collecting the plastics from the oceans and by the system will now be periodically scooped onboard collection vessels vessel Ocean The £40m vessel has not only been designed to Saviour A large-scale catamaran was recommended by the waterways. and taken ashore for responsible processing. pick up as much as fi ve tonnes of plastic waste from design team as the most economical and stable option ‘The Ocean Saviour project is vast and will require the seas each day, but also to convert the debris into a on the water. The open-plan lower deck will be one of the input on many levels. This is a crusade for the liberation synthetic gas that will provide its power. main working areas of the vessel and has been specially of our oceans from the waste created by both our brilliant This pioneering project is the brainchild of designed to allow ventilation, with hinged storm shutters technology and our disregard of the oceans.’ Richard Roberts and Simon White, founders of offering protection against the weather. Dr Jan Feiwald, executive director of the Reef Check TheYachtMarket.com – an internet-based company, This entire deck is dedicated to plastic removal and Foundation, commented: ‘Ocean Saviour’s project to launched in 2003, with a database that lists boats for industrial-scale recycling. Mid-deck is home to two, 12m remove plastic from our oceans should be applauded. As sale. containers, which will offer research laboratory facilities Reef Check monitors ocean health around the world, and Compelled by the need to do something to tackle or VIP accommodation options and bulk storage area, aft sees the impacts of pollution fi rst hand, we support their the extraordinary plight of our oceans, they began of the crew quarters. ambitious approach to solving this problem.’ throwing around ideas with some of the world’s top Central to the vessel’s design are Manta Collector Array Round-the-world sailor Dee Caffari said: ‘I have seen the naval architects and yacht designers, in an attempt collection systems at the side and front, which will be sad reality of our ocean’s health. Now, having been part to look at new ways to bring together technologies to deployed to draw in plastics. These will then be fed into an of the team collecting micro-plastic data for the fi rst time tackle the problem. onboard conveyor, chopped fi nely, milled, and processed around the world, we know the issue is much worse than A few short months later, the Ocean Saviour project through an onboard plasma gasifi cation facility, which we all initially thought. has started to take shape, and is working with several will destroy it with minimal atmospheric pollution. The ‘While we still have to address the problem of single-use highly regarded organisations and notable fi gures product of this pioneering process will then be used to fuel plastic debris getting into our oceans in the fi rst place, from across the global marine industry. the vessel, making it self-powering. Ocean Saviour would tackle the issue of clearing it from The designers agreed that all technological This compact waste-destruction process was fi rst our oceans. We need innovation and new technologies like advances in alternative energy technologies should implemented for marine use onboard the aircraft carrier this to make change happen.’

nautilusfederation.org 36 February 2019 February 2019 37 nautilusfederation.org TECHNOLOGY

