LAW HEALTH AND SAFETY EDUCATION AND TRAINING INDUSTRY MLC is still Insurers warn economic Project seeks to Time for employers to in force despite impact of pandemic could future-proof training for stand together and say Covid-19 downgrade ship safety maritime professionals no to port corruption the global seafarerVolume 4 | Number 4 | October 2020

ENFORCING YOUR RIGHTS Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry ‒ the ‘Mother of the Maritime Labour Convention’ ‒ adds her voice to the trade unionists demanding seafarers’ legal rights in the crew change crisis CONTENTS FOREWORD

the global Volume 4 | Number 4 | October 2020

COMMENT 3  The flag of convenience system is the root of Comment many evils, says general secretary seafarer Mark Dickinson Current events are shining a light on the HEALTH AND SAFETY absurdity of the flag of convenience system, says 4  ITF repatriates seafarers after five detentions Nautilus Federation director Mark Dickinson in the UK 14 5 Major review needed for super-sized he global crew change crisis worsens, containerships despite a well-intended UK initiative 6 Medical care at ports due to pandemic T to galvanise key governments to restrictions is a global health emergency act. Over 300,000 seafarers are effectively being forced to work way beyond the 7 Risks of working alone highlighted by fatality maximum time permissible under the Maritime and MV Wakashio oil spill, Union warns Labour Convention (MLC). It is of profound sadness against the criminalisation of the crew to me that governments continue to flout their 22 Pandemic could reverse positive safety trends obligations to our seafarers. We will need to bring The ultimate culprits in all these unfolding 25 Growing concerns over the failure of these governments to account, however long it tragedies are flags of convenience (FoCs) and open maritime authorities to enforce regulations takes. registers. While proponents of the system dole In Lebanon, we witnessed the shocking out sticking plasters and point the finger hither INTERNATIONAL explosion in the Port of Beirut. I hope a thorough and thither, they avoid the plain truth, and the 8 Philippines takes action on crew relief investigation is conducted to discover the root underlying issues remain untreated. This is a causes. The authorities seem to have been systemic failing that undermines any attempt 9 Detain ships to stop humanitarian crisis shockingly complacent and failed to heed warnings at accountability or effective governance of the 10 Unions stand with the workers and people about cargo stored in the port. It seems clear too shipping industry. of Beirut how the ammonium nitrate got there, but how was Your average Author Ian Urbina, in an article for the Canadian 11 No more contract extensions, says ITF it possible that the M/V Rhosus and its crew were FoC is a fat National Post, identifies the true cause of the Beirut 12 Cayman register say crew should be abandoned and the alleged Russian owner able to lot of good explosion as: ‘Lax rules and a maritime bureaucracy paid during quarantine walk away? Why was Moldova the flag state of a designed more to protect anonymity and secrecy Russian-owned, Cypriot based company? These are when things of shipowners than to enable oversight and NAUTILUS AT WORK some of the essential questions that need an answer go wrong ... transparency of the industry.’ 10 if we are to truly understand the circumstances He observes the absurdity of the FoC system: 13 Governments can no longer hide behind We are Force Majeure for crew changes that led to this tragedy and learn any lessons. ‘The company collecting the fees for the right to In Mauritius ,an emergency has been declared weaker, less fly a certain flag is also responsible for policing its 17 22 EDUCATION AND TRAINING by the government as the stranded Panamanian- resilient and customers, ensuing they abide by safety, labour and registered Japanese-owned bulk carrier Wakashio environmental rules, and conducting investigations 14 EU-funded SkillSea project looks at training for is spewing its fuel oil into the Indian Ocean, our seafarers when things go wrong. But in practice, flags of seafarers using the technology in the future 25 threatening the fragile marine ecosystem. It was are exposed convenience create a perverse incentive for ship INDUSTRY reported that the Mauritian government has because operators to shop around for the most lax registries.’ appealed to France to assist with the disaster Shipping companies still turn to the countries 17 The laws around port corruption problems response, which prompted a renowned expert on FoCs exist where they are ultimately based when they need

LAW the Panamanian ship register to ponder on social government assistance. Whether it be naval media why the Japanese government had not been protection, piracy response, oil spill response, state 20 COVER STORY: MLC is still in force and some asked to help. aid, funding to survive a pandemic or consular seafarers are illegally denied rights to relief Not wanting to let such a huge dollop of irony intervention with crew changes, your average FoC is and repatriation go to waste, I suggested that, since the vessel’s flag a fat lot of good when things go wrong, and no one is Panama, and the United Nations Convention of seems to pay attention when the seafarers onboard the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) makes it abundantly want to go home. Published by Nautilus International clear where the responsibility lies, the point is why Our traditional maritime nations are weaker, less on behalf of Panama was not leaping into action? Safe to say said resilient, and our seafarers exposed because FoCs expert was not happy with my attempt to highlight exist. It is time for a renewed debate about their the true culprit in this awful tragedy. insidious impact.

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Find your ship’s MSC Zoe: fundamental safety questions raised Free mental safety data online about the ‘super-sizing’ of containerships health support Do you want to know more about the The Seafarers Hospital Society (SHS) ship you work on? has renewed its contract with online Do you want to know if your ship is mental health service Big White Wall covered by an ITF agreement? for another year, in response to the Do you want details of your ship’s Covid-19 pandemic. safety record? SHS has been funding Big White Wall’s free, anonymous seafarer If so, you might want to visit service since 2016, but the support www.equasis.org for free ship ITF steps in to repatriate seafarers offered is particularly relevant to information. maritime professionals during this This website provides free after five vessels detained in UK exceptionally challenging time. searchable ship information ‘It’s a tough job at the best of including ownership details and The International Transport Workers’ Federation As of mid-July, some crew members had times,’ said the Society’s chief port state control (PSC) inspections. (ITF) has been working to repatriate thousands been repatriated and some monies had been Super-sized containership executive officer Sandra Welch, ‘but It also includes important ITF of desperate crew stuck onboard five vessels paid. ‘However, the matter is far from over,’ ITF now, with so many seafarers information including details of any detained in the UK for Maritime Labour Inspectorate coordination supervisor Finlay safety ‘needs major review’ working well beyond the normal ITF agreement that exists onboard, Convention (MLC) breaches. McIntosh said. contract period, the strain is a summary of the last recorded crew UK port state control boarded and detained Unions and charities stepped up efforts to help Radical action to improve boxship safety has and accelerations, contact or close contact with beginning to show.’ list, the date and location of last ITF Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV)-owned, 47 crew who went on a hunger strike after being been demanded by a joint investigation into an the seabed, green water and slamming. There have been several reported inspection. Portuguese-flagged Astoria on 19 June. stuck on board Astoria without pay. The mainly incident off the Dutch coast when more than 340 The main cause of the container losses was suicides and suicide attempts in You must register to access this The Maritime and Coastguard Agency Indian crew demanded wages owed to them and boxes were lost by the 19,244TEU MSC Zoe. the high stability at which the ship was sailing recent weeks onboard ships information. (MCA) also detained four other CMV ships, the repatriation home in mid-June, after weeks of The Dutch, German and Panamanian report in a beam sea in shallow water conditions. The stranded offshore or in port, and Bahamas-flagged Astor, Colombus and Vasco de pleas to their employer proved fruitless. raises a series of fundamental safety questions ship’s metacentric height (GM), a core criteria of suicide is now the foremost cause of How to register Gama at Tilbury, and Marco Polo at Bristol. The crew on Astoria had become increasingly about the ‘super-sizing’ of containerships, stability, was typical of ULCSs, the report notes. death amongst seafarers. 1. Go to www.equasis.org MCA inspectors found expired and invalid concerned for their welfare after the cook died warning that operations are outpacing The effects of high GM are underestimated. Seafarers are a resilient bunch, 2. Select ‘Registration’ from the top Seafarer Employment Agreements, late payment of a heart attack, ITF reported. Crew medication regulations and recommending a review of the ‘High stability is a safety risk that has not been Ms Welch acknowledged, and some of the screen. of wages and crew who had been onboard for over was running low and one crew member concept of lashing containers on deck. recognised and formalised in the International may think mental health support 3. If you agree to the terms and 12 months without respite. attempted suicide. In January 2019, a total of 342 containers – two Maritime Organization (IMO) Intact Stability isn’t for them. conditions, select ‘Accept’ at the Some 1,449 seafarers were on the five ships On July 20 CMV was placed in receivership filled with dangerous goods – were swept off the Code and documents, as the Stability Booklet. ‘But we’re living in unprecedented bottom of the page. from Indonesia, India, Myanmar and Mauritius. after failing to secure financing. Panama-flagged ultra-large containership (ULCS) Current limits are only set for a minimum GM.’ times, and that means we need to do 4. A registration form will appear. in winds up to Force 9 and waves up to 11m high. The length and operational GM of ULCSs things very differently. No-one needs Enter your preferred username and Time pressure a factor in cargo loading accident The lost containers had led to severe damage like MSC Zoe exceed the valid ranges of most to know – it’s all entirely anonymous password, and enter your name, to the environment in the Dutch and German international technical regulations and standards and confidential. We don’t know address, email and any other Time pressure may have been One of the men suffered ‘The lifting gear had been Wadden Sea – an area on the UN World Heritage for calculation of accelerations. who’s using the service, and that’s details. one of the factors leading to an serious head injuries and had to stowed in the cargo hold List – and presented a hazard to other vessels. There is a greater risk of loss of boxes, both in how it should be.’ 5. You will receive confirmation that accident in which two seafarers undergo extensive specialist ventilation duct space, where it MSC Zoe’s containers had been lost in at least terms of the probability and scale of the effects Time is of the essence, she added. registration is complete and you can were injured during cargo treatment in Glasgow, before was known to have snagged six separate occasions on the night of 1 January. of such an incident, as the size of containerships ‘We really need to get the word out, begin using the Ship Search service. operations in the Scottish port of eventually being repatriated to before,’ the report notes. Only one of these was witnessed by the crew – continues to increase. The concept of lashing now more than ever. Campbeltown last year. recover at home in China. ‘The crew could have stopped who initially estimated that only 30 had gone containers on the deck of such large and wide ‘So, tell your colleagues, tell How to use the service The two crew were struck by The UK Marine Accident the procedure but had a overboard. ‘If the crew had noticed the first loss, vessels needs to be reviewed, and international your crew, tell your mates. Help is You can search for a ship by name, lifting gear used to move cargo Investigation Branch (MAIB) collective desire to get the task the necessary mitigating actions could have technical and operational standards should be available – act now, before it’s call sign or International Maritime hold hatch covers after the found that the two ABs had been done; a “can do” attitude. been taken and further container losses possibly amended or developed where necessary. too late.’ Organization number. suspended load became snagged standing in the hazardous fall ‘The deck preparations had avoided,’ the report adds. Regulations governing design limits of cargo When you search for a ship, the and a fibre sling failed during zone beneath the suspended been delayed by adverse winds The 192,237gt ship had been exposed to a range securing equipment, approved loading and Big White Wall is available online main page will display: work to load a cargo of wind load, ready to guide the load and there was pressure to of hydrodynamic phenomena during the passage stability conditions, the consideration of shallow 24/7 and is free to all seafarers and • ship information – name, ship type, turbine towers onboard the clear of snagging hazards during prepare the vessel for the cargo through the Terschelling-German Bight traffic water effects and speed on ship motions and their families. Users have access to flag, build year 11,619gt Zea Servant. the lift. loading.’ separation scheme, including extreme motions accelerations and forces should be revised. trained counsellors, self-help • management – details of materials, a support network and ownership 24/7 HELP FOR MEMBERS SHIPPING FORECAST GIVE BACK FAIR TREATMENT APP one-to-one therapy. • classification societies Nautilus 24/7 helps Nautilus members in It’s back! The BBC Shipping Forecast is returning You can now volunteer with HM Coastguard as a Download now to record emergencies. Available To access the service, go to the • safety management emergencies round the clock: to normal broadcast times and radio frequencies: Coastguard rescue officer: in either iTunes or Android Playstore Seafarers Hospital Society website • P&I insurers’ information Skype (username nautilus-247) bit.ly/ShippingForecastBack www.gov.uk/guidance/volunteering-for-mca www.nautilusint.org www.seahospital.org.uk

