INTERNATIONAL NAUTILUS AT WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY INDUSTRY Call for overhaul of Declining levels of trust Safety implications New polar safety maritime state aid reported between due to commercial guidelines guidelines ship and shore pressures welcomed the global seafarerVolume 4 | Number 1 | January 2020

FAIR PAY AT SEA It’s time to pay a fair wage for a fair day’s work CONTENTS

the global seafarerVolume 4 | Number 1 | January 2020

HEALTH AND SAFETY 7 12 2  Watchkeeper error is blamed for the ro-ro Ulysse collision which struck the containership CSL Virginia 4  Nautilus calls for urgent cooperation to fight piracy off the coast of west Africa 6  Study by International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots on shipboard safety 16 SPECIAL FEATURE: Is automation turning seafarers into ‘machine minders’ and causing boredom at work? A study by French maritime medical experts 16 NAUTILUS AT WORK 13  Nine in 10 fear criminalisation, finds Union’s 18 latest seafarer survey 14  Major research project into trust between seafarers and shore-based management 18  COVER STORY: Dismaying news underlines need for Nautilus Fair Pay at Sea campaign 20  ETF and Nautilus set out bold plan to secure the future of European maritime workers

INDUSTRY AND INTERNATIONAL

7 Climate change challenge sounded for industry 8 ETF call for maritime state aid overhaul 20 11  Nautilus/ITF inspector speaks against slavery

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

12  Serving seafarers and shore staff invited to contribute to EU research on future maritime skill needs

Published by Nautilus International on behalf of

January 2020 1 nautilusfederation.org HEALTH & SAFETY

Watchkeeper error blamed for Liquefaction led to missing bulk In brief MM&P safety study Ulysse and CSL Virginia collision carrier and loss of 25 crew The International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, in conjunction Intercargo has urged ‘shipowners, operators and with Dalhousie University of Halifax, Nova seafarers to exercise extreme caution’ when Scotia, has conducted a study on the loading nickel ore and other cargoes known complex issues underlying the topic of to liquefy, after its bulk carrier Nur Allya went responsibility for shipboard safety. The missing in August with 25 crew onboard. study describes the maritime safety The 52,400dwt Nur Allya, owned by Jakarta- regulatory regime; a number of high- based Gurita Lintas Samudera, was en route to profile international maritime accidents; Southeast Sulawesi when it sent a distress call and commercial pressures on front line while passing northern Buru Island on 20 August. personnel (ship’s officers and crew), The official air and sea search and rescue safety inspectors and management. operation for the 2002-built vessel, which is understood to be carrying nickel ore, was called Diving boat fatalities off on 11 September with the discovery of just a At least 25 people died in a fire onboard a An Intercargo bulk carrier casualty report in April 2019 life raft, a lifebuoy and an oil slick. highlighted the ever-present threat of cargo liquefaction. 75-foot commercial diving boat, the In a press release on 29 August, while the search Image: Getty Images Conception, which was anchored off the was still underway, Intercargo acknowledged that behaves like a ‘viscous fluid’. If liquefied cargo coast of California’s Santa Cruz Island. ‘the cause of the potential casualty is not known’, slopes toward the side of the cargo hold in There were 39 people aboard the boat, before going on to say: ‘Moisture related cargo synchronisation with the roll motion of the ship, including a six-person crew and 33 guests shifting and incidents on voyage, widely known it may develop a severe list and capsize abruptly. who had embarked on a Labor Day dive as liquefaction, continue to be a major concern Intercargo highlighted the threat of trip to Channel Islands National Park off The ro-ro Ulysse struck the containership CSL Virginia off the coast of Corsica in October 2018. for dry bulk shipping, as our Association has liquefaction in its latest report. Data showed the coast of Southern California. Five Image: Préfecture Maritime de la Méditerranée highlighted in earlier notes this year.’ 101 of the 188 lives (53.7%) lost on bulk carriers members of the crew escaped in an The release expressed frustration at the ‘lack above 10,000dwt between 2009 and 2018 were inflatable boat and were rescued by a Officers using their mobile phones while The investigation also revealed that one one nautical mile guard zone. But because it of consolidated efforts and commitment from down to cases of cargo liquefaction. The deaths nearby vessel. The bodies of 25 people on watch have been blamed for an incident of the two pairs of binoculars on the ferry’s was on standby at the time, no warning had all stakeholders’ to ‘eliminate the problem and occurred on nine different ships – six carrying have been recovered or identified, the US in which a ferry crashed into an anchored bridge were defective and the ship’s X-band been sounded. safeguard the lives of innocent seafarers’ nickel ore from Indonesia, two with laterite Coast Guard said. containership in the Mediterranean, an radar was out of use. Investigations revealed during its 13 days According to DNV GL, the sheer strength of (clay) iron ore from