enhance seafarers’ abilities rather than replace humans. In his presentation, he demonstrated different viewing modes for a device that could allow ‘International regulations could take as navigators to see the view from the bridge with information about surrounding vessels and potential long as 10 years to develop, and there hazards superimposed onto these objects in real time. are some vessels which may never be Another point about the role of seafarers in autonomous shipping was later raised in a question suitable for unmanned voyages’ from the fl oor. Kevin Daffey had spoken of new job opportunities for seafarers in shore-based remote view, fully autonomous vessels should never be operation centres – which could be attractive for permitted to operate internationally. being more family-friendly than going away to sea. On the technological side, one questioner raised a However, one delegate asked how offi cers could rise point that must have occurred to many in the room: through the ranks and be trained to become what happens if an autonomous or remotely-operated shipmasters capable of remote operation if they no vessel loses contact with the shore? Mr Daffey said longer went to sea in signifi cant numbers. The panel that this issue had been paramount at Rolls-Royce agreed that it was very important for the IMO to from the start, and that the company’s vessels were consider this issue in the next few years, and Mr designed to enter a special safe mode if they lost Daffey conceded that there were some vessels which contact. may never be suitable for unmanned voyages, such as Both Mr Daffey and Mr Koponen added that, in an AUTONOMOUS those carrying dangerous cargoes. effort to maintain contact at all times, their Regarding the regulatory framework for companies were using several communication autonomous and remotely-operated vessels, there was methods in conjunction, including satellite consensus in the room that international standards communications, 4G mobile phone signals and radar. THINKING and regulations would be very challenging to develop. Communications with their vessels are encrypted to Mr Daffey said that this work could take the IMO as protect against cyber-attacks, they noted. With automation very much the hot topic in shipping, there was an opportunity at the IMO long as 10 years, and he urged individual fl ag states to Standard-setting for construction was another follow Finland and Norway’s lead in developing point of discussion. Mr Daffey and Mr Koponen had last month for maritime professionals from across the globe to quiz the hi-tech engineering national legislation so they could benefi t from the new advocated the development of goal-based standards companies leading the revolution. SARAH ROBINSON reports… technology more quickly in their own waters. for the build and operation of autonomous and Mr Berlan added that, from the seafarer’s remotely-operated vessels, but a delegate asked he International Maritime Organisation’s The only other country to have developed such perspective, the biggest regulatory issue was whether prescriptive standards would not be better Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) has a IMO secretary- regulations is Norway, and in his presentation, Mr assigning the share of responsibility and liability for safety. In response, Mr Daffey spoke strongly in general Kitack Lim T proud record of developing and opened the MSC Koponen spoke of Wärtsilä’s own work to trial an between ship and shore. ‘There is lots of legal work to favour of goal-based standards, saying that technical implementing the international 100 event in front autonomous vessel in Norwegian waters. We should be done on this,’ he stressed. He also stated that, in his innovations were progressing so quickly that of a packed house regulations that help keep seafarers safe – from the of delegates from no longer talk about automation happening in the prescriptive standards would not be able to keep up. COLREGs to shipbuilding standards. The Committee all over the world. future, added Mr Daffey: ‘The technology is here!’ In other words, he explained, manufacturers Panel members to recently saw its 100th session, and to mark the his left included But how should the global shipping industry deal should be given a safety outcome that the regulators occasion, a special event was held at IMO Kevin Daff ey of with these developments, and what will the impact be wanted them to achieve, and they should be free to headquarters in London on 3 December 2018. Rolls-Royce, Branko on seafarers? With delegates present from IMO use their latest technology to do this. If the standards Berlan of the ITF Although the event started with a look back at MSC and Timo Koponen member nations worldwide, the MSC event allowed prescribed the use of a particular device or method, achievements, the main focus was on the future, with of Wärtsilä some very knowledgeable and experienced maritime he pointed out, this could quickly become obsolete. Image: IMO three speakers invited to give presentations on professionals to challenge the speakers in the panel One further issue raised was the role of automation and its implications: Kevin Daffey of on their claims and predictions. autonomous and remotely-operated vessels in Rolls-Royce, Branko Berlan of the International Branko Berlan was fi rst to raise a note of caution lifesaving and search-and-rescue. Mr Daffey Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and Timo about the new world of autonomous shipping, using speculated that such vessels could perhaps be Koponen of Wärtsilä. his presentation to point out that, when it comes to deployed to the scene of an accident and be directed The day of the MSC event had been a highly maritime safety, technology is not necessarily better remotely to lower liferafts, but acknowledged that signifi cant one for Rolls-Royce, noted Mr Daffey. In than human decision-making. ‘It’s a misconception there was a great deal of technical and regulatory Finland, just a few hours earlier, the company had that accidents are primarily caused by seafarer error,’ work needed on this. In addition, the panel members Image: Rolls-Royce successfully carried out a voyage demonstrating he said. In fact, he claimed, trained maritime agreed that the international obligation for all vessels As reported at the MSC 100 event, Rolls-Royce and the Finnish state-owned ferry Svan, its new remote-controlled and autonomous professionals onboard ships are much more likely to operator Finferries staged a ‘ground-breaking’ demonstration last month of what to go to the aid of others in distress would need to be ferry navigation system – claimed to be the fi rst of its avert accidents than cause them, and they often step is claimed to be the world’s fi rst fully autonomous ferry. The 54m car ferry Falco revisited. completed a return journey between Parainen and Nauvo under fully autonomous kind. The voyage had been made possible, Mr Daffey in to solve problems caused by faulty technology. control. The vessel detected objects utilising sensor fusion and artifi cial intelligence pointed out, by the Finnish government passing Seafarers will remain indispensable, he stressed. and conducted collision avoidance. It berthed automatically, using a recently To watch a video about Rolls-Royce’s Svan system – including developed autonomous navigation system, with all operations monitored at a shore- legislation to regulate the use of autonomous vessels Mr Koponen said that the main thrust of Wärtsilä’s based remote operating centre, some 50km, away in Turku city centre. the voyage on 3 December 2018 – go to www.youtube.com in the country’s domestic waters. development work was to use ‘augmented reality’ to and search for Svan demonstration Rolls-Royce.

nautilusfederation.org 38 February 2019 February 2019 39 nautilusfederation.org TECHNOLOGY