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Elevator fatality Seafarers invited warning signs to take part in global research Australian authorities have expressed concern about accidents involving mapping health ship elevator systems, following an and wellbeing investigation into a fatal incident Avoidable tragedy: a Filipino deckhand died when he fell 12m on the 8,620gt Fortunagracht Image: Onderzoeksraad onboard a containership. Seafarers are invited to take part The electrotechnical officer (ETO) Fatal fall on Dutch cargoship in a joint research project on their onboard the Singapore-flagged OOCL experiences during the Covid-19 Kuala Lumpur died after becoming pandemic being carried out by UK, trapped between a bulkhead and the highlights risks of working alone Swedish and Australian universities. top of the ship’s personnel lift cage Dutch safety officials have warned seafarers of the Seafarers should ‘call each other immediately The 20-minute online survey while he was testing the system after risks of working alone following an investigation to account if those actions are not in line with the – Global seafarers during the repairs as the 68,904gt vessel was Medical care failures ‘a into a fatal accident on a general cargoship. safety agreements,’ the report said. COVID-19 pandemic – is intended preparing to enter Port Botany, New A Filipino deckhand died when he fell 12m after A risk assessment would have identified that for all seafarers working on vessels South Wales, in June 2018. global health emergency’ opening a door into one of the holds of the 8,620gt the hold was empty, unlit areas should not be with an International Maritime The Australian Transport Safety Spliethoff vessel Fortunagracht while preparing to entered with a torch, and it was not safe to work Organization (IMO) number. Board investigation was unable to Seafarers being denied access to medical care at the injured or sick seafarers or the ship has been load the ship in Puerto de Sucre, Venezuela. alone. An international team of determine the exact circumstances ports due to pandemic restrictions is putting lives inexplicably turned away before arriving in port. Investigators found that the seafarer had been There were insufficient precautions to prevent researchers from the University of the accident. However, for the at risk and is a global health emergency, Nautilus Several international regulations provide clear looking for stacking cones in the hold entrance, someone from stepping through a door opening of Queensland (Australia), Royal general secretary Mark Dickinson said. and mandatory provisions on medical care, and equipped with just a small flashlight while the into a hold with no tweendeck when the deck Holloway University of London (UK), ‘We are extremely concerned that medical assistance to facilitate the movement of seafarers, lights in the area were switched off. The lighting configuration was changed to meet cargo needs. Uppsala University (Sweden) and the assistance, especially when most of the requests including the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), could only be switched on from the bridge, to Although the ship’s safe working manual World Maritime University (Sweden) are for reasons not linked to Covid-19, is being the Convention on Facilitation of International reduce the risks of sparking with certain cargoes. required doors leading to the holds to be fully is undertaking the research. denied. Seafarers are not a health risk for the Maritime Traffic (FAL), Standards of Training, The deckhand had been carrying out ad hoc closed and locked before pontoons were removed, The aim of the study is to map population they encounter during their sailings Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) and The tasks which were poorly discussed in advance with the report says supervision of this was insufficient seafarers’ experiences during the from port to port. They must not be forgotten as Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). the bosun and not reported to the duty officer. onboard Fortunagracht. pandemic and the challenges they are facing, potential effects on The OOCL Kuala Lumpur container countries move towards easing their lockdowns. Yet the very same countries that have ratified vessel entering Freemantle harbour in 2018 ‘Access to medical facilities for seafarers is a these conventions have breached them, leaving Union warns of ‘trial by public opinion’ wellbeing and mental health. Other Image: Wikimedia Commons fundamental right.’ seafarers’ lives at risk. factors that might mitigate potential accident to have occurred, the ETO Disturbing information has been received by ‘Seafarers have been discriminated against after Mauritius oil spill negative effects, such as the support must have moved from the safe zone, the International Transport Workers Federation by states not implementing the provisions Nautilus International has warned against the they receive from organisations on the elevator control had to have been (ITF) regarding desperate situations of seafarers of these conventions,’ Mr Dickinson said. criminalisation of crew aboard the MV Wakashio, shore and resilience from positive changed from manual to auto, and the unable to be medically assisted or evacuated, ‘Most worrying is that these states have set a a Panamanian-registered, Japanese-owned bulk interactions on board will also be elevator called. when they have been provided with a professional precedent that raises the question about the carrier that ran aground off the coast of Mauritius reviewed. Key safety barriers prescribed in the diagnosis by radio or tele-medical practices. authority these conventions have if they can be on Saturday 25 July. The study is seeking a wide electrical work permit were not put in The port where the ship is to call has refused so blatantly disregarded. The Union called for a full investigation into range of experiences from as many MV Wakashio was carrying nearly 4,000 place before the work began. There the incident and for the government of Panama to tonnes of fuel en route from China to Brazil seafarers as possible. The results had been no warning announcement step up to its flag state responsibilities. when it struck a reef on Pointe d’Esny from confidential contributions will and there were no warning signs Notable rise in medicals failed due to mental health Nautilus general secretary Mark Dickinson carrying nearly 4,000 tons of fuel en route from be used to make recommendations posted at elevator access doors – said: ‘We stand in solidarity with the crew of the China to Brazil when it struck a reef on Pointe to improve life at sea. meaning that an elevator call could be Medics have raised concerns over during seafarer medicals in the 325 last year. Crew found to have MV Wakashio. There must not be a trial by public d’Esny, a known sanctuary for rare wildlife. made while work was underway. a marked increase in seafarers past six years. severe anxiety, depression or opinion. A full — and independent — accident Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth ITF crew change Supervision and communications failing UK medical examinations Last year, a total of 297 other symptoms likely to impair investigation must be carried out by the relevent announced a state of emergency after satellite survey throughout the task were ineffective, as a result of mental health issues. seafarers were issued with failed, performance and leading to authorities.’ images showed a dark slick spreading in the which meant that opportunities to Commenting on the UK temporarily unfit or restricted failed, temporarily unfit or Mr Dickinson said Panama had been slow to turquoise waters near environmental areas that ITF wants to hear from seafarers stop or alter the method of work were Department for Transport’s certificates on grounds of mental restricted certificates increased respond in the early days of the accident. ‘The the government called ‘very sensitive’. awaiting repatriation, so that missed, the ATSB said. annual analysis of medical disorders following examinations, from 35 to 97. Those holding such vessel is Panama-registered, which means that On 11 August the International Maritime your story can be used to tell The ETO may have been under examinations by approved compared with 117 in 2014. certificates after being found with under the United Nations Convention on the Law Organization (IMO) and the United Nations governments to open their borders, pressure to complete the repairs doctors, chief medical advisor Dr Crew issued with unrestricted acute psychosis rose from three in of the Sea (UNCLOS), it would be the responsibility Environment Programme (UNEP)/United Nations and tell them to open their hearts to before the ship took on a harbour pilot Sally Bell said there has been a certificates time-limited to less 2014 to 17 last year, while those of Panama. So, the question is why Panama is not Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian implement the changes necessary and arrived in port later that day. ‘steady and significant rise’ in than two years for medical found to have alcohol dependency leaping into action?’ Affairs (OCHA) Joint Environment Unit joined to give seafarers a much-needed ATSB said elevator accidents both the major and minor reasons related to mental remained around the same level – The MV Wakashio – owned by Okiyo Maritime French and Japanese efforts to control the oil spill. crew change: https://itf-global. account for one fatality every year. mental disorders identified disorders rose from 127 in 2014 to 24 last year and 23 in 2014. Corporation and Nagashiki Shipping Co Ltd – was The vessel broke in two on 16 August. typeform.com/to/Yw7FkdWS