India and one with bauxite investigation has ruled. CSL Virginia had its deck lights lit and had at anchor, the vessel had experienced several liquefaction means cargo such as nickel ore from Malaysia. Hurricane Dorian relief The Tunisian-flagged ro-ro Ulysse struck the been detected by the ferry’s radar more than close-quarters situations, with a number of The Captain Richard Phillips Lane Kirkland 54,592gt containership CSL Virginia amidships an hour before the accident, the report notes. ships passing it at less than 0.3nm. However, Trust is taking donations to help support while sailing at 19 knots off the coast of Corsica The ferry’s watchkeeping officer had failed the report points out, these potentially Alcohol main factor in fatal accidents the Hurricane Dorian relief efforts. during a regular voyage between Genoa and to carry out any visual or radar assessment dangerous situations had not been noticed by Contributions are tax deductible for US Tunis in October last year. before allowing a lookout to go below to carry its master. Alcohol continued to be the leading known 3.6% decrease from the previous year’s fatality citizens and will be used to assist students A major clean-up operation had to be out safety checks, it adds. Although he had The report says CSL Virginia’s lookout was contributing factor in fatal boating accidents rate of 5.5 deaths per 100,000 registered affected by this monster storm. The mounted to deal with spilled fuel oil and it spotted CSL Virginia on the ECDIS, he had ‘inappropriate’ for the traffic conditions in the in the US in 2018, according to a new US Coast recreational vessels. Phillips Trust will also be taking a portion took five days to separate the two ships. assumed the other ship was crossing ahead ‘unwise’ anchoring area. and its master had Guard report. Where the cause of death was known, 77% of of proceeds from upcoming events to help A report published in July by the French and was not a danger. also been on a personal mobile phone call less Published in August, the 2018 Recreational fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those with support. Donations can be made via investigation body BEAMer says accumulated BEAMer said it had not ruled out the ‘very than a quarter of an hour before the collision. Boating Statistics Report said that alcohol was a drowning victims with reported lifejacket usage, the Phillips Trust website. fatigue and family and personal worries plausible’ explanation that the officer had BEAMer criticised the poor safety culture factor in 100 deaths, or 19% of total fatalities. 84% were not wearing a lifejacket. experienced by the ferry’s watchkeeper may fallen asleep, even though he testified that he within the Tunisian ferry company, but said Operator inattention and inexperience, The report highlights that while the falling Four rescued from car carrier also have been a factor in the accident. was awake when the collision occurred. the collision was the direct consequence improper lookout, machinery failure and statistics are good news, a few obvious yet all too The US Coast Guard (USCG) rescued four Investigators found the that officer – who Investigators said the officer had been of human error. ‘A boredom factor, related excessive speed ranked as the top five primary often ignored safe boating habits could reduce the trapped crew members from a capsized was alone on the bridge at the time – had serving onboard the ferry for five months at to the length of sea-going periods, has contributing factors in accidents. number of incidents even further. car carrier off the coast of Georgia on 9 been seated in a chair with limited visibility the time of the accident. ‘Considering the pace certainly had an effect on the involvement The report also revealed that the Coast Guard ‘While these decreases are encouraging, there September, more than a day after the ahead. He had been ‘kept busy with personal onboard ferries, and the lack of information of the officers of the watch onboard both counted 4,145 boating accidents in 2018 that are still too many deaths and injuries that could vessel had overturned. Traffic at Port of communication’ on his mobile phone before about his paid-off date, family tensions could vessels,’ the report concludes. ‘Onboard both involved 633 fatalities, a decrease of 3.8% from be avoided through the use of lifejackets and Brunswick was suspended as authorities going to the chart table – behind closed have led him to complacency and cause a lack vessels, the use of mobile phone for personal 2017. Reported recreational boating injuries also eliminating alcohol consumption while operating raced to rescue the crew and a pilot from curtains – to fill in the logbook and plot a of involvement in his function during watch,’ concerns took precedence over the officer of fell compared to 2017, from 2,629 to 2,511. a boat,’ said Captain Scott Johnson, chief of the Hyundai’s Golden Ray, which was listing point on the chart only seven minutes before the report notes. the watch duties, leading to a lack of surface The fatality rate was 5.3 deaths per 100,000 Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety at Coast heavily and had caught fire in nearby St the collision. CSL Virginia’s radar had been set with a situation monitoring.’ registered recreational vessels, representing a Guard Headquarters. Simons Sound as it left for Baltimore.