carefully compare the Noting the potential for commercial viability of minimum safe manning levels to technically disruptive projects.’ be affected by automation, the The industry also needs to report reassures that ‘any determine how staff can be adaptation of manning levels Image: Rolls-Royce trained to obtain new skills and would be carefully fi ltered how existing skills can be passed through international bodies and on to a new generation in future – closely monitored by a variety of with a big question about whether stakeholders. Work and rest hours compulsory sea time will remain would continue to be ruled by relevant. MLC, 2006, national legislation Thought must also be given to and collective bargaining the repercussions for industrial agreements’. relations and collective The researchers also refl ected bargaining agreements, the on the concerns of seafarers from researchers warned. Decisions developing countries, who may may have to be made on whether onboard, and the constitution of fi nd it diffi cult to get work ashore pay scales and pay logic need to the crew’. Research in their home countries should commissioned by be redefi ned. The whole concept of ‘manning’ the International their jobs disappear with The report says the legal is challenged by automation, the Chamber of automation. Shipping predicts repercussions of autonomous report notes, and there are that shore-based The report says many ratings shipping also need careful signifi cant consequences for the centres will join the maritime industry DON’T PANIC increasingly take consideration. ‘Regulators need to responsibilities of a master and over routine ‘following in the footsteps of their defi ne equivalency between the way that ships are regulated operations parents and grandparents, and of ships There has been much speculation will increase the need for highly same time the number of “crew” human-driven action and and insured. are therefore concerned that this about the future role of seafarers in skilled remote-operators on on shore in supporting functions machine-driven action.’ it says. Researchers also highlighted career path may not become shore, pilots of a new kind and will increase, possibly ‘Particular thought needs to be the need for attention to be paid available for their offspring in the the brave new world of autonomous riding gangs to keep high-tech signifi cantly,’ the report says. given to essential notions like the to the future physical and mental future. shipping. But a new study suggests ships operational. ‘This leaves valuable time to “seafarer” if borders between welfare of seafarers. ‘There are ‘It is extremely important to The report paints a particularly adapt training patterns and re- shore-driven and board-driven concerns that as the number of reassure them that there will still there’s no need for alarm. GARY positive picture for offi cers, train experienced seafarers with vessels blur.’ people onboard a vessel be work available onboard which claiming that they have ‘no digital competencies,’ it adds. The report cites the 2018 decreases, their functions are Model tests their future family members can CROSSING reports… of the Yara reason to worry about job However, the researchers raised investigation by the Comité taken by machines and the Birkeland, which apply for,’ it adds, ‘but they need security’. It contends that the a number of important ‘human International Maritime (CMI) into physical demands decrease, is set to be the to be mindful that the type of world’s fi rst oes automation threaten your job? predicted growth in the world element’ questions for the the current regulatory mental demands will increase. autonomous, work available may differ from Earlier this year, a Nautilus merchant fl eet over the next 10 industry to answer, noting how environment for unmanned This will result in less social zero-emissions that which they do today.’ shortsea cargo D Federation survey found that 84% of years will continue the trend of a the traditional roles of personnel autonomous ships. The CMI asks interaction between those vessel and is due In conclusion, the report says maritime professionals believe that growing gap between offi cer onboard and ashore will need to several fundamental questions remaining, leading to issues like to come into that ‘digital transformation will service early in it does. However, a new report questions whether demand and supply – with a be redefi ned. about ‘what constitutes a ship, the loneliness and potentially 2020 be a seamless process rather than seafarers should be worried. forecast defi cit of 147,500 offi cers Owners and operators will need possibility of a master who is not depression,’ the report warns. a disruptive one’, and that there The research was produced by the Hamburg by 2025, despite improved to determine what work needs to will not be a lack of work for School of Business Administration for the recruitment and training levels be done onboard and what work seafarers in the foreseeable future International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) with the and reductions in offi cer wastage can be done remotely, identify – with considerable additional aim of seeking to ‘separate fact from fi ction’. rates over the past fi ve years. which jobs will then become jobs ashore and signifi cant The report – Seafarers and Digital Disruption So, while the digitalisation of available and which qualifi cations training needs. – examines the potential effects of the increased ships may mean that the number will be needed. ICS secretary general Guy autonomy of ships, the digitisation and of crew onboard a vessel falls, the ‘They will have to redefi ne Platten commented: digitalisation of vessel systems, and the digital increase in the world fl eet will roles, communicate, train and re- ‘Encouragingly, the study transformation of ship operations. mean the need for offi cers will train their employees,’ the study indicates that there will be no Its key fi nding is that even if as many as 3,000 remain about the same. ‘At the says. ‘They will also have to shortage of jobs for seafarers, autonomous or semi-autonomous ships are especially offi cers, in the next two introduced by 2025, there will be ‘no shortage of decades. While the size of crews jobs for seafarers in the foreseeable future’. may evolve in response to Rather, it argues, those jobs may alter. For ‘There is time to adapt training technological changes onboard, while the increase in autonomous shipping may patterns and re-train experienced there may also be considerable possibly reduce global demand for seafarers by additional jobs ashore which between 30,000 and 50,000, at the same time it seafarers with digital competencies’ require seafaring experience.’

nautilusfederation.org 40 February 2019 February 2019 41 nautilusfederation.org EDUCATION & TRAINING