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In brief Detain ships to stop humanitarian Singapore adapts crisis at sea say Unions crew change Maersk Covid-19 outbreak Eleven seafarers onboard the An influential group of unions has called for ships requirements containership Maersk Idaho tested to be detained in ports if seafarers have been Singapore Maritime and Port positive for coronavirus in June. Under onboard longer than international treaties allow. Authority (MPA) has updated its US Covid-19 protocols, the crew were Marking World Maritime Day on 24 September, requirements for crew changes for evacuated to a quarantine facility, the Philippines government officials at the 2 July 2020 signing of the Joint Circular setting out the ‘green lane’ scheme for crew the Nautilus Federation of 22 maritime unions cargo ships transiting the Port of relief and repatriation during the Covid-19 pandemic Image: Nilo K. Palay for Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippines vessel was cleaned and a new crew said seafarers are being denied their human Singapore, to minimise the risk of brought aboard. Ten of the positive rights during the pandemic with as many as spreading coronavirus. crew on the US flagged vessel were Philippines takes action on pandemic 300,000 stuck at sea beyond the agreed 11-month Singapore has moved into phase asymptomatic. maximum service. two of its re-opening from Covid-19 crew relief and repatriation The failure of governments, industry and flag lockdown. MPA will ‘continue to work Horns for heroes states to name seafarers as keyworkers and get Nautilus Federation director Mark Dickinson closely with the industry and unions Ship crew globally sounded their horns The Philippines has become the quarantine and testing to airport/terminal) them off ships and home to loved ones has led The unions draw attention to the inability to review the crew change in ports at 12 midday local time on latest nation to introduce a requirements to enable crew Philippines foreign affairs to a humanitarian crisis that can no longer be for some of the world’s largest flags to enforce procedures to ensure a “safe 8 July, during Seafarers Awareness ‘green lane’ system to allow members in the following secretary Teodoro L Locsin Jr tolerated, the Federation said in a joint statement the fundamental rights of seafarers during the corridor” for crew change which Week. Social media supporters used seafarers to leave and join their categories to travel: said: ‘We are aware the Covid-19 – scan QR Code to read the statement. Covid-19 pandemic. While many of these Flags of minimises public health risk to both the hashtags #HeroesAtSeaShoutout, vessels while pandemic travel • Filipino seafarers joining a ship pandemic and the resulting ‘This is a wholly predicted – yet avoidable Convenience (FOCs) quickly ratified the Maritime the local and shipping community.’ #blowyourhorns and #hornsforhope restrictions are in force. docked in the Philippines or restrictions have caused – humanitarian crisis, and we call for action Labour Convention 2006 (MLC), the ‘ease and Shipowners, managers, and agents to draw attention to the ongoing crew As the world’s largest supplier overseas (outbound) thousands of seafarers to be against governments who deny seafarers their speed by which many flag states subsequently should apply for crew change in change crisis. of labour to the maritime • Filipino seafarers leaving a ship stranded at sea and they have to fundamental rights,’ Nautilus Federation director ignored the rights of seafarers is a stain on the Singapore by filling up the online form workforce, the country had been (inbound) extend their service after many Mark Dickinson said. entire maritime industry,’ the Federation union at www.mpa.gov.sg/web/portal/ Crew change video under pressure to bring in • Filipino seafarers transiting in months at sea, unable to be ‘Maritime and shipping professionals, at sea said. home/port-of-singapore/operations/ Seafarers and their families can now measures to resolve the crew the Philippines (airport/terminal replaced after many long hours and on inland waterways, have had enough. ‘The major Flag States have the ability to crew-change. upload videos of themselves in a change crisis, and the green lane to airport/terminal) of duty. We will continue to push for an international resolve the crew change crisis by refusing to MPA urged applications at least 14 message to governments on the crew scheme will apply both in the • foreign seafarers joining a ship ‘With these guidelines we are solution, together as Nautilus Federation affiliates allow seafarers on their ships to be denied their days before the planned crew change crisis. The social media Philippines itself and to Filipino docked in a Philippine seaport answering the call of the and as affiliates of the International Transport fundamental human rights,’ the unions said. change, especially if the application campaign is by the International seafarers working abroad. from the airport (airport to ship) International Maritime Workers Federation, so that the key workers of the ‘We call on all Port States to assist the Flag includes sign-on crew. Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC) The scheme is explained in a • foreign seafarers leaving a ship Organization (IMO) and the world’s seas and rivers are able to get to and from States by enforcing the provisions of the and International Transport Workers’ Joint Circular of the Philippines docked in Philippine seaport to an maritime industry to put in place their vessels without delay. Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and detain ITF gets crew home Federation (ITF). Videos should cover: government, and came into force airport (ship to airport) a framework to ensure safe ship ‘Should that international solution cause Port ships that do not comply. Similar actions must The International Transport Workers’ • How you are feeling? What is the on 2 July 2020. The document • foreign seafarers transiting in crew changes and travel during in States to detain growing numbers of vessels also be taken for those people working onboard Federation (ITF) has helped arrange impact of not seeing your family? sets out a range of specific the Philippines (airport/terminal the Covid-19 pandemic.’ until seafarers are repatriated, the industry and vessels sailing on inland waterways, many of repatriation for two seafarers who • How long have you been on board governments will need to prepare for the disruption whom are facing the same denial of human were stranded in Queensland, and where are you now? this would cause to global supply chains.’ rights.’ Australia, by Covid-19. • What message would you like to Australia cracks down on excessive The ITF attributes this success to the send to governments? Covid-19 tour of duty extensions European leaders urged to step up on crew change establishment of port welfare boards Videos should be sent to training@ in Queensland and urges other ports imec.org.uk via WeTransfer. Australia is enforcing a maximum continuous managers to comply with the guidelines Unions have again urged movement under conditions that corridors from EU Member States to create their own committees to period that a seafarer can serve onboard a as enforced by the Australian port state European leaders to resolve the safeguard their health and and key labour supply countries. support seafarers. Cruise still too risky vessel without taking leave, which could see authorities. crew change crisis in a series of minimise the risks of infection International organiser for Crew changes in Queensland are The UK Foreign and Commonwealth ships prevented from departing Australian The protocol, which seeks to apply communiqués to senior figures in • Ensure that seafarers can join Nautilus, Danny McGowan, said: permitted, but seafarers must follow Office (FCO) has reiterated its advice to ports if crew have spent too long at sea. the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 the Commission and Parliament. and leave their ships for ‘The situation is getting Maritime Safety Queensland’s Code of British nationals against taking cruise The Australian Maritime Safety Authority requirements on continuous maximum The EU was asked to call on all repatriation, crew changes, desperate for many seafarers. Conduct for Intrastate travel involving holidays. Danny McGowan, (AMSA) said that until 1 October 2020 no working periods at sea and allows for the two governments to: shore leave and medical Unions are supporting vast maritime crew changes. International organiser for Nautilus seafarer can work at sea beyond 13 months additional months agreed by ITF at the start of • Designate all seafarers, attention without impediment numbers of seafarers in ‘Let me make this very clear to the and member of the ITF’s Cruise Ship without a rest. the pandemic, is good news for the thousands regardless of nationality, as key • Create the necessary communicating with their international maritime industry: you Task Force, said: ‘We hope that the AMSA has urged all ship owners and of seafarers stuck onboard. workers and facilitate their conditions for seafarer air employers on crew changes.’ can repatriate in Queensland and Department for Transport and the FCO seafarers can have shore leave. We will review this advice. The cruise GET TWEETING IN THE KNOW NASA EARTH OBSERVATORY KEEP CONNECTED are here to support them,’ said ITF industry is an important source of Help promote your union to the international Members can join our lively members-only See these pictures of pollution from ships making Watch this visualisation of the world’s shipping inspector Sarah Maguire, who helped employment for many members and community by retweeting our content via Twitter: Facebook group for fast access to news and long, bright tracks amidst the clouds: routes over one 24-hour period on Vox: to organise the repatriation of the needs to get back to business soon.’ twitter.com/nautilusint @nautilusint information: bit.ly/fbnautilus bit.ly/shipclouds bit.ly/liveshiplanes two seafarers.