nautilusfederation.org 2 January 2020 January 2020 3 nautilusfederation.org HEALTH & SAFETY

In brief Nautilus backs funding plea In brief Cruise crew unhappiest for aid and training vessel Tugs strike over safety Seafarers working on cruise French unions staged a national ships and ferries are among the Nautilus is backing moves by British shipbuilder government’s Maritime 2050 strategy. 24-hour tug strike in October, to unhappiest in the world, according Cammell Laird to secure UK government The project had a letter of support from raise safety concerns over a towing to the latest Seafarers Happiness funding for the Britannia Maritime Aid (BMA) the then Secretary of State for International company’s proposal to reduce the Index by the Mission to Seafarers. charity via the International Aid budget. Development Penny Mordaunt earlier this year. number of officers on its tugs from Crew were upset by delayed Cammell Laird chief executive John Syvret Cammell Laird says the vessel will prove four to three. wages, less shore leave, workload wrote to UK maritime minister Nusrat Ghani to ‘excellent value for the UK taxpayer, compared The CGT, CFDT and CFE-CGC stress caused by smaller crews ask for government support. with the cost of maintaining a Royal Navy asset unions acted after the towing and a lack of understanding from Launched at the UK Chamber of Shipping on disaster relief duties. ‘If the ship could be company in the Mediterranean port shore staff about seafarer welfare. during London International Shipping Week in financed through the International Aid budget of Sète, approached the maritime Abandonment fears continue September, BMA is a registered charity backed (providing much needed aid in kind rather than administration in September, to grow, with many seafarers by Nautilus and put together by a group of cash) then it would effectively be cost-neutral.’ requesting the green light to reduce expressing a sense of vulnerability maritime professionals and training experts. The first-of-its-kind disaster relief and onboard tug manpower. following several recent incidents BMA plans to build a £150m concept vessel that training ship will have a training centre, Leda Maersk: The investigation concluded the harbour pilot and bridge team was ‘primarily navigating using visual cues The action resulted in major around the globe including will deliver humanitarian aid and disaster relief, landing craft, helicopter drones, rough terrain outside the ship, rather than fully using the electronic navigation aids stoppages in Marseilles, Le Havre reports of aggression, violence and while simultaneously providing a dual role as a vehicles, onboard medical facilities, briefing and Calais and other French ports. bullying against female seafarers. training platform for UK and Commonwealth rooms, and full mission bridge and engine cadets, apprentices and trainees. It would also room simulators for trainees. Maersk safety review Box ship firefighting Loneliness risks deliver ocean advocacy programmes, including An armoured beach recovery vehicle The International Union of Marine A new study has urged cargo marine clean-up and research. and onboard workboat will allow for beach urged after grounding Insurance (IUMI) has fired a warning shipping companies to provide Following design approval and fundraising, surveys and clean up – even where harbours shot over box ship fire-fighting greater support to seafarers to help the vessel would take four to five years to build are damaged and inaccessible to other vessels. Maersk Line should review navigational and An ECDIS off-track alert had been activated capabilities following an escalation prevent anxiety and depression and would be based full-time in Barbados. Cadets will be deployed to assist in the clean-up, pilotage safety across its fleet following an before the grounding, and acknowledged by one in numbers of onboard fires. The Cardiff University research Meanwhile, BMA is considering an interim providing practical experience to supplement accident last year in which one of its vessels ran of the bridge team, but the information had not It stressed the need for found that long working hours, vessel, bought second-hand and refitted for college education. The ship will have capacity for aground while entering a port in New Zealand. been shared with the rest of the team. improvements in crew safety and isolation and extended periods purpose. Funding is planned as a mixture of up to 6,000 tonnes of vehicles and aid supplies An investigation found that neither the Otago ‘The fact that none of the bridge team was the environment and said the mis- away from home put seafarers crowdfunding and government support. The including field hospitals, field kitchens, tents, harbour pilot nor the ship’s bridge team had actively monitoring the progress of the ship on and non-declaration of cargo was at risk of poor mental health. charity believes that the project fits with the UK fresh water and fuel for devastated areas. recognised that the 50,688gt vessel had deviated the electronic