and equipment, with ‘The jobs market looks bright, but complementary changes in the training is crucial,’ he argued. ‘Roles NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE purpose and frequency of human onboard and ashore will evolve interventions required,’ Mr operationally and legally, as will the Poulsson added. ‘This will inevitably skills required. Reviewing and change the functions seafarers understanding change is essential perform onboard ships, and the whenever technology is introduced, required skills and training.’ altering how we work. The result The owners also want to see better needs to improve upon today, not processes for enforcing STCW step backwards.’ requirements around the world. Mr Nautilus professional and Poulsson said the ‘so-called STCW technical offi cer David Appleton whitelist’ of nations that have given commented: ‘Nautilus agrees with the IMO evidence of compliance the comments of Mr Poulson ‘now serves very little real purpose regarding the STCW Convention and as it includes everyone, and no one the IMO whitelist. Whilst the is deleted.' industry is getting carried away He added: ‘ICS would not wish to with talk of the imminent arrival of tear up the whitelist without a autonomous or semi-autonomous suitable replacement, but there has ships, recommendations from to be a more transparent and robust accident reports show that shipping monitoring system of national has not yet got to grips with training implementation to ensure that people properly on how to use Why are so many seafarers fi nding that their Simulator training at City of Glasgow STCW continues to deliver equipment that has been around for College. The IMO is being urged to competent and quality seafarers.’ over 20 years. ensure that the STCW Convention hard-won STCW certifi cation isn’t enough to get refl ects advances in training and Mr Poulsson said the owners ‘Mandatory training technology, such as the increased appreciate union concerns over the requirements introduced since the a job? If employers are having to carry out extra use of simulators potential impact of automation on last major revision have tended to checks or run additional courses, then there’s seafaring jobs. But, he added, ‘we be reactive, and invariably place something wrong with the global training changes to accommodate new elements,’ secures its relevance and future. ‘Global challenge any perception that the onus on the seafarer to obtain he argued. ‘This has resulted in STCW supply of quality seafarers, and their shipping will no longer need to a certifi cate to allow them to requirements, an international conference heard becoming top-heavy and cumbersome.’ availability to the world merchant fl eet, recruit and retain skilled and continue their employment,’ he last month… The ICS chairman pointed out that the depend on it,’ he warned. ‘Regional capable persons – in fact, we think added. ‘What the industry needs is diplomatic conference which adopted the requirements constantly threaten global the truth is quite the contrary. not only a complete overhaul of 2010 amendments had passed a standards. Shipping companies and the syllabi to ensure that they autilus has backed a the industry requires – and, in its resolution calling for comprehensive seafarers cannot afford for this threat to remain relevant to modern warning from the head current form, is highly unlikely to revision of the STCW Convention every 10 be realised.’ shipping, but also a mechanism to N of the International deliver them in the future. years – but there is at present no sign of Owners also want to head off the recent allow colleges to update their Chamber of Shipping The Convention was fi rst adopted anything being done to start this process. trend for some new training programmes training programmes in response (ICS) that the global rules governing in 1978 and revised in 1995 and 2010, He noted that the 2010 amendments to be driven by manufacturers and to industry developments without seafarer training and certifi cation when the ‘Manila amendments’ had created signifi cant challenges, with maritime training institutions, the ICS having to wait for amendments need to be radically overhauled. introduced new requirements some countries struggling to update their chairman said. through the bureaucratic IMO Speaking at the CrewConnect including electro-technical offi cer national legislation, approve new courses, He argued that the STCW regime must committee structure. Global conference in Manila, ICS certifi cation, security, safety and put seafarers through new courses and be revised in a way that ensures it keeps ‘If these changes were chairman Esben Poulsson said it leadership and management process new and revalidated certifi cates up with the rapid pace of technological implemented in conjunction with was time for the International training, and high voltage and in time. developments, including increased a system that not only monitors Maritime Organisation (IMO) to ECDIS courses. Against this background, he said the automation of ship systems, equipment apparent minimum compliance kick off a comprehensive review of However, Mr Poulsson questioned lack of movement to revise the convention and operations. ‘It should provide a with the convention – as is the STCW Convention. whether the most recent review had is not surprising – especially as regulatory structure of suffi cient fl exibility and currently the case with the Mr Poulsson said the fact that been suffi ciently comprehensive. efforts at the IMO are concentrating on adaptability to “hit the moving target” of whitelist – but also recognises many shipping companies are ‘The 2010 amendments may have environmental issues. ‘Safety matters, to a changing world fl eet, and may need to International those administrations that offer providing additional training and only been an interim revision, which seafarer training standards are develop a more modular approach to Chamber higher quality training, then we of Shipping requiring supplementary checks adding new training and central, are not receiving the priority training and competency accumulation chairman could ensure the supply of before crew are deployed suggests certifi cation requirements without deserved,’ he stressed. and certifi cation,’ he continued. Esben Poulsson competent seafarers for the future addresses the the convention is currently failing removing outdated requirements or Mr Poulsson said it was vital that the ‘We can certainly anticipate increasing CrewConnect and that quality standards are to deliver the competent seafarers making structural framework convention is updated in a way that authority for decision-making by systems conference constantly driven upwards.’

nautilusfederation.org 42 February 2019 February 2019 43 nautilusfederation.org HEALTH AND SAFETY