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Beirut port cleanup work continues Image: ITF website Enough is enough: no more Union alarm In brief at attempt Federation refresh contract extensions, says ITF to overturn The Nautilus Federation has launched Dockers’ Clause a new flagship website which will give Merchant seafarers stranded 15 June was the final deadline maritime professionals in unions at sea for months due to by ITF and the Joint Negotiating Nautilus has joined with the affiliated to it access to maritime news, coronavirus-related travel Group (JNG) for safe crew International Transport Workers’ information and emergency help. restrictions could now start changes to be implemented Federation (ITF) to express grave Nautilus Federation director Mark refusing to extend their according to protocols agreed concerns about a threat to hard-won Dickinson welcomed the new website. contracts and stop working, by the International Maritime seafarers’ rights. ‘The Federation unions are proud of potentially disrupting global Organization (IMO). Six European shortsea and feeder their success in representing maritime trade, the International The ITF produced guidance ship operators are attempting to use and shipping professionals and Transport Workers’ Federation to seafarers on their rights to EU competition law to overturn the protecting, promoting and furthering (ITF) has said. crew change. This covers shore ‘Dockers’ Clause’, which is part of a their members’ interests and welfare Insufficient action by leave, the International Safety collective bargaining agreement needs, through our work against governments to designate Crumlin: end contract extensions now Management (ISM) code, medical between the ITF and the maritime criminalisation, and the JASON seafarers as key workers and to care and health and safety. employers’ Joint Negotiating Group support network,’ said Mr Dickinson. exempt them from Covid-19 travel restrictions ‘You have the right not to perform any work (JNG) that covers approximately ‘The new cleaner web design is an has led to around 200,000 seafarers being if you have completed your contract, but you 15,000 seagoing vessels worldwide. important resource and will help caught up in an urgent crew change crisis. should be available for safety and emergencies, The clause, which came into force support these goals into the future.’ The ITF and affiliate unions including Nautilus and DO NOT refuse to work while at sea. Wait this year, is officially known as the International have warned that fatigued crews until the ship is anchored or docked in port.’ Non-Seafarers’ Work Clause (NSWC). Piracy on the rise working for months after they were supposed to Seafarers are reminded to contact their union, It requires operators to use specially- Attacks on ships increased by Unions stand in solidarity with return home pose a threat to shipping safety, the the nearest ITF inspector or the ITF using the trained dock workers rather than 20% in the first half of 2020, the ICC environment and trade. contact information on the guidance. seafarers for container lashing and International Maritime Bureau (IMB) workers and people of Beirut ‘Enough is enough. We have to draw a Nautilus general secretary Mark Dickinson other cargo-handling work. reported. line in the sand and make it crystal clear to said: ‘We stand ready to work with anyone As well as reducing operational In the Gulf of Guinea, considered the Nautilus stands with the International members, colleagues, families and the people of governments that from 16 June, seafarers are seeking to get our members home or back dangers to crew members, the clause most dangerous area, more attacks Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in Lebanon.’ going to start enforcing their right to stop onboard. To our members – if you feel it is is designed to tackle the problem of are taking place further out to sea with condolences and support for seafarers and The explosion was blamed on ammonium working and to return home,’ ITF president and necessary to take measures for the health, safety fatigue at sea by helping seafarers stick the support of motherships. port workers and families impacted by the nitrate stored in a port warehouse. It was Dockers’ Section chair Paddy Crumlin said. ‘No and welfare of your crew, we will support you. We to appropriate work and rest hours. IMB reported 53 incidents of piracy explosions at the Port of Beirut that have apparently delivered on a Russian-owned ship more contract extensions.’ have got your back. The operators claim the NSWC and armed robbery in the Gulf of destroyed much of the area. flagged to Moldova called the Rhosus. In 2013 infringes EU cartel prohibition and Guinea in the first six months of the The ITF said: ‘It is with shock and despair that it was transporting tons of the volatile and Health officials play crucial role in crew changes restricts freedoms to provide services. year with 50 percent off the coast of we have received the news of the explosion at odourless crystalline substance when Lebanese They do not accept that the JNG Nigeria and almost a third involving the Port of Beirut that has devastated the city, port authorities deemed the vessel unsafe The ministers for health of all EU International Maritime them are being prevented from acted on their behalf in agreeing to a hijackings and/or kidnappings. killed at least 100 people, injured thousands to continue its journey, and issued fines of member states must ensure that Organization (IMO) protocols and doing so by the absence of change in long-established working IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre and rendered hundreds of thousands more approximately $100,000 to the owner. The ship crew changes, medical care and European Commission (EC) facilities for them to obtain visas practices – arguing that their recorded 98 incidents of piracy and homeless. and crew were subsequently abandoned and its shore leave for seafarers happen guidelines for crew changes. to travel to the places where they seafarers are trained in cargo- armed robbery in the first half of 2020, ‘Tragically dockers and seafarers lost their deadly cargo eventually found its way onto land. in ports, the European Transport ‘Seafarers are playing an are scheduled to join their ships – handling and are safe to do this work. up from 78 in the first half of 2019. lives, and many workers were injured.’ ITF affiliated unions in Lebanon include the Workers’ Federation (ETF) and the essential role in maintaining the including in the Schengen area. ITF said: ‘This clause was It said 77 seafarers had been taken ITF general secretary Stephen Cotton pledged General Confederation of Drivers and Transport European Community Shipping global flow of vital goods, fuel, ‘These problems, if not negotiated in good faith, and the ITF hostage or kidnapped for ransom since international solidarity and support. ‘On behalf Workers in Lebanon (GCDTW), the Union of Associations (ECSA) has said. medicines and medical supplies addressed immediately, are likely has an expectation that those who January, with the Gulf of Guinea of the ITF and our 700 affiliates from around Beirut Port Employees (UBPE), the Syndicate of In a letter to all health by ship. Many have been away to have severe consequences for employ seafarers will adhere to this accounting for over 90% of maritime the world, we send our sincerest condolences Middle East Airlines and Affiliate Companies ministers, the ETF and ECSA called from home for months, unable to the safety and physical and clause in the same way in which they kidnappings worldwide. and sympathies to all of those impacted by (MEA), the Lebanese Cabin Crew Association upon the ministers to co-operate leave their ships and return home mental health of seafarers, in are expected to adhere to the rest of ‘Attackers armed with knives and these terrible explosions. The ITF and our (LCCA) and the Lebanese Seaman’s Syndicate with other government because of travel restrictions. addition to the safety of ship the agreement. The NSWC does not guns now target crews on every type affiliates stand in solidarity with all of you: your (LSS). departments, such as transport ‘Meanwhile, seafarers who operations and the functioning of violate EU competition law.’ of vessel. Everyone’s vulnerable.’ and the interior, to implement the have been rostered to replace global supply chains.’ The ITF and affiliates FNV Havens, The IMB says vessels were boarded Nautilus and ver.di have filed legal a total of 81 times; there were 10 GET TWEETING SHIP ABANDONMENT GET TWEETING IN THE KNOW proceedings to enforce the clause, attempted attacks; six instances in The ETF is calling on member states Finland and Author Ian Urbina writes for the San Francisco Help promote your union to the international Members can join our lively members-only saying: ‘The complaint appears to be a which a vessel was fired upon; but only Portugal to honour their commitments on crew Chronicle on the perils of abandoned ships and community by retweeting our content via Twitter: facebook group for fast access to news and tactical reaction and seeks to avoid one successful hijacking. changes: bit.ly/RTFcrew cargo: bit.ly/UrbinaSF twitter.com/nautilusint @nautilusint information: bit.ly/fbnautilus compliance with the NSWC.’

nautilusfederation.org 10 October 2020 October 2020 11 nautilusfederation.org SUPERYACHTS NAUTILUS AT WORK FOR COVID-19 FAQ nautilusfederation.org

Blacklisting call for Yacht crew should be paid during Panama flagged quarantine, says Cayman register ships as seafarers told to stay onboard