navigation equipment is indicative aggravating the problem. Employers should provide self- from its planned track as it rounded the final of their having relaxed when the pilot embarked This year has already seen an help guidance on improving bend in the channel before its berth. and put too much faith in the pilot getting it alarming number of box ship fires mental resilience and contracts Unions call for action on piracy ‘This was because they were all primarily right,’ the report states. including on the Yantian Express, that balance work and leave navigating using visual cues outside the ship, TAIC said the Leda Maersk incident shared APL Le Havre, APL Vancouver, the time, introduce anti-bullying Nautilus has added its voice to calls by unions rather than fully using the electronic navigation similarities with four reports it had published Grande America, E.R. Kobe and and harassment policies, train for urgent global and regional cooperation by aids, all of which clearly showed the ship in the past five years involving groundings that KMTC Hong Kong. officers to create a positive governments and shipping companies to fight deviating from the centre of the channel,’ the NZ were all due in part to poor standards of bridge onboard atmosphere and set up piracy off the coast of west Africa. Transport Accident Investigation Commission resource management and pilots and bridge EMSA pollution response confidential counselling services, An attack on two vessels in the Gulf of Guinea (TAIC) report concludes. teams not sharing the same concepts of the As the Telegraph went to press, the the study says. – a designated International Bargaining Forum ‘The grounding is an example of why it is not passage plans. European Maritime Safety Agency ‘high risk area’ – in early November led the appropriate to use visual navigation alone when Investigators discovered that the passage plan (EMSA) was due to participate in Safer sea rescues International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) On 2 November pirates kidnapped nine crew members from manoeuvring large ships in narrow channels, on the pilot’s PPU was slightly different from a pollution response exercise in Norwegian-flagged MV Bonita France’s National Society for to issue the call for action. and in the dark,’ it adds. ‘With so little margin for that on the ship’s ECDIS. Although this was not Malaga, Spain which would test the Rescue at Sea (SNSM) has been On 2 November, pirates kidnapped nine crew unions were concerned at the mounting physical error, it would have been appropriate to utilise a factor in the grounding, the report stresses: national maritime contingency plan told to improve communications members from Norwegian-flagged MV Bonita and mental health toll on seafarers while fully the accuracy of electronic navigation aids ‘If there is no agreed plan there is a danger that and subsequent coordination among between management and its while the vessel was at anchor off the coast of transiting West Africa. He urged members to call such as portable pilot units (PPUs) and ECDIS. the pilot and the ship’s crew will have differing the local, regional, national and centres and boost its internal Benin in West Africa. Two days later, four crew the Nautilus 24/7 helpline in case of emergency. Had the pilot done so, the ship’s departure from mental concepts of how the pilotage will be international organisations involved democracy following the death of members were taken hostage off the coast of Members can also contact their Union the intended track would have been readily performed.’ in pollution response. three volunteers during a rescue Togo from Greek-flagged Elka Aristotle. industrial representative in business hours while apparent in time to avoid the grounding.’ The report points to evidence that those on The exercise would also provide operation this summer. The Several other abductions have been reported ashore and by logging into My Nautilus. Investigators said the pilot had stopped using the bridge were not working as a team. ‘The ship an opportunity to assess the volunteers died when rescue vessel in the Gulf of Guinea in recent months, including ITF seafarers’ section chair David Heindel his PPU when he realised it was showing the ship was at a critical phase of the agreed passage plan, collective response capacity in the Patron Jack Morisseau capsized off eight crew taken off Cameroon in August, and 10 called on the shipping industry, governments to be off-track because there was an 18m offset to yet none of the bridge team was totally aware event of a large-scale oil spill in the Sables d’Olonne on the western Turkish seafarers off the coast of Nigeria in July. and unions to work collaboratively to eliminate allow for the position of unit’s aerial in relation of the factors influencing the track of the ship Mediterranean, according to the coast of France. Nautilus general secretary Mark Dickinson said piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. to the vessel’s centreline. towards the left channel bank,’ it adds. agency.