Dr Dorothee Dengler, also from Reederei Roth, and software ZfAM, added: ‘Long absences from developer Hanseaticsoft. home and limited communication ‘The system will be available as a opportunities, among other cloud and web-based solution that things, make it diffi cult for can be accessed any time and from seafarers to achieve a healthy any device, as well as an offl ine work-life balance. Behavioural application installed onboard prevention, such as stress vessels. This way, seafarers always management, relaxation and sleep have all information at hand, even competence, strengthens seafarers if there is no internet connection in this situation and increases available,’ Hanseaticsoft CEO their resilience.’ Alexander Buchmann pointed The researchers recognise the out. ‘We can incorporate a lot of challenges posed by shipboard the experiences we gathered while connectivity limitations, and developing our own cloud-based another core aim is to produce system to create a system that technical and content-related is easy to use without any time- promotional materials and to design specifi cations that will consuming training.’ The e-healthy determine which modules will be ensure the onboard platform can He said the project will ship project has most relevant on the IT platform. included studies on prove functional and reliable establish a ‘central pool’ for The project has a major focus on containerships and in a variety of circumstances. seafarers to manage illnesses stress and fi tness, and one of its bulk carriers Experts are looking into the onboard, as well as administering CONNECTING core aims is to provide seafarers idea of developing the system medications. Crew members will with training and support to cope in a modular way, so shipping be able to access the platform with the intense demands of their companies can adapt it to their independently, enter cases of work, as well as addressing the specifi c needs and technical illness, look up appropriate impact of factors such as noise, requirements. medicine, and manage stock in the TO CARE vibration, and separation from The idea of using short ship’s medicine chest. family and friends. standardised protocols for Dr Oldenburg said the Researchers say they want the telemedicine communications researchers recognised that it project to empower seafarers between ship and shore is also would be a big challenge is to gain Could digital technology be used to deliver better health and safety for seafarers? – giving them greater control being explored, and a later stage of the attention, interest and trust That’s the question being examined in a major EU-funded project which seeks to over shipboard health, reducing the project will involve testing the of the crews – but they have been the administrative burden and e-health platform on four selected delighted that participation rates improve at-sea healthcare. ANDREW LININGTON reports… offering e-learning opportunities ships. The project team want to see have been as high as 95%. – and they are planning to produce how the platform will be used over ‘It is emphasised that every ood progress has cut paperwork and simplify examining their health, nutrition a range of training materials a 10-month period by masters part of our research is entirely e-healthy ship been reported on the onboard documentation and fi tness levels. The work has designed to motivate seafarers and offi cers and to identify any voluntary, and all collected data is researchers are G four-year e-healthy requirements, as well as helping to involved the collection of such to develop a greater awareness Motion tracking a elements that need to be modifi ed. treated absolutely confi dentially,’ pictured above seafarer at work ship project, which open up telemedicine capabilities. data as heart rates, blood and skin of nutrition, exercise and he added. preparing to start to investigate their As well as ZfAM, partners in was launched in 2017 to develop their shipboard The initiative is supported condition, UV exposure, the use ergonomics. activity levels while the project include the shipping ‘However, after fi nishing the innovative technologies for studies by the European Regional of 3D technology to track activity PD Dr (Med) Marcus at sea companies Peter Döhle and third examination aboard I can helping seafarers get quick and Development Fund (ERDF) and and movement patterns during Oldenburg, from the Institute conclude that the crews of the easy access to vital information the funding programme of the work and leisure periods, the for Occupational and Maritime three test vessels cooperated about health and medical issues. Hamburg Ministry of Health monitoring of daily food intake, Medicine (ZfAM), is one of four extremely well, offered us deep The ultimate goal of the €1.86m and Consumer Protection, and and sleep duration and quality. researchers visiting the three insights into their daily life, initiative is to develop an onboard is being carried out by a team of Crews are being asked ships taking part in the project, supported our work and tried electronic platform – centrally occupational and shipping medical to complete anonymous and he underlined the importance to make our stay onboard as accessible through PCs, tablets and experts, software developers and questionnaires about well- of improving seafarers’ health. comfortable as possible.’ phones – to enable seafarers to shipping companies. being and mental health. The ‘There are long and hard-working get advice and support with such In the fi rst phase of the results should show the levels of days and exhausting night For more on the e-healthy things as emergency care, medical project, researchers carried out knowledge about health topics shifts,’ he pointed out. ‘Often the ship project, visit treatment, vaccinations, hygiene, shipboard studies onboard two among different cultural groups work has to be done under time www.e-healthy-ship.eu training and nutrition. containerships and a bulk carrier, onboard, enabling scientists to pressure due to port stays, tides (website available in German It is hoped the platform could assessing seafarers’ needs and develop targeted health-related and loading.’ and English versions)

nautilusfederation.orgsfederation.org 44 February 2019 February 2019 45 nautilusfederation.org HEALTH & SAFETY