New guidance from the Cayman again the advice is to remember that longer Islands Shipping Registry (CISR) says self-isolation can benefit the business: Nautilus International has called that seafarers should be paid while in • ‘Precautionary self-isolation’ may for all Panama flagged ships to be mandatory Covid-19 quarantine on not be considered as in the service of targeted for inspection by Port State joining or leaving a vessel. the ship and is at the discretion of the Control and detained for breaching This will have a particular impact employer, though the CISR strongly the Maritime Labour Convention on seafarers in the superyacht encourages owners and managers when entering their country in industry, as the majority of yachts to give due regard to the current response to its ‘inhumane’ extension sail under the Cayman Islands flag – situation and consider self-isolation as of seafarer contracts. which is part of the Red Ensign Group. in the service of the ship. The Panama Ship Registry issued The principle is that seafarers Nautilus strategic organiser a notice MMN-03/2020 in June should be paid while ‘in the service of Rachel Lynch commented: ‘Nautilus advising that Seafarers’ contracts the ship’, even if they are not onboard. commends the register for producing Dickinson: Seafarers’ stretched to breaking point could be extended by a further three There is a potential grey area as to Crew should be accordingly. For newly employed clear guidance for seafarers working months and up to 17 months where paid even if they crew change is not possible due to whether this applies when a new are not onboard seafarers (i.e. not returning from on Cayman Islands-flagged vessels. employee is joining a vessel for the leave), whether this applies prior The guidance will be applicable Governments can no longer hide behind the outbreak of the Covid-19. first time, but the register encourages to joining a vessel for the first time to many of our members in the That notice was later reviewed and employers to be generous: would be down to the contract, superyacht industry’. Force Majeure for crew change failures the 17 month stipulation removed • Any ‘mandatory quarantine’ not though the CISR strongly encourages under pressure from unions. in or at the seafarer’s agreed place owners and managers to give due The full guidance appears in the Governments can no longer hide behind a General secretary Mark Dickinson said: ‘PSC should immediately target of repatriation on joining or leaving regard to the current situation. document Impact of Covid-19 on declaration of ‘Force Majeure’ in order to mask ‘The reaction to Covid-19 from governments all Panamanian ships and detain for a ship should be considered as the There is also an issue as to whether Operation of Cayman Islands failures in their pandemic response. worldwide saw measures introduced to prevent breaches of the MLC! This is utterly seafarer still being in the service seafarers should be paid when the Registered Ships at www.cishipping. Nautilus is calling on flag states to return to the disease spreading that failed to appreciate shameful and inhumane,’ Nautilus of the ship and therefore paid quarantine is not mandatory, and com/policy-advice/guidance-notes. the proper implementation of the Maritime the crucial role that the shipping industry and International general secretary Mark Labour Convention (MLC) and allow crew our seafarers play in the global economy. Dickinson said. changes and repatriation to take place ‘Countries closed their borders, airlines were Nautilus has warned that fatigued before a marine disaster occurs because of grounded, embassies closed their consular crews working for months after Crew welfare toolkit fundraiser motors into life overstretched and exhausted crews. services, ports limited their services and port they were supposed to return home The international shipping industry has and flag state control officials were unable pose a threat to shipping safety and Research highlighting mental health Crew Help hub which is well on the way to its years, I recognise the topic of mental health is warned of a threat to global trade and vessel to validate or check ships’ certificates or the protection of the environment. challenges faced by superyacht crew will soon £20K target. an issue like it is everywhere, but obtaining safety with up to 200,000 crew stranded at sea working and living conditions of seafarers. ‘If this situation is not corrected by result in a dedicated online yacht help Alongside individual fundraising efforts from support and assistance whilst you are crew can by travel restrictions brought on by Covid-19. ‘Seafarers’ mental wellbeing is being @AMP Panama and @MINSAPma, ‘toolkit’ being created by the International Colin Squire of Yachting Matters and Captain be difficult. Crew wellbeing is an area that can In the absence of action from governments, stretched to breaking point, as several recent the risk of a major maritime accident Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network Brendan O’Shannassy of the ISS Captain’s easily be overlooked.’ unions and owner representatives have worked tragic events have grimly illustrated, and due to exhaustion and #mentalhealth (ISWAN). Committee, yacht audiovisual and Captain O’Shannassy said the greatest to create detailed protocols on protection, they are unable to perform their duties with from #seafarer grows by the minute, A survey conducted by ISWAN in 2018 found communications consultancy Bond TM has also challenge at sea is creating a safe environment safe travel, air and port corridors, financial the necessary diligence. They have not been and with it the fate of the global that 82% of superyacht crew experienced low contributed €10,000 to help make the new where crews’ mental health and wellness are resources, accommodation and the secure allowed to return home for up to 15 months in supply chains,’ ITF Panama said. crew morale sometimes, often or always. Fifty- platform a reality. core values: ‘The awareness of this priority identity of seafarers. Protocols which, having some cases. The International Transport five per cent of female respondents found ISWAN project manager Caitlin Vaughan across the maritime industry is not where it been endorsed by the International Maritime ‘Governments and representatives of Workers’ Federation (ITF) has accessing mental health care to be an occasional said: ‘We have been so fortunate to be should be, and neither are the support and Organization (IMO) and the International seafarers and shipowners must continue to mobilised it’s global inspectorate or regular challenge. supported by wonderful people and educational tools. The ISWAN initiative is a huge Labour Organization (ILO), make the ‘Force work in cooperation and partnership to make to assist any seafarers who refuse In order to be more visible to superyacht crew organisations within the superyacht industry step in the right direction to improve crew Majeure’ arguments for contract extensions things better for seafarers and fishers and further contract extensions. in need, ISWAN has been fundraising for Yacht who recognise the need for accessible mental wellness, resilience, mental health and in turn redundant. ensure a brighter future.’ 15 June was the final deadline set Crew Help – a new online toolkit to provide crew health support for crew. performance.’ by ITF for safe crew changes to be with a direct line to free, 24-hour emotional ‘We’re delighted to be partnering with Bond Nautilus yacht partner wilsonhalligan is implemented according to protocols support, guidance, and useful health and TM whose industry expertise will be invaluable also among the businesses who provided the IN THE NEWS UK BRANCH CONFERENCE agreed by the industry and endorsed welfare resources. to the development of the toolkit.’ initial support needed for ISWAN’s 2018 @Mdickinson1262 speaks with the New Statesman Join the UK branch conference on Tuesday 24 by the International Maritime To support the fundraising, ISWAN has Will Faimatea, director and founder of Bond research for its report on The Welfare of on how the Covid-19 crisis has left seafarers in a November. Livestreamed on Facebook: Organization (IMO) and International created a Just Giving fundraising page for its the TM, said: ‘Having previously been crew for many Superyacht Crew. desperate plight: bit.ly/TwitterMarkD www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/UKBC_C2C Labour Organization (ILO).

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Advanced skills in analytics The report also points to the The report assesses the way in benefits that could flow from which technology is transforming giving shore-based maritime maritime operations, with a personnel a better understanding growing number of functions of the challenges and issues that being transferred from ships to seagoing maritime professionals shore-based control centres. This face. ‘This will both facilitate will fuel demand for advanced innovation and enable better skills in analytics and the use of sea-land collaborations,’ it adds. data in optimising fleet operations. Researchers said they had found ‘If clean fuel is an example, then a need for more transversal skills electricity and new technologies between maritime occupational will be other vital drivers in profiles. ‘When it comes to shipping industries. Seafarers mobility in maritime education, must be able to gain knowledge on this needs to become a reality.’ the safe use and storage of carbon ‘The future skills of maritime and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), as professionals depend on how well well as battery packages, and even we are able to help them to find retractable wind turbines, solar their own ways to co-build panels, and sails. All these are maritime studies in an beyond current International interdisciplinary field. This is Maritime Organization (IMO) urgent and necessary.’ conventions and require new thinking in maritime education Tech teaching tools TRAINING FOR and training.’ As a minimum, nautical studies Similarly, the report cautions, must be kept up to date with a the continued development of rapidly changing, technology- autonomous and advanced driven maritime world. TOMORROW’S WORLD support systems onboard ‘will ‘Technology changes maritime cause increasingly challenging education and training towards The EU-funded SkillSea project is working to identify the digital, green and soft management Crane simulator interactions between complex more flexible and on-demand in use at Warsash autonomous systems and the paths. In line with the rapid skills European maritime professionals will need in the years to come ‒ and make sure these nautical school crew. Maritime professionals technology changes, maritime are taught at college. Andrew Linington reports (both seagoing and shore-based) education and training must seek need in-depth understanding of effective training methods to blueprint that seeks future skills and competence needs project consortium, which has Sustainable development the complex systems onboard to meet the needs of the shipping to provide maritime of those working in the shipping representatives from national Researchers identified the way in be able to serve the needed industry. Training courses should A professionals with industry: sustainable development, maritime authorities, shipping which sustainable development is redundancy of all systems.’ be accessible from anywhere and ‘future-proofed’ collaboration among clusters, companies, shipowners’ affecting shipping and, in turn, is at any time. training has been unveiled in a digitalisation, and education. associations, seafarer unions and creating new competencies and Maritime clusters ‘To prepare for the future, new new report from the European The report draws from in-depth maritime education providers skillsets for seafarers to master. As The research team highlighted the courses and teaching methods Union-funded SkillSea project. interviews with a dozen experts from 16 European countries. well as working with new ‘clean’ fuels importance of strong European must be introduced, such as using Written by experts at the from across the maritime industry, Nautilus professional and and zero-emission tech, and with maritime clusters within the simulators (including the Norwegian University of Science including shipowner and seafarer technical officer David Appleton environment-friendly equipment globalised economy, and supported tools, such as virtual & Technology (NTNU) and union representatives, and voices welcomed the report, noting that such as scrubbers and ballast water underlined the need for specialist reality (VR), augmented reality Liverpool John Moores University from classification societies, the findings in relation to skills management systems, seafarers are skills and expertise to maintain (AR), and the Internet of Things in the UK, the report identifies finance, technology, equipment shortages for current seafarers also expected to ensure high levels of the region’s competitive edge. (IoT) to train high-risk operations ways in which maritime and IT, and education and training. and the potential to use new vessel utilisation and advanced There is ‘a unique opportunity’ and team performance, both education and training could be The report’s findings will be technology to enhance seafarer routeing to enhance the efficiency of to develop collaboration and ashore and at sea through improved – including greater use used to develop further work training were very closely aligned operations. cooperation between maritime e-learning platform.’ of simulation-based learning and programmes being undertaken in with the results of the Union’s ‘The technology shifts with education and training centres The research identified a need new training packages to smooth the four-year SkillSea project, recent STCW survey. respect to energy systems and and surrounding industrial for a flexible and scalable training the path between seagoing and which seeks not only to produce a ‘We look forward to operational challenges are more clusters of advanced companies, system which encourages shore-based employment. sustainable skills strategy for participating in the next stage of significant than before,’ the study which will in turn foster the specialisation. However, the nature The research team examined European maritime professionals, the project to develop solutions to found. ‘The gap between common development of new of IMO decision-making ‘results in four key trends which are having but also to increase their address the identified gaps,’ he practice and expected competencies for the maritime a cycle of adaptation to current an increasing influence upon the numbers. Nautilus is part of the said. competences is growing.’ industry’s future workforce. technology that lags behind