nautilusfederation.org 4 January 2020 January 2020 5 nautilusfederation.org HEALTH AND SAFETY INDUSTRY In brief Safety takes back seat in Climate change goals challenge Boxship slams tanker In brief Ocean Network Express competitive flag market sounded for maritime industry containership ONE Blue Jay collided ‘All hands on deck’ are needed to Ocean Cleanup with moored oil/chemical tanker The International Organization of Masters, beat climate change and achieve A Dutch NGO that develops Gunece while entering the Greek Mates & Pilots (MM&P) has published a study on international goals on peace and technology to extract plastic port of Perama, near Piraeus, on shipboard safety, which focuses largely on the prosperity, former UN secretary- pollution from the oceans is 26 September. Gunece was badly safety implications of the commercial pressures general Ban Ki-moon has told ploughing ahead with the damaged, with a crack in one of its faced by the shipping industry worldwide. the International Maritime latest stage of its successful ballast tanks, and two crew Seafarers are ‘pressured to keep quiet and keep Organization (IMO). garbage collection scheme. members were injured. the ship moving’ by ship operators, who don’t want The Paris Climate Change Ocean Cleanup has been to lose income while a ship is pulled out of service Agreement and the UN Sustainable used to collect rubbish from Ship operators don’t want to lose Zero carbon plan to be repaired. income while a ship is pulled out Development Goals (SDGs) are the the Great Pacific Garbage A coalition of Pacific island nations Competition wrought by the safety-light of service to be repaired, the two ‘defining challenges of our Patch, the largest of five study shows. Image: Getty Images are looking to raise $500m to flag-of-convenience (FoC) system has increased time’, Mr Ban told IMO member accumulation zones of Former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon tells the IMO it is at the ‘vanguard of reduce carbon emissions from commercial pressure on flag states, which may loss of life or damage to the environment: the states, NGOs and IMO staff at IMO global efforts’ Image: IMO plastic in the world’s oceans. shipping in the region to zero by turn a blind eye to safety problems to attract and 2002 Prestige disaster; the sinking of the Russian headquarters at the end of October. partnership,’ stressed Mr Ban. Mr Ban lauded IMO’s work on 2050. Led by the Marshall Islands, retain clients, the study found. riverboat Bulgaria in 2011; the Korean ferry Sewol The SDGs are a call for action by ‘Considering the great importance climate change, including the India bans plastic the Pacific Blue Shipping Ship’s officers who bring safety issues to the in 2014 and the Stellar Daisy sinking in 2017. all countries – poor, rich and middle- of the shipping industry for our adoption of the initial IMO GHG India is the first country in Partnership wants to retrofit attention of management are exposed to the risk The study proposes ‘greater uniformity by flag income – to promote prosperity economies and the environment, strategy, as well as its work on the world to ban single-use existing passenger and cargo ferries of retaliation. As whistle-blowers they may face and port states in implementation of international while protecting the planet. IMO truly represents the vanguard capacity building, to promote plastics on all ships in its with low-carbon technologies and punishment, demotion or even termination. safety regulations, with strict enforcement by Port Mr Ban highlighted the IMO’s of global efforts to build a more a safer, more secure and more waters. The ban will take buy new zero-emissions vessels. Marine inspectors are often pressured by their State Control, including the ability to look behind commitment to supporting the prosperous and sustainable global environment-friendly shipping effect in two stages – the superiors to ‘look the other way’. certificates of compliance issued by flag states or ocean goal SDG 14 – including its future.’ industry, and focus on empowering first effective immediately Icebreaker eco expedition Onshore management discourages reporting to other inspection organisations.’ work to address marine plastic Mr Ban also warned against women in maritime. and the second on 1 January The German icebreaker Polarstern maintain immunity from personal liability. Spotlight: Why Accidents Are Often Not litter. Shipping itself is vital to world rising unilateralism. ‘In times ‘Taking stock of the current 2020. Items prohibited has set sail for the central Arctic on These factors may have contributed to several Accidental was written in conjunction with trade and development and the of increasing discord, I believe realities of global development include cutlery, plates, cups, a year-long, $158m research fatal maritime accidents that involved significant Dalhousie University of Halifax, Nova Scotia. achievement of many SDGs. With 11 that achieving the UN SDGs and and climate change, I believe IMO and drinking water bottles. expedition through the ice, to gain years to go to fulfil the goals set out meeting the Paris Climate Change and shipping industry are well a better understanding of climate in all 17 SDGs, ‘we need an all hands Agreement are two efforts that positioned to help navigate us Weather data change. The vessel will act as the CARGO SHIP BANNED FROM PARIS MOU on deck approach where everyone should unite all nations, all industry toward safer harbours,’ said Mr More data collected by ships base for the Multidisciplinary The Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged general cargoship be individual grounds for detention. joins together in multi stakeholder and all civil society,’ he said. Ban. at sea will help improve drifting Observatory for the Study Sara has been banned from Paris MoU ports for three The violations relate to navigation safety, safety extreme weather forecasts of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC). months after several ‘serious violations’, including on board, seafarers’ living and working conditions, Union welcomes new polar safety guidelines and benefit mariners. The insufficient food for the crew, were discovered. and deficiencies in the overall safety management World Meteorological CMA CGM’s Arctic no-go The ship was detained in the north Italian Port of of the ship by the shipping company, Baku, and Additional guidelines for polar shipping Organisation and IMO The new guidelines aim to help CMA CGM said use of the Arctic Monfalcone on 3 September, after the Paris MoU Azerbaijan based shipowner, manager and operator have been welcomed by Nautilus shipping companies meet the highlighted the need to Northern Sea Route from Asia to report found 20 violations, five of which were said to Sio Shipping. International. Polar Code Image: Getty close the gap between met- Europe ‘will represent a significant The new joint guidelines, known as ocean providers and users danger to unique ecosystems due the Polar Water Operation Manual of this information in the to accidents, oil pollution or Unions back search and rescue (PWOM) are from the International maritime industry. collisions with marine wildlife’ and Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the Oil vowed not to use the route. Nautilus is supporting the continue the search. Companies International Marine Forum Go slow no go for IMO Seafarers’ Union of Croatia, a The families have also (OCIMF). The manual aims to support IMO member states have Floating nuclear plant sister union in the Nautilus created a Facebook group to masters and shipping companies to rejected proposals for Russia’s first floating nuclear Federation, and the collect information about the develop a PWOM that best suits the speed reduction regulation power plant Academik International Transport sunken ship and lost crew. needs of their individual ships, operating in these areas have well-established systems to reduce carbon emissions Lomonosov has left Murmansk Workers’ Federation (ITF) in Bourbon Rhode: chance that At the time of the incident, environmental hazards and nature of operations. to ensure that their seafarers are appropriately qualified and opted for a goal-based remaining seafarers could be found on tow for its 4,700km voyage to backing further search and the Bourbon Rhode was The additional International Convention on Standards above and beyond the minimum requirements, and any approach. However, no the Arctic port of Pevek, where rescue efforts for the missing ‘We cannot stop looking for 1,200nm off the coast of the of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for guidance that can assist other companies to reach the details on what these the 144m-long barge-type vessel master and crew of tug supply them as long as there is hope island of Martinique and 60mn Seafarers (STCW) training requirements under the Polar same standard is welcome.’ might be have yet will replace the town’s nuclear vessel Bourbon Rhode. that they can be saved,’ the southeast of the eye of category Code are the internationally agreed minimum standard In the UK the Merchant Navy Training Board has also emerged. The next Marine and thermic power stations. It The families of the missing families said on their crowd 4 hurricane Lorenzo, when the to allow seafarers to work in polar regions. developed Polar Code training course criteria which Environment Protection will produce energy for 100,000 men have taken hope from a funding page, which has been master asked for help due to Nautilus professional and technical officer David ensures that UK seafarers are able to gain the required Committee will meet from people and local industry. potential sighting of the crew. set up to collect funds to water ingress. Appleton said: ‘Companies that are experienced in certificates to continue working in these areas. 23-27 March 2020.