wider society about mental health scope could be expanded to One of the interviewees for the issues. As a result, ISWAN started incorporate mental health, along fi lm was a cadet who talked about looking at the issues more closely, with bullying and harassment. his experience off-camera. His honing its 24-hour hotline services Ms Vaughan confi rmed that initial seagoing experience had for seafarers experiencing mental ISWAN has been dealing with an been on a training ship, but then he health issues and updating the increase in ‘emotional support calls’. found himself on a chemical tanker advice it gives out. These particularly came from cadets with a crew that were a different Colin Payne, who recently retired who were unprepared for life at sea nationality. Mr Purkis explained as HR director of Swire Pacifi c or found that it was not what they that the cadet had found the reality Offshore, said P&I clubs have expected. of seafaring life to be a shock, and produced evidence to show the cost Mr Payne added that there was a he had relied on his external of accidents and incidents arising danger of turning seafarers into community through his social from mental health problems. He victims, when they were not. They media connections, keeping in also highlighted the impact of do work in a tough environment, he touch with classmates who got him changes in crewing policies, with agreed, and there is a lot more that through the experience. seafarers now serving on ships could be done including measuring Mr Sjöstrand said a happy ship is with up to 20 different resilience, coaching and preparing one where the basics have been got nationalities, meaning the ‘little the person to thrive in the right, including salaries being paid village’ onboard has gone. His environment. It would be easy, he on time, good food, decent cabins, company had tried to stop having suggested, to engage with colleges and a gym as well as the internet. ‘the United Nations’ on every ship, in this respect. That said, a crew member could to try and get the community spirit have all those things, but with KEEPING SPIRITS KVH senior vice going again. president Mark colleagues or a captain not behaving Mats Sjöstrand, a chief offi cer at Woodhead properly, or showing poor K.Line, said one approach might be leadership, the crew member would to ensure that if there were mixed be depressed anyway. UP AT SEA crews, one nationality was not in an The overall message from the overwhelming majority. Another launch event remains that talking is Nautilus has helped to develop a free training package to help seafarers cope with the issue to be considered is that suicide key to solving the problem. rates among men have generally The KVH Videotel mental health and wellbeing challenges of shipboard life. SANDRA SPEARES heard at the training package increased a great deal. Men are not Seafarers' Health For further information, and to obtain October launch event why this is considered so important… so good at expressing their feelings and Wellbeing Seafarers’ Mental Health and was launched at Wellbeing www.videotel.com/ and are more prone to experience a London event in , visit problems, he noted. ‘The macho October seafarerwellbeing ttitudes to mental and maintaining good than they would be likely to fi nd on culture is still there in a way.’ health have come a relationships. It also offers guidance land’. Charles Boyle, director of Nautilus A long way in recent on sources of support, such as the The director of the video in the legal services, said there are years, and seafarers’ 24/7 multilingual helpline and chat package, Keith Purkis, said the statistics which suggest seafarers welfare has been pushed up the service at www.seafarerhelp.org programme did something that had suffer higher than average suicide agenda – but more needs to be done, and the port-based seafarers’ not been done before: giving rates. The Union had supported experts have cautioned. centres run by maritime welfare seafarers a voice and the research which showed the impact The warning came at the charities such as the Mission to opportunity to discuss mental of issues such as fatigue, social International Shipowning & Seafarers and Apostleship of the health issues and how to cope with isolation, not being paid on time, Shipmanagement Summit in Sea. being at sea. and family problems. Crew London as KVH Videotel launched At the launch event, KVH senior ‘Seafarers tend to know how members will now often spend its new training package Seafarers’ vice president Mark Woodhead said tough their lot is; they don’t more time on the internet than Mental Health and Wellbeing, the subject of mental health was necessarily need to be reminded of socialising onboard with colleagues, which has been produced in close to his heart because of a it,’ he pointed out. What was he added. collaboration with a number of personal childhood experience. The important with this project, he Mr Boyle explained that while the industry organisations, including initiative had attracted strong stressed, was that seafarers were Maritime Labour Convention Nautilus. support from throughout the actually talking to seafarers. contains a fair amount of content Available free of charge, the industry, he added, and refl ected the So why is this topic being relating to seafarers’ physical health package includes a short video, fact that ‘seafarers face unique discussed now? Caitlin Vaughan of and wellbeing, mental health issues facilitator notes and information working conditions which can put the International Seafarers’ Welfare were not covered at present. The booklets, and gives advice on such them under tremendous stress, Assistance Network (ISWAN) said Convention is due to be further things as rest, diet, team activities, with fewer opportunities for relief there is a lot more discussion in amended, he pointed out, and its

nautilusfederation.org 46 February 2019 February 2019 47 nautilusfederation.org WELFARE