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STANDING TOGETHER TO SAY NO Port corruption in the global shipping industry is a stubborn problem that persists despite individual countries’ efforts to pass anti-corruption laws. It’s not easy to turn down maritime technology onboard career and supporting the an opportunity for the enhanced development – in some cases by transition to an onshore career Officer cadets in 360 mobility of seafarers. ‘Their demands from a local official who is blocking the progress of your ship, but it can be done decades’. 3. Establishing bridging degree simulator experience and competence will be if we all act as one, writes Vivek Menon of the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network programmes that complement the carried back to technology Updating the curriculum IMO certificate-based education development and innovation, both he nature of the multiple layers of integrity risk, such bond stores. Whilst inspecting, While digital skills are increasingly towards occupational profiles with at sea and ashore. maritime industry as frequent demands for facilitation Corruption is various minor discrepancies and important for maritime a wider reach in the areas of 'Such a strategy will ensure that T brings several payments including cash or in-kind a persistent breaches were pointed out, all of problem in professionals, finding the time to digital, sustainable, transversal training, shipping industries, unwelcome benefit for a job that is already paid the shipping which were questionable and led to learn them during basic maritime and leadership skills. The aim is to maritime professionals and – most ‘traditional’ practices. One of these is for, or should be part of the day-to- industry Image: discussions. The duration and degree training competes with current help to bridge the gaps between importantly – technology the demand for ‘compensation’ by day operation of a port. Often these Getty Images of these discussions led to a growing criteria and puts pressure on shore-based and seagoing profiles, development and innovation, will port authorities, a practice still demands are made indirectly to the feeling of harassment. The approach minimising STCW training, while and the report suggests these progress towards new strong in many parts of the world. In Master in private. This corruption varied between the two officials, but learning them after graduation is programmes can be established as achievements in a more structured, the past this was a request for a small gives rise to operational disruption it was mostly mild in nature. They expensive in terms of both time module courses to attract coordinated and collaborative gift, or a need to ‘grease the wheels’ and increased operational costs. then threatened fines to the vessel and money. maritime professionals for the manner.’ to get things done; today we call it and requested the master sign It calls for three core areas to be future shipping industry. The research was conducted petty corruption. The acceptance A captain’s log – 2002 papers admitting responsibility, addressed: The report also recommends before the coronavirus crisis and its that this practice is now illegal This is a narrative of an incident which he very kindly refused to do. 1. Developing maritime that STCW training should be associated lockdowns hit Europe. comes slowly to those accustomed to during a port call when I was a After hours, literally hours, of professionals’ competence and expanded, with digital and However, the SkillSea researchers such payments and, in many cases, junior officer. negotiation, we eventually got free skillsets in response to the rapid sustainable skills integrated say, this does not affect the findings this leads to relentless discussions About an hour after berthing, port pratique. development of onboard within courses, along with of the report, and the Covid-19 with port officials who often health officials boarded the vessel to Shortly after, the vessel was technologies such as ICT and maritime law, business finance, situation makes its conclusions threaten the vessel and its crew with issue ‘free pratique’ (licence to enter boarded by customs, immigration, sustainable technologies remote operation and other new even more relevant. expensive delays if these illegal a port). Two officials attended. They the local drug and law enforcement 2. Improving seafarers’ soft skills technology-based skills. payments are not made. checked through the vessel’s agency, and related boarding agent in leadership and management Ultimately, the development of The full report Future Skill and As a global industry that interacts sanitation documents and the crew representatives. The officials from with new training programmes more responsive and advanced Competence Needs is available to regularly with government agencies, vaccination cards. They then these agencies were aggressive and aimed at both furthering their training programmes will create download from www.skillsea.eu the maritime industry is exposed to continued to inspect the galley and intimidating, with each group →

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checking through the arrival corrupt demands. For seafarers to be tackle corruption. The simple action the industry, governments, and civil documents and inspections of able to say no to corruption, they of reporting a corrupt incident gives society, successful solutions are various spaces onboard. must feel supported by strong us, the industry, the power to act being developed to mitigate The inspections were extremely company policies and procedures. together to fight illegal demands. corruption risks through country- thorough. After about three hours, These must be dynamic living Secondly, collective action is specific actions in various parts of the officials returned to the master’s documents, and the best way to supporting seafarers to say no to the world. There are several ways we office threatening fines and constantly strengthen them is by corruption in ports. This support can address and fight these producing forms for the master to creating a forum to share challenges takes on many forms. It can be challenges, and the Maritime Anti- sign admitting responsibility. Heavy and good practice, and collectively sharing other vessels’ experiences Corruption Network is one such arguments followed, pushing the assess areas of improvement in and issues, it can be through example of an industry-led initiative master into the position where we internal processes and approaches. location-specific training and anti- which has become pre-eminent in felt compelled to make unethical Additionally, supporting seafarers corruption posters for vessels. It is taking tangible steps in building payments to resolve the spiralling with shared methodologies, tools, useful to make use of local points of resilience in the maritime industry, situation. At no given point during training and awareness campaigns contact who are independent of the thereby building integrity across the the discussions were the officials strengthens their knowledge of how authorities, and who have been wider supply chain. careless enough to overtly ask for to tackle corruption. At MACN we appointed to respond to incidents. any gift or bribe, but it was implied have done just this for our member Thirdly, collective action means For more on the Maritime such payments were required to companies, where seafarers can you are not alone. The MACN Anti-Corruption Network, visit mitigate this situation. The boarding are vulnerable to reprimand from always been’ and ‘What can one do make use of these tools. Any seafarer member vessel calling at the port www.maritime-acn.org Cash bribes are agents became stressed in this their companies and to the expected all too alone to make any change?’ can also report anonymously to before you said no, as will the one situation and were consistently possibility of criminalisation and often in some But change is happening in the MACN at www.maritime-acn.org/ calling after. This consistency works, unhelpful. At the same time, cargo imprisonment at the hands of port ports Image: industry, where some shipping macn-upload, when faced with and we have numerous reports that Getty Images/ operations were suspended, officials. Because seafarers are never Andrey Bukreev companies have taken a stand corrupt demands in ports, harbours when the master says, ‘Sorry, MACN awaiting the conclusion of the trained nor educated to handle against such practices and have or terminals. member – we can’t give you official ‘inspections’. As a seafarer, corrupt public officials, managing achieved successful results through But one problem is not the same anything’, officials know there is no you are quite aware of the fact that such situations is only learned clear communication and for all, and one solution does not fit point pushing the demand. every moment vessels spend in port through ‘doing’, thereby potentially collaboration between the vessels all. This is evident when one listens costs the owners and operators. facing compounded challenges in and the stakeholders who interact to seafarers’ reports from port calls Collaboration Time is money. various ports as this becomes an with them. By making it very clear in various countries. Despite having The world relies on its seafarers to In this scenario the true nature of accepted practice. that they support their masters and company anti-corruption policies provide a safe, secure, and efficient the maritime industry reveals itself, crew in avoiding any payments, and procedures, corruption risks will international shipping industry. In when vessels arrive in ports, Resilience-building in these shipping companies ensure the continue to exist in the operating order to achieve its vision, to create a harbours, or terminals. They didn’t the maritime industry safety of the seafarers they employ environment if the root causes are level playing-field for the shipping teach us about this part of the The focus on corruption has and preserve the integrity of the unaddressed. So how do we address industry, and to avoid compromising business at maritime school! The increased in the international company. this, and what role do seafarers play? on safety, security, environmental outside world believes the primary community. The extraterritorial Additionally, shipping companies performance and a maritime mission of seafarers is to ensure reach of regulations such as the US have come together to form a Collective action industry free of corruption, it is vessels sail safely without Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and maritime industry-led initiative Collective action is a combined effort important to reach out to actors interruption, and that ships spend the UK Bribery Act increases the called the Maritime Anti-Corruption – various stakeholders working across the maritime industry and the shortest amount of time in port. exposure of anyone engaged in Network (MACN) to address together to reduce and eliminate the encourage sector-wide alignment on Few would think our job is also to corrupt practices; so if a company corruption challenges faced by risk of corruption in a specific port or anti-corruption thinking. The Nautilus Fair Treatment App provides pay corrupt officials to ensure they engages in corrupt behaviour, this seafarers and industry at large in a country. Seafarers are an integral The voice of seafarers has reached members with instant access to Union can maintain the lifestyle to which may lead to significant more systematic manner. Why? part of collective action for several the International Maritime advice and support following an incident they have become accustomed. investigations, potential Because we believe tackling very important reasons. First, we Organization (IMO). The IMO at sea or in port. The above example is a classic prosecution, high fines, and liability corruption leads to a better and safer need data and anonymous reports addressed maritime corruption by Crucially, the App provides an incident situation that seafarers face. A state both for seafarer and senior work environment, reduces on what corrupt demands are made, including this important issue in its reporting form for recording personal of duress, where on the one hand management ashore. Companies operational costs, and avoids delays. by whom and what are the work programme for the Facilitation notes on incidents as they happen, which they are vulnerable to public officials now need to change the way they Seafarers play a key role and can take consequences for rejecting them. Committee, a decision that came at a can be sent directly to the Union. The App who have the power to fine, detain, operate and be ready to both an integral part in this initiative Collecting this data means we can meeting of the committee last year report function allows members to type and cause delays, which affect the internally address these demands, through some examples below. clearly demonstrate there is a (FAL 43 held 8-12 April 2019) in notes on the incident, save images and reputation of a vessel and company. and externally prepare their problem that needs addressing. It response to a submission from some even make recordings using the phone's In some cases, rejecting demands seafarers to refuse demands. Capability building allows us to work closely with our member states and co-sponsored by microphone. All data can be stored offline endangers the safety of seafarers, the As a seafarer and among peers, I Given the diversity of the maritime peers and partners, including the International Chamber of on the phone for personal use. Download vessel, and its cargo. have heard many times that such industry and the nature of its governments, port authorities, and Shipping (ICS), and other non- from the My Nautilus section of the Union On the other hand, if masters and illegal demands and behaviours are operations, companies and seafarers NGOs, to undertake root cause governmental organisations (NGOs). website www.nautilusint.org now. seafarers reject these demands, they eternal: ‘This is how the industry has may not know how to best refuse analyses and implement measures to By working in partnership with