nautilusfederation.org 6 January 2020 January 2020 7 nautilusfederation.org INTERNATIONAL

REGULATION POLITICS In brief In brief ETF calls for ITF SLAMS US PLANS TO DENY VISAS TO EU ship recycling list The European Commission (EC) has added CREW ON VESSELS CARRYING IRANIAN OIL a further eight shipyards to its list of maritime state facilities suitable for the dismantling of The International Transport Workers’ Federation EU-flagged vessels. Five of the new yards aid overhaul (ITF) has criticised the US government’s decision are in Norway, two in Denmark and one to deny seafarers a US visa if they work onboard in Turkey. Norway and Denmark have The European Transport Workers’ Federation a vessel carrying Iranian oil. notified their agreement to the EC, while (ETF) and the International Transport Forum have It is unfair to expect seafarers ‘to have any the non-EU yard applied to join the list called on the European Commission to revise EU influence over the destination of a vessel or its and demonstrated that it fulfils the strict state aid guidelines for maritime transport to cargo’, ITF seafarers’ section chair David Heindel requirements for inclusion. The latest make them more transparent and effective in job said. Mr Heindel expressed ‘serious concern’ European list of ship recycling facilities creation, reflagging, and training and education over the lack of understanding shown by Unions back migrant rescue currently contains 34 yards, representing for European-domiciled seafarers. many governments in relation to international French maritime unions have a total available annual recycling capacity A joint ETF/ITF report found limited evidence ETF acting general secretary Livia Spera said maritime shipping and the role played by seafarers. expressed support for Corsica Linea’s subsidies are failing to achieve their desired objectives of nearly 2.4MT. that maritime subsidies achieve their stated aims, The ITF’s comments came in response to a ITF seafarers’ section chair David Heindel Image: ITF action in saving 18 migrants in for example in defending domestic ship registers ‘Unless this system is totally reformed, statement by the US State Department to the said. ‘If a vessel is directed to an Iranian port, danger of their lives on a craft that and seafarer employment. European shipping will need financial support,’ maritime industry in August, invoking anti- it’s common that the captain will be the only had been without power for several ‘Reorientation of maritime subsidy policies International Transport Worders’ Federation terrorism legislation to deny seafarers a US visa. one who knows the destination a day or two days. Its Mediterranée ferry deviated could improve outcomes and halt a race to the general secretary Stephen Cotton said. ‘The Seafarers’ lives have been put at risk in recent before. from its regular route between bottom between subsidy regimes,’ the report question for maritime subsidies in European months following a ratcheting up of political ‘The crew, especially ratings and lower- Algiers and Marseilles in the night- found. ‘Global convergence of reforms would shipping is not an “if” but “how”. Europe must tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Attacks have ranking officers, will not know and have no time rescue operation. Crew gave be the ideal for ensuring a level playing field for support the sector but in a different and more been made on several commercial vessels possibility to refuse or disembark the vessel medical treatment to the rescued competing flags but incremental improvements efficient way to actively support job creation including an attempted hijacking of the BP during the voyage. migrants and ensured they were fed could be achieved and subsidies would be more and training for European domiciled seafarers.’ tanker British Heritage by the IRG. ‘Seafarers usually have no idea who actually and could rest before landing them France ready for ‘no-deal’ effective if their objectives were clarified and Nautilus deputy general secretary Marcel ‘Seafarers, whether officers or ratings, rarely owns the vessel on which they are working, the following day at Alcudia, Majorca. France is ready for a no-deal Brexit after they were made conditional on positive impacts, van den Broek said: ‘Fiscal support measures know where the vessel is bound,’ Mr Heindel much less who owns the cargo.’ spot tests of lorries at Brittany Ferries’ e.g. on decarbonisation and employment.’ The are desperately needed in order not to lose the Top accolade Portsmouth and Caen-Ouistreham ferry most economically distorting schemes should be battle with open registers. In many cases, these Captain George A. Quick, an terminals, said French Economy and prioritised for reform. subsidies can be used differently and better. international expert on maritime Finance minister Gérald Darmanin. The ‘Analysis confirms what workers and their ‘This is certainly the case in Europe when MSC makes EU’s Top 10 law, regulations and policy, is the Brexit dress rehearsal by French officials unions have long suspected: maritime subsidies it comes to safeguarding maritime jobs for recipient of the 2019 Safety at Sea of new customs checks on lorries arriving are failing to achieve their desired objectives,’ ETF Europeans and thus preserving maritime Lifetime Achievement Award. The in France were successful, he said. French acting general secretary Livia Spera said. knowledge in Europe.’ carbon polluters list Award honours individuals who, authorities have set up a ‘smart border’ over the course of their careers, EQUALITY with cameras to scan the licence plates of Swiss-Italian-owned global container shipping of CO2 last year – meaning that if shipping have shown leadership in their area lorries heading to Britain and link them to operator Mediterranean Shipping Company were a country it would be the EU’s 8th of expertise and made profound shipping documents filled out online. DENMARK DIVERSITY DRIVE has joined coal plants and Ryanair on the EU’s biggest emitter after the Netherlands. contributions to crew wellbeing list of top 10 carbon emitters, according to ‘Shipping is the only sector with no and safe ship operations. Captain DFDS and Moby ‘swap deal’ Denmark is looking to recruit more women official emissions data. measures to reduce its emissions in the Quick is vice-president of the Danish operator DFDS and Italian ferry into its shipping sector with the launch of a new The MSC fleet was responsible for about bloc and yet it does not pay for its carbon Pilot Membership Group of the operator Moby Lines, in a rare event campaign called Girl Power in September. 11 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2018, pollution. International Organization of for the ferry sector, are to swap two World Careers, the joint recruitment drive of according to the European Federation for ‘Meanwhile, the maritime sector is exempt Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P). vessels. DFDS will acquire Moby Line’s Danish maritime cluster Blue Denmark, launched Transport and Environment, commonly under EU law from paying tax on its fuel, Moby Aki and Moby Wonder fast the campaign to increase numbers of women in the referred to as Transport & Environment (T&E). an effective subsidy worth €24 billion a year.’ US Coast Guard backlog ferries built in 2005 and 2001. The industry. Only 3% of Danish seafarers are women, The data shows that MSC would be the T&E is a European umbrella for NGOs The US Coast Guard is vessels will be delivered in October with the gender bias also noticeable on shore. eighth biggest emitter in the bloc if shipping working in the field of transport and the recommending mariners submit 2019 and undergo refurbishing and ‘There is a sea of opportunities,’ World Careers was part of the EU’s emissions trading system. environment, promoting sustainable applications for merchant mariner renaming. Moby will acquire DFDS’s campaign manager Anne Bay Riisager said. Inspiring young women to choose a career in maritime The airline Ryanair was tenth on the list. The transport in Europe. credentials and medical certificate King Seaways and Princess Seaways, The campaign’s website features interviews Image: World Careers’ Girl Power website rest are all German coal plants except number It currently has 60 national member and extensions at least two months prior built in 1986 and 1997. The bareboat- with women in the sector, talking about why recruitment videos on World Careers TV. one, which is the Elektrownia Bełchatów plant supporter organisations in 25 countries, to the expiration date due to long chartered ro-pax vessels will operate they chose a maritime career, news of upcoming ‘The fight for young people requires a in Poland. including the UK’s Transform Scotland, the backlogs in processing caused by on the Newcastle-IJmuiden line from Blue Denmark events, a jobs portal offering continuous presence to make them look According to T&E: ‘Ships sailing to and from Environmental Transport Association and the government shutdown at the January 2020. information on the latest vacancies and towards maritime,’ Miss Riisager said. Europe emitted more than 139 million tonnes the Campaign for Better Transport. beginning of the year.