and it is quite diffi cult to get it to buy into the concept of Mission to Seafarers secretary general Revd Andrew spending money on the crew,’ he added. ‘However, the Wright said his charity is keen to get involved in welfare of crew is much more of an issue now and people the superyacht sector. He has personal connections are paying more attention to the crew as an asset, rather with the industry, as his daughter has served as a than just something you have to have onboard.’ stewardess for more than a decade – but he admitted Report author Dr Olivia Swift told the launch event: that superyachts have ‘slipped under the radar’ of ‘For many people, work on superyachts is a dream job and traditional maritime welfare agencies. everything they could hope for. We are not here to dispute Mr Wright said he was concerned that some crew that, but there is a murkier side to the industry that needs considered that they had to keep their religious to be looked at.’ beliefs a secret, and said it was disturbing that many Dr Swift said the report aims to fi ll a gap in knowledge are presently unable to access shore-based seafarer about the needs of superyacht seafarers and identify the centres that could offer a quiet space for refl ection or most effective measures to support them. Compared with provide spiritual support. Findings from other maritime professionals, the welfare of superyacht He said the Mission has a number of ideas for the 2018 ISWAN welfare seafarers has received scant attention, she noted, but supporting superyacht crews – including the survey of many crew experience similar issues to the commercial potential for providing facilities in major yachting superyacht crew sector – such as long hours, stress, social isolation, and job ports and undertaking vessel visits. insecurity. Tackling some of the challenges identifi ed by the TROUBLETROUBLE ININ report would help with recruitment and retention, as well as improving mental and physical health, morale and wellbeing, she added. 75% of respondents Mr McGowan welcomed the research results and said often or always work more than the Union will seek to ensure that there is action on the their contracted hours PARADISE recommendations. Nautilus wants to see a successful and sustainable superyacht industry, he added, and it works closely with sector partners to address issues such as Superyacht crews have often been seen as a breed apart from their commercial safety, welfare and professionalism – but the sector needs shipping counterparts, enjoying glamorous lifestyles where the sun always shines. to devote some of its substantial resources to supporting 45% said they the welfare needs of crew. sometimes, always or often However, as ANDREW LININGTON heard last month, some familiar problems ‘The industry will struggle as long as some emerge when you ask the right questions… unscrupulous owners and managers see crew as suff er from social isolation expendable and a readily replaceable source of labour for or loneliness autilus has backed a new research report The report recommends a range of measures to improve their vessels,’ he pointed out. Members of the which recommends wide-ranging action to industry panel support for superyacht crews, including raising awareness Nicola Morgan, from wilsonhalligan, said recent N improve the standards of welfare support for at the launch of of the help that organisations such as ISWAN and Nautilus research from the Professional Yachting Association had the ISWAN report seafarers serving in the superyacht sector. into superyacht can offer, looking at the potential to create shore-based shown the scale of sexual harassment problems, and there 82% had International organiser Danny McGowan was part of an crew welfare. L-R: social and recreational centres for crew, enhancing is a need to have someone onboard who is available to Karen Passman, experienced low crew morale expert industry panel at the December 2018 Peter Dudzinski, onboard space and facilities, improving rotation patterns discuss problems with on a confi dential basis. ‘This is a launch of the report, which has been published by the Nicola Morgan, and increasing opportunities for rest and relaxation. wonderful industry, but like any other one there is room sometimes, often or always Danny McGowan, International Seafarers’ Welfare & Assistance Network (ISWAN). and Richard It also points to the need to provide new recruits with to improve,’ she added. ‘There are issues to deal with, but I The study draws on survey responses from more than Le Quesne better knowledge about what to expect in the job and think we are on the right track.’ 400 superyacht masters, offi cers and crew. Key fi ndings calls for a review of grievance procedures ‘to offer an Peter Dudzinski, from MHG Insurance Brokers, said in the 44-page report include: alternative model not dependent on chain of command’. insurance claims show evidence of mental health • 45% of respondents said they had suffered from social The report also suggests that there is scope for owners and problems among crew, and he suggested there should be isolation sometimes, often or always management companies to contribute to the funding of mechanisms in place to help seafarers before conditions 79% of respondents • 80% of females and 54% of males reported suffering organisations providing welfare support. deteriorate. ‘A lot of female crew in particular are being were on permanent contracts from one or more episodes of work-related stress ISWAN executive director Roger Harris said the research signed off with no real prospect of coming back,’ he added. • 53% of females and 30% of males had experienced had been commissioned in response to concerns about ‘Sometimes, crew are fearful at the end of their career in bullying, harassment or discrimination sometimes, the welfare of crew. ‘We have been getting an increasing the sector and they don’t know where to go next.’ often or always number of calls from superyacht seafarers,’ he added. Impact Crew founder Karen Passman said research had • 82% had experienced low crew morale sometimes, often or ‘Although the numbers are not big, the trend is upwards, shown the importance of onboard culture and leadership always and we wanted to better understand the needs of crews.’ development – with 64% of junior crew moving on as a 74% wanted • almost half said they had religious or spiritual needs MHG Insurance Brokers CEO Andrew Dudzinski said his direct result of their experiences of leadership. ‘All too more reliable internet which are not always met at sea or in port company had worked with ISWAN on the research after often, they will end up leaving the industry prematurely • 55% of respondents were aware of illegal drug use noticing an increase in traumatic accidents and suicides due to the working environment they fi nd themselves in,’ connection onboard among crew involving crew. ‘The industry is rooted in the stone age she added.

nautilusfederation.org 48 February 2019 February 2019 49 nautilusfederation.org WELFARE