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restrictions were imposed. It was then tough! You have to do it under widely accepted that the global 'If it is possible, however the MLC. Governments signed up to maritime industry would simply these international conventions. have to put up with this, whatever hard, to repatriate, then Industry must comply with them.’ the consequences for crews, because On 9 July, the UK hosted an it was a ‘Force Majeure’ situation – tough! You have to do it international video-conference defined as acts, events or under the MLC' where 13 governments adopted a circumstances beyond control. statement pledging to urgently take As it grew increasingly difficult to Nautilus legal director forward a range of actions to ‘avert get seafarers off ships and fly them Charles Boyle the global crisis that is unfolding at home, the International Transport sea’ for the seafarers who remain Workers’ Federation (ITF) twice trapped working on ships. reluctantly agreed to 30-day periods is known as the Mother of the MLC The governments pledged to of onboard service extensions for her work to develop this designate seafarers as ‘key workers’, under the International Bargaining ‘seafarers’ bill of rights’ in the early to provide visa waivers, and to Forum (IBF) Framework 2000s. She has warned that, exempt them from quarantine. Agreement. despite the exceptional The event was attended by This would at least allow for circumstances of the pandemic, Australia, Denmark, France, seafarers to retain the right to tours of duty must be limited to Germany, Greece, Indonesia, wages and accrued paid annual protect the mental health and Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, leave whilst stuck onboard. The wellbeing of seafarers. Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, NO MORE EXCUSES extensions permitted seafarers who ‘We have to be careful that United Arab Emirates and United had worked 11 months to stay seafarers are not subject to forms of States of America. Many governments have been hiding behind declarations of exceptional circumstances onboard with full pay and abuse because they are in this ITF general secretary Stephen to avoid engaging with the crew change crisis. But maritime law experts stress that the conditions up to a maximum of 13 captive environment,’ she warned. Cotton, who attended the online months. Ideally, a new one-month ‘This has been really traumatic and event, said: ‘After months of this crew Maritime Labour Convention is still very much in force, and some seafarers are illegally SEA should be agreed for each a very dramatic set of change crisis getting worse, being denied their rights to relief and repatriation. HELEN KELLY reports extension. circumstances in which no one governments must do their bit. That Seafarers must have genuinely should find themselves.’ means that port states where ships t the end of June, news that now?,' Nautilus general How did we get here? consented to staying onboard and/ Dr Doumbia-Henry urged the dock, flag states where ships are that the Panama Ship secretary Mark Dickinson said. Dr Cleopatra It is a common belief that the or extending their contracts if maritime industry to continue to registered, transit hubs with airports, A Registry would allow 'Some seafarers have already Doumbia-Henry: Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) circumstances meant that they fight for crew changes. ‘We have to and the home countries of seafarers tours of duty seafarers to stay been onboard for 15 months. This is must be limited 2006 legally restricts Seafarer could not be repatriated or take champion the cause for seafarers all need to make visa, quarantine and onboard for up to 17 months a kick in the teeth to them and to protect the Employment Agreements (SEAs) to a annual leave, and all benefits and because they are onboard the ship. border exceptions for seafarers now – without a break sent shock waves frankly inhumane. It pulls the rug mental health maximum of 12 months. This is not other terms must remain the They are powerless, waiting on us not tomorrow, not next week.’ and wellbeing of through the industry and left many from under everyone working to get seafarers quite correct. same. to help them get back.’ Change is slowly starting to crew questioning their protections crew changes done. It lets those Image: The convention actually provides When asked for a third time, the happen. From 1 July, the Australian under international regulations. countries who are dragging their Benjiwiki2017 for unlimited employment ITF refused another extension. What now? Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) The world’s largest flag state feet off the hook.' contracts, with negotiable terms Instead, governments were given an Standing up for As time has passed and the said it would no longer allow seafarers’ MLC claimed the move was necessary Mr Dickinson called for all and conditions such as enhanced extra 30 days, up to 15 June 2020, to rights during pandemic has begun to wane in seafarers to serve onboard beyond 13 where crew change was not possible Panama flagged ships to be targeted pay or annual leave. It is a ‘living implement crew changes in line the crew change many parts of the world, border months without a break. Vessels can crisis. due to the pandemic. This was met for inspection by Port State Control document’ that is constantly with industry protocols circulated restrictions are gradually easing. be detained at Australian ports if a with howls of protest from seafarer and detained for breaching the reviewed by the Special Tripartite by the International Maritime Top: Nautilus Tourist travel has cautiously seafarer has continuously served legal director representatives who were already Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). Committee (STC) – consisting of Organization (IMO) in mid-May. Charles Boyle; restarted in some places, and the onboard beyond that time. warning that fatigued crews – The registry has since back- seafarer, shipowner and That should have meant conditions for repatriation and ‘What we’re seeing now is a tipping Middle: ITF working for months after they were tracked, removing the 17 month government representatives. governments finally started to general transfer of seafarers have improved. point in terms of facilitating crew supposed to return home – posed a stipulation. But it has left seafarers Crucially for crew changes, the allow crew changes. But in many secretary It is becoming less viable to claim changes,’ Mr Boyle says. ‘It will be Stephen Cotton; threat to shipping safety and the feeling once again abandoned by MLC does provide, under Regulation cases borders remained closed, and Force Majeure as an excuse for not harder for lone wolves to hold out. environment. Some even accused the very structures that are meant 2.5 and Standard A 2.4, the right to a growing number of seafarers – Bottom: making crew changes. Attention will be drawn to non- Nautilus general Panama of using the pandemic for to support them. repatriation after a maximum now thought to be as many as secretary Mark ‘It is important to make the compliant countries, pressure will be its own gain at the expense of One third officer told Nautilus: period of onboard service of less 200,000 – remained stuck at sea, to Dickinson distinction between what is difficult applied, and it will become harder exhausted crew. ‘It seems as soon as the sh*t hits the than 12 months, and the right to their increasing distress. to do, and what is impossible to do and harder to rely on the excuse of 'If Panama can state with such fan, maritime regulations are just paid annual leave. when it comes to Force Majeure,’ Force Majeure. authority that seafarers at the end thrown out the window – which When the pandemic was first A captive environment Nautilus director of legal Charles 'Basically, it comes down to: will of this latest extension "shall be completely defeats the point of declared, national governments Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, the Boyle explains. ‘If it is possible, you enforce MLC at the end of the day repatriated", then why not enforce having them.’ began closing borders and travel head of World Maritime University, however hard, to repatriate crew, or won’t you?’

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maintenance standards are not impacted by the downturn.’ AGCS is particularly concerned that machinery failures – already the most common cause of incidents – could increase even further as a result of the pandemic. ‘Disruption in supply of spare parts and essential consumables like lube-oil and hydraulic oils can delay scheduled maintenance or result in crews using alternative grades or brands. At the same time, travel restrictions may affect the US Coast Guard and port partners responded to help save the crew after the 656-foot vehicle carrier ability of specialist engineers to Golden Ray capsized in St Simon’s Sound near access ships to make repairs. Brunswick in the US state of Georgia on 8 September ‘The current situation is making it 2019 Image: Public Domain difficult for vessels to obtain essential spares and consumables and carry out maintenance and currently laid-up in typhoon and considerations have endangered repairs. This could have a hurricane-prone waters. vessels and crews, and it is vital that detrimental effect on the safe The monthly cost of cruiseship this is addressed on shore and RED FLAGS RAISED operation of engines and machinery lay-up can be US$1m-$3m, and the onboard,’ Capt Khanna said. and potentially cause damage or industry faces ‘a real test’ in breakdown, which in turn can lead maintaining vessels so that they Supersized containerships to groundings or collisions.’ emerge from lay-up in reasonable There were almost 200 reported AGCS is alarmed at the prospect condition and with quality crew. fires on vessels over the past year, OVER SHIP SAFETY of surveys and inspections being AGCS data for 2019 shows that up 13% and resulting in five total reduced or delayed as a result of cargo ships accounted for more losses in 2019 alone. Misdeclared Worldwide shipping losses have declined by almost 70% over the past decade – but staff shortages or social distancing than one third of vessels lost cargo is a major cause, with measures, and Capt Khanna said during the year, and that particular problems in the the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic could reverse these positive safety there are also concerns about the foundering was the main cause of container sector – where evidence trends, a new study has warned. Andrew Linington reports potentially damaging impact of total losses – no fewer than three suggests that the majority of coronavirus on the effectiveness of in every four. containers have issues with mis- n its latest annual North Sea, English Channel and the hours offer effective means of emergency rescue and support Contributing factors included declared or improperly stowed safety & shipping Bay of Biscay replaced the East fatigue management, while services. bad weather, flooding and water cargo. Chemicals and batteries are I review, the insurance Mediterranean to become the incentives in cash or kind will also ingress, engine trouble and vessels increasingly shipped in containers, firm Allianz Global main hotspot, accounting for one have a positive impact on crew Cruise on the brink capsizing. Car carrier and ro-ro and these pose a serious fire risk if Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) in five incidents during 2019. wellbeing,’ said senior marine risk The state of the cruise industry was vessel safety concerns were also they are misdeclared or wrongly suggests that a damaging AGCS said the coronavirus consultant Captain Nitin Chopra. particularly disturbing, with 95% raised. Total losses involving ro-ros stowed. Measures to reduce these combination of economic pandemic has already resulted in ‘Hiring from the pool of locally of the world fleet in lay-up in April. were up year-on-year in 2019, as risks are vital, as the threat will downturn, cost-cutting measures, a sharp reduction in global available seafarers may be an option ‘The cruiseship industry will well as smaller incidents (up by increase as ships continue to fatigued crew and weakened seaborne trade and warned that in some cases that can be further survive the coronavirus crisis. But 20%) – and the trend is continuing become bigger and the range of emergency response could see a the economic fallout could undo facilitated by cooperation among when it does return, it will be through 2020, AGCS warns. goods transported grows. surge of accidents at sea. years of safety gains. crew management companies.’ operating in a very different world,’ ‘The rise in number and severity Regulations have failed to keep Ship losses fell by more than Captain Rahul Khanna, AGCS said AGCS head of marine hull and of claims on ro-ro vessels is pace with the ‘super-sizing’ of 20% year-on-year during 2019, to a Top 10 problem areas global head of marine risk liabilities Chris Turberville. ‘The concerning. Ro-ros can be more containerships and the challenge of record low of just 41 vessels of The report highlights 10 key causes consulting, warned: ‘Shipowners problem of infectious diseases is exposed to fire and stability issues fighting larger and more dangerous 100gt and above, compared with of concern – including the way in will face additional cost pressures not about to go away, and vessels than other vessels. Many have quick fires. ‘The size of containerships has 130 in 2010. However, as AGCS which the inability to change crews from a downturn in trade and will will need to operate with much turnarounds in port, and a number increased exponentially over the cautioned, the number of shipping is impacting their welfare and no doubt put efficiency measures more stringent levels of protections of accident investigations have past 50 years. Vessels have almost casualties or incidents rose by 5%, raising the risks of ‘human error’ in place. We know from past for outbreaks than in the past.’ revealed that pre-sail away stability tripled in size, while capacity has to 2,815, with more than one-third accidents – and AGCS says the downturns that crew and There are also concerns about checks were either not carried out increased from around 1,500TEU in of these related to machinery industry needs to adopt measures maintenance budgets are among the accumulation of risk created by as required or were based on 1970 to more than 24,000TEU damage or failure. to reduce crew-related problems. the first areas that are cut. But it is the huge value of the large number inaccurate cargo information. Too today. In contrast, crew numbers Waters around the British Isles, ‘Adjustments in work and rest important that safety and of cruiseships and tankers many times commercial have decreased by around a →