nautilusfederation.org 8 January 2020 January 2020 9 nautilusfederation.org INTERNATIONAL

In brief Unions urge new EU boss In brief Ferry action compo to end social dumping Unions bounce back The highest court in France has Almost 500,000 American workers awarded shipping company La Nautilus International and the European participated in strikes in 2018, up Méridionale €1.73m in Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) have called from 25,000 in 2017, according to compensation for loss of income, on newly-appointed EU transport commissioner data from the US Bureau of Labor after its cargo ship Kalliste was Adina Valean to end social dumping in Statistics. Not since 1986 has the Nautilus/ITF inspector Tommy Molloy Image: ITF blockaded in Marseille for nine European waters. number of workers going on strike days by 100 striking ferry Ursula von der Leyen, the president-elect been so high. Factors in the trend seafarers. The French of the European Commission appointed Ms Nautilus/ITF inspector include a strong economy which has government was found Valean as transport commissioner for 2019- led to low unemployment, responsible for the blockade by 2024 following a final round of hearings from widespread discontent with workers of struggling ferry candidates on Thursday 14 November. speaks against slavery increasing inequality, a decline in company SNCM because it had Nautilus international organiser, Danny middle class living standards and approved a lower court’s decision McGowan, said: ‘We hope that under Ms Valean’s The Nautilus/ITF inspector for Liverpool, questions from members of the public and ran changes in the political scene, the to use force to prevent access to stewardship, the opportunity will be seized northwest England and Wales Tommy Molloy a display of photographs taken during some of Masters, Mates & Pilots union the ship and to move on the to eradicate social dumping from maritime has participated in a major anti-modern-day his inspections. (MM&P) said. protesters. In the end, force was and other transport modes. We look forward Adina Vălean Image: Wikimedia Commons slavery event in Liverpool, UK. ‘While there’s greater awareness about not used, and the blockade to working with our ETF colleagues and the The ETF – which represents over five million Organised by the UK Border Force at the the victims of modern-day slavery, the Short sea support ended peacefully. European Commission to further job security for transport workers from more than 200 transport Merseyside Maritime and International Slavery exploitation of seafarers remains largely The MM&P union has joined 32 the benefit of all Nautilus members.’ unions and 41 European countries – is currently Museum, the two-day event marked National hidden from the public,’ Mr Molloy said. ‘So, other transportation sector unions French pensions fears ETF general secretary Livia Spera said: campaigning for an end to social dumping and Anti-slavery Day and included talks from when we find it, it’s our role to work closely in calling on Congress to enable FNAPMM, France’s national ‘Whilst Ms von der Leyen’s initial mission letter for improved working conditions in all transport victims of modern-day slavery, charities and with the Border Force and other agencies to development of a domestic federation of Merchant Navy overlooked the social dimension of the transport modes. It will discuss how to apply EU labour non-governmental organisations, as well as the uncover it, expose it and prevent it. Events like shortsea shipping industry. ‘We can pensioners’ associations, said the sector, we expect Ms Valean to take this very standards to transport workers and to ensure International Transport Workers’ Federation. this help us to shine a light on what is the dark create good US jobs, enhance 0.3% increase in retired seriously. Millions of workers across Europe are social protection with Ms Valean when she takes Mr Molloy gave a talk about his work, took side of modern seafaring.’ sound environmental and energy seafarers’ pensions due on calling for action.’ her seat at the European Commission. policies and relieve congestion on 1 January 2020 is not nearly highways — all with minimal cost enough. The Federation said that ITF and Saudi Arabia join forces to to taxpayers,’ the unions said in the rise ‘far from compensates for Connemara re-flag overshadowed one of six policy statements issued losses in retirees’ pensions’ support seafarers in Saudi ports by the AFL-CIO Transportation purchasing power’, especially for by new non-French ferry charter Trades Department. lower grades and widows, the The International Transport latter often receiving pensions The CGT and CFDT officers and ratings unions Workers’ Federation (ITF) and Unions back cargo laws that are under the legal have welcomed the re-flagging to the full Saudi Arabia have joined forces to A coalition of maritime unions, minimum. French flag of Brittany Ferries’ chartered support seafarers in the Kingdom’s shipping companies and advocacy Connemara ferry from the Cyprus register ports and to work towards the groups has called on the US Senate Contract dumping strike with the creation of more than 100 new jobs. ratification of the Maritime Labour to audit federal agencies’ Italian maritime unions FILT But they are protesting at the conditions Convention (MLC) 2006. compliance with cargo preference CGIL and Uiltrasporti staged a surrounding a newly-chartered ferry to the The International Maritime laws. The information supplied by second 24-hour strike against western Channel ferry operator’s fleet that will Organization (IMO) permanent the audit would provide ‘an ferry operator Blu Jet’s not be registered under the French flag. representative of the Kingdom of objective overview and clearer ‘contractual dumping’. The Brittany Ferries chartered the Connemara Meanwhile, unions at Brittany Ferries have Saudi Arabia, Essam M Alammari, From left: Steve Trowsdale, Essam M Alammari and Mohamed Arrachedi understanding of the degree to unions are fighting to level out from Stena ro-ro in May 2018 to open a new forged an agreement with management that, for met ITF inspectorate coordinator meet at ITF headquarters in London. Image: ITF which federal agencies may be, the current salary differences of maritime route between Ireland and Spain the first time, enables captains and chief officers Steve Trowsdale and ITF Arab World regional levels and the country’s agency founded in 1976, consists contrary to the law, bypassing US- employees on the same grades linking Cork, Roscoff (France) and Santander. to elect representatives to serve on the western network coordinator Mohamed ratification of MLC 2006. of nine major ports, six of which flag vessels in favour of foreign-flag covered by the collective The unions contested the arrival of the ship Channel ferry operator’s collective agreement Arrachedi at ITF headquarters in Recent successful are commercial and three are vessels to move US government agreement of FS, the state that Brittany Ferries wanted to operate without negotiation teams. The CGT, CFDT and CFE-CGC London on 21 October. collaboration included industrial. cargoes’, the group said. It railways group of which Blu Jet a single French officer or French seafarer for the have won recognition that Captains and first In addition to agreeing co- repatriation of five seafarers with The ITF now represents more underlined the direct relation is the maritime subsidiary. The first time on one of its ferries. officers can vote in the company-wide elections operation to support seafarers in owed wages from the vessel MKN than 35 unions in the Middle between the enforcement of cargo fast ferry operator ensures Brittany Ferries management said that it had for representatives of all grades on Brittany Saudi ports, the meeting discussed 205 in Damman port. East, North Africa and the Gulf preference requirements and lifeline links between Italy’s promised to transfer the Connemara to the full Ferries’ statutory works council. greater collaboration between the The Saudi ports network, states. It opened its regional national defence capability provided mainland and Sicily across the French register within two years and had done Elections will be held at the end of this year ITF and Saudi Arabia’s maritime supervised by Mawani, the Saudi office, ITF Arab World in Amman, by a strong and active US-flag Strait of Messina. so by creating 111 new jobs including 25 officers. and will come into effect on 1 January 2020. authorities at international and Ports Authority, a government Jordan in 2004. merchant marine.