is important to human health and Findings of the 2011 and that almost half the seafarers with wellbeing,’ the report notes, ‘and internet onboard are unhappy with for one in 10 seafarers to lack access 2016 SIRC surveys connection speeds and only 44% to natural light in their cabins is had ‘video chat’ possibilities. ‘These disturbing, particularly given that 2011 2016 results are disappointing, as they engineers and engine ratings spend reveal that even where internet most of their working time inside % % connections are made available spaces that do not have access to 7 11 to seafarers these are of a limited natural light.’ nature and fall short of shore-based of seafarers said they of seafarers said they Some 60% of seafarers say they could never go ashore could never go ashore in standards where video calls are are disturbed by noise in their in port in 2011 port in 2016 now commonplace,’ the report cabins for some or all of the time – adds. with the rates rising to 72% on the Email access also increased, smallest ships and 73% on Chinese- % % but seafarers who were charged built vessels. 61 49 for email and internet services The proportion complaining of reported a substantial rise in of seafarers reported of seafarers reported no hourly charges – from an average of SLOWSLOW BBUTUT SSTEADYTEADY PPROGRESSROGRESS being disturbed by vibration in no internet access internet access onboard their cabins fell from 63% in 2011 to onboard in 2011 in 2016 US$4.792 in 2011 to $19.607 in 2016. 59% in 2016. The vast majority of seafarers Academics at the Seafarers International Research Centre have just fi nished crunching the numbers on In 2016, 13% of seafarers said they (97%) said they took their own their latest cargoship crew welfare survey, and their comparisons between onboard conditions in 2011 were not able to get adequate rest % % mobile phone to sea with them – and 2016 make for interesting reading. ANDREW LININGTON reports... very often or ever – down from 19% and the mean number of days per since 2011. But the numbers who 12 19 month that they were unable to get iving and working group where the majority had 2011 to 34% in 2016, and with a described their rest as inadequate of seafarers reported of seafarers reported a signal rose from 15.23 days in 2011 free and unlimited free and unlimited conditions for many of permanent contracts. particularly marked fall among all of the time rose from 35% to 53% internet access onboard internet access onboard to 17.51 in 2016. L the world’s seafarers In 2011, 55% of seafarers said younger offi cers. over the same period. in 2011 in 2016 Researchers said there appears remain ‘challenging’, they worked tours of duty of six Seafarers reported a fall in the The report notes that well over to have been little change over the and the industry needs to do much months or longer – but in 2016 mean number of hours worked 90% of seafarers said they were fi ve-year period in the provision more to improve key elements the proportion had fallen to just while in port – from 10.276 in 2011 provided with standard personal % % of equipment and facilities such of life at sea if it is serious about 34%. However, Chinese seafarers to 9.755 in 2016. Average daily protective equipment, such as 65 64 as computer terminals, karaoke tackling concerns over the mental reported an increase in their tour hours worked at sea also reduced, safety shoes, coveralls, ear plugs reported that their ship reported that their ship machines, and games. Two-thirds health of crew, a new study has lengths – with almost two-thirds from 9.483 in 2011 to 9.164 in 2016. and goggles. However, much lower had a budget for social/ had a budget for social/ of seafarers in 2016 reported access warned. working for six months or more at Almost three-quarters of seafarers levels of provision were reported recreational activities recreational activities to a gym onboard, 27% had access in 2011 in 2016 Some 75% of seafarers still serve a time. still work seven days a week. for things like sun block, malaria to a basketball court and 22% had on temporary contracts that cause The study also found that The proportion of seafarers tablets and mosquito repellent. swimming pools. fi nancial instability, almost half seafarers got more leave in 2016 sharing cabins dropped from 14% Pointing to research showing % % The report says that while there have no pension contributions than they did fi ve years earlier – to 10% over the fi ve-year period a rise in levels of psychological have been some very important from their employers, and one in 10 with the average rising from 75.68 and those with no access to private problems being suffered by 43 56 improvements in areas such as say they are never able to go ashore, days a year to 86.29 days a year. bathroom facilities onboard seafarers, the report stresses of seafarers described of seafarers described contracts and communications, the research shows. Around 47% of seafarers said reduced from 24% to 21% in the the importance of recreational the quality of food the quality of food there has been much less progress onboard as good or very onboard as good or very On the plus side, researchers their company did not pay pension same timescale. activities and calls for the issues to good in 2011 good in 2016 in reducing the ‘institutional found that average tours of duty contributions, 40% said the Researchers said there had been be addressed as a matter of urgency. nature’ of living arrangements and have fallen signifi cantly over the company did pay and 13% had no little change in levels of satisfaction ‘Facilities which allow seafarers recreational provision onboard. period, daily working hours have idea what their employer did about with cabin sizes, with just over the opportunity for mental % % ‘This is particularly serious declined and overall levels of pensions. one-quarter of crews saying they restoration are extremely limited given the concerns about seafarers’ internet access have increased. The study found a decline in were not happy – and those serving onboard cargo ships when 24 33 mental wellbeing that have been Produced by the Seafarers trade union membership levels on vessels built in South Korea compared to workers ashore,’ the described the quality of described the quality of raised by industry bodies such as the seafaring lifestyle the seafaring lifestyle International Research Centre among seafarers – from 40% in signifi cantly happier with cabin report adds. ‘This has consequences as good or very good as good or very good in the UK P&I Club and also in the at Cardiff University, the report size than those on Japanese or for the mental wellbeing of in 2011 2016 context of declining opportunities is based on feedback from two Chinese-built ships. seafarers and deserves far greater for shore leave whilst serving time surveys of more than 1,500 In 2016, almost two-thirds of attention from ship operators and at sea,’ it concludes. seafarers carried out in 2011 and seafarers said they could control regulators, as both an issue to the % % 'Contracts and communications 2016. the temperature within their right to decent working and living 31 42 The Working and Living Conditions of Only one-quarter of seafarers cabins, 57% said they could control conditions and as an issue of safety.’ Seafarers on Cargo Ships in the Period have improved, but living of seafarers described of seafarers described said they were employed on a electric light levels and 90% had Although levels of internet access their work satisfaction their work satisfaction 2011-2016 is available to download permanent basis – and British conditions are much the same' access to natural light in their have risen signifi cantly over the as good or very good as good or very good free of charge from the SIRC website: in 2011 in 2016 seafarers were the only national cabin. ‘Natural light and a window fi ve-year period, researchers found www.sirc.cf.ac.uk.

nautilusfederation.org 50 February 2019 February 2019 51 nautilusfederation.org