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quarter while the average can damage engines. ‘Fuels from not just accidents. Such insights can number of fire-fighting hoses has different ports and refineries Safety and be used to develop new technology, only increased from one to two.’ currently have varying properties, shipping review in inform training and improve crew numbers A DANGEROUS Regulatory modernisation is which could result in damage to Image: AGCS and safety culture.’ urgently needed, and the engines and essential equipment.’ Increasing the use of industrial International Maritime control systems to monitor and Organization (IMO) should adopt Technology risks maintain engines could also play a role PRECEDENT industry proposals for AGCS also cautioned about in reducing machinery breakdown amendments to the SOLAS ‘significant’ technology-related incidents, one of the biggest causes Convention, including risks, noting reports that there has of marine insurance claims. Last month, we have reported on how some seafarers are illegally being denied their Maritime improvements in the detection been a 400% increase in Onshore monitoring of engines, Labour Convention rights to crew relief and repatriation during the coronavirus pandemic. and control of fires. attempted cyber-attacks in the together with predictive or AGCS predicts that there will be maritime sector since the preventative maintenance, is likely Now we turn to further violations of international treaties, highlighting Port State Control more losses linked to the sulphur pandemic began, as well as a to improve reliability, reduce failures to enforce safety and security regulations that could lead to unsafe ships returning cap in the months ahead. It is marked rise in GPS spoofing machinery breakdown incidents to our waters, both in the months to come and longer-term. Helen Kelly reports already closely monitoring claims attacks on ships, particularly in and cut the incidence of human to assess evidence of technical the Middle East and China. error, enabling a better and operational problems with ‘The way in which vessels and understanding of the root cause of aritime safety experts the different interpretations by pandemic. Such practices are setting scrubbers, and warns that there crew are interacting with machinery breakdown incidents. are flagging up stakeholders — governments, flag Failures in a dangerous precedent that could have been incidents resulting technology has become a Shipping is increasingly exposed M growing concerns over states, port states, classification enforcing continue, putting maritime regulations from scrubber design flaws and significant factor in collisions and to risks arising from geopolitical the failure of maritime societies, ship owners and are putting workers’ lives and safety in issues with their manufacture, groundings,’ AGCS said, instability, national rivalries, failed authorities to enforce international companies — in many cases safe seafarers' jeopardy.’ testing and installation. highlighting two UK accident states and the continued safety and security regulations ship operations have been lives at risk The main areas of concern flagged Image: Danny The report highlights particular investigations in which over- prevalence of piracy. Shipping during the coronavirus pandemic, deprioritised, endangering the Cornelissen by the ITF are: concerns about the corrosive reliance on, and mis- companies should prepare for an which some fear could lead to safety of maritime workers and the · safety and security of maritime effects of scrubber waste causing interpretation of AIS and ECDIS increase in disruption to supply dangerously unsafe vessels plying marine environment, according to workers wastewater to flood enginerooms, data were key contributory factors. chains and their operations, senior the world’s oceans and put the International Transport · safe manning ballast tanks and cargo holds, and Better training and utilisation marine risk consultant Captain seafarers’ lives at risk. Workers’ Federation (ITF). · hours of rest it also warns that blended low of data could help improve safety. Andrew Kinsey warned. Industry regulator, the ITF maritime co-ordinator · extension of ships’ and seafarers’ sulphur fuels often carry an ‘The industry needs to start ‘Shipping is a global commodity International Maritime Jacqueline Smith said: ‘The ITF is certificates increased risk of cat fines, which learning from successful journeys, and can be used as a pawn in Organization (IMO) has issued deeply concerned that the work that · environmental protection disputes due to its impact on the several circular letters to facilitate has been achieved over decades, and regulations and maritime economy,’ he said. ‘If you disrupt the continuous movement of world the international regulations that workers’ safety supply chains there can be a direct trade during the pandemic by have been implemented, are being · promoting the use of computer ‘The industry needs to start learning from impact on global markets. Shipping ensuring smooth operations of undermined out of convenience based training (CBT) for onboard successful journeys, not just accidents’ will increasingly be drawn into ships with ‘practical and pragmatic’ and no longer because of necessity safety and security training geopolitical disputes.’ approaches. But worryingly, due to as it was in the beginning of the · use of remote inspections →

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The ITF will integrate these concerns now do what they want to do in terms of examinations – a significant increase in into its ‘Enough is Enough’ campaign, safety,’ says Odd Rune Malterud, assistant workload for already fatigued seafarers. launched in June 2020 to protest against director & technical manager of the Mr Malterud, a former chief engineer the ongoing crew change crisis that now Norwegian Union of Marine Engineers — a and ship inspector, highlights that as a affects an estimated 300,000 seafarers member of the Nautilus Federation . massive problem. ‘It is a huge safety and stuck onboard due to pandemic travel ‘The port state administrations keep security risk to eliminate Port State restrictions, and another 300,000 talking about maintaining smooth Control,’ he says. seafarers stuck at home unable to access operations, and they don’t even mention ‘If you are on a ship you don’t see your employment onboard. safety. This is a big problem.’ own deficiencies. You need fresh eyes.' ‘We have an obligation and Mr Malterud fears exemptions granted responsibility to the seafarers to say in exceptional times will become Accident in waiting “enough is enough” to reduced safety and permanent without consultation with Some now fear that a major maritime security, to reduced manning, to reduced unions or seafarers. incident will need to occur before the hours of rest and to added responsibilities His sentiment is echoed by Nautilus industry wakes up to the risks of long- beyond their duties – all of these factors International professional and technical term regulatory erosion sparked by the are threatening the lives of the seafarers,’ officer David Appleton, who has seen pandemic. Ms Smith said. several proposals from the UK Maritime In its latest annual Safety & Shipping and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to make Review, the insurance firm Allianz Global Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA) Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) suggests Bigger than Covid repatriation exemptions permanent, that a damaging combination of When the Covid-19 pandemic first hit, including 60-day extensions to seafarers’ economic downturn, cost-cutting many countries shut their borders and contracts, and the permanent use of measures, fatigued crew and weakened travel restrictions were imposed. It was remote ship inspections. emergency response could see a surge of accepted that the industry faced a 'force ‘We need to create a balance between accidents at sea (see pages 26-28 of this majeure' situation and that processes and making practical allowances for the Telegraph). AGCS said the coronavirus protocols would need to be reconsidered. situation we’re in and making sure that pandemic has resulted in a sharp As a result, many ports were closed, and these don’t become permanent,’ he says. reduction in global seaborne trade and ships denied entry. 'The rules are written for a reason. When warned that the economic fallout could Force majeure is defined as acts, events it becomes inconvenient to comply with unwind years of safety gains. or circumstances beyond control, and can the rules, you don’t change the rules.’ The worry is that even when countries release parties from contractual or do restart PSC, many maritime regulatory obligations. Remote ship inspections administrations are moving too slowly to Many maritime authorities chose to During the pandemic, several maritime re-introduce effective regulatory develop temporary guidance to Port State authorities encouraged remote ship enforcement. Control (PSC) to apply flexibly during the inspections in order to safeguard crew and The UK suspended PSC inspections in pandemic. Most approved delays to or shore-based employees, including two key March. Maritime and Coastguard (MCA) extensions of ship inspections, surveys members of the IMO Council — the USA Surveyors suspended routine survey and and audits for between three and six and Norway. The IMO Council is the inspection activity for UK flagged vessels months. Routine servicing of lifesaving executive arm of the United Nations body. either domestically or overseas. And and firefighting apparatus, dry docking In a 19 June circular, the Norwegian while the MCA resumed survey, audit and and in water surveys, testing of lifting Maritime Authority said: ‘There are inspection activity on 20 July, ‘not all appliances and loose gear, and ballast reasons to believe that the Covid-19 activities recommenced on this date’. water and bunker fuel inspections, among pandemic and subsequent restrictions The Netherlands also suspended PSC very many others, were all put on hold. imposed will continue for quite some time. inspections in March, with a phased In a 9 April IMO video meeting with PSC ‘The Norwegian Maritime Authority return to operations from early July. regimes, the 10 regimes all reported (the NMA) has therefore opted to expand However, only in rare cases will suspensions and or delays to ship the possibility of carrying out remote inspectors now go onboard ship. inspections. The regimes include the audits to include DOC, SMC and ISPS Nautilus has raised its concerns about United States Coast Guard, the Viña del audits and MLC inspections in cases regulatory non-compliance with several Mar Agreement and the Abuja, Black Sea, where it is not possible to conduct industry partners including the Merchant Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, physical audits or inspections on board Navy Welfare Board and the MCA. Paris, Riyadh and Tokyo Memoranda of the vessel or at the company’s office due ‘We now need to restart ship Understanding (MoUs) on PSC. to restrictions or the risk of infection.’ inspections so that we can be sure the ‘We now have a bigger crisis than the The problem is that remote ship regulations that were put in place for a Covid-19 crisis to fight, and that is a crisis inspections require onboard crew to reason are being complied with,’ Mr of regulation, because every country can assist shoreside operators to complete the Appleton said.

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