nautilusfederation.org 10 January 2020 January 2020 11 nautilusfederation.org EDUCATION AND NAUTILUS AT WORK TRAINING Nine in ten seafarers fear In brief criminalisation, finds Union Almost 90% of seafarers fear situations that simply wouldn’t happen in the criminalisation at work, a new Nautilus vast majority of other professions. We cannot International survey has found. let the voice of our seafarers on the impact of A quarter of the 612 seafarers surveyed the fear of criminalisation be ignored.’ L-R Micky Smyth, Sinclair Pirie and Davie by the Union identified the issue as a truly The new criminalisation report forms the Bruce outside the offices of Orkney Ferries global one, saying they did not feel safe from basis of Nautilus’s Fair Treatment campaign, criminalisation anywhere in the world – a which is committed to raising awareness Fresh terms at Orkney Ferries change from the Union’s 2010 survey when of the issue of criminalisation at sea and After lengthy negotiations, Nautilus has member concerns centred around North providing practical support for seafarers. agreed updated terms & conditions with America, Europe and Africa. The Union’s support network includes a Orkney Ferries, which recognises the HAVE YOUR SAY IN Pollution was identified as the biggest 24/7 helpline, a worldwide network of lawyers Union as being representative of all its issue that respondents believed they could and the JASON advice and assistance scheme members for the purpose of collective be criminalised for. Most respondents believe (the Nautilus Federation’s Joint Assistance & bargaining, pay negotiation, hours of FUTURE SKILLS SURVEY the public and political reaction to a spill Support Network), run in partnership with work, and general conditions of affects the likelihood of being treated fairly, Nautilus Federation unions. employment. The final meeting was held with many speaking of the fear of being held The Union has also developed a new mobile at company offices in Kirkwall by Nautilus Serving seafarers and shore staff asked to contribute to major EU maritime education project criminally responsible for circumstances that app, giving members instant access to advice national ferry organiser Micky Smyth, were out of their control. following an incident at work. The app – which liaison officers Davie Bruce and Sinclair autilus members have been staff in the maritime sector. It seeks not only to views and experiences of maritime professionals Nautilus International general secretary was shared with members for testing at the Pirie, with officials and representatives of invited to take part in important Nautilus produce a sustainable skills strategy for on current and future training needs. Mark Dickinson said: ‘The seafaring industry 2019 Nautilus General Meeting – has on RMT and Unite. From Orkney Ferries was research that aims to find ways to representatives European seafarers, but also to increase the Members are invited to complete an online is truly unique, and this unfortunately means and offline functions to support seafarers Andrew Blake (ferry services manager), N David Appleton ‘future-proof’ European maritime (far left) and number of European maritime professionals – questionnaire that aims to help identify any that sometimes workers find themselves in regardless of location and internet access. Brian Archibald (harbour master & head skills. The views of seafarers are being sought as Andrew Linington enhancing the safety and efficiency of this vital gaps and mismatches in current maritime of marine services, engineering and (front centre) at the part of the European Union’s SkillSea project, which latest meeting of sector. education and training programmes in transportation) and Andrew Groundwater is tasked with ensuring that the region’s seafarers participants in the SkillSea will develop learning packages in the Europe – with special regard to the impact of (head of HR and performance). SkillSea project Crews are an ‘afterthought’ in IMO are equipped with the right skills for the rapidly- blended learning concept, which combine online the many technological developments which changing maritime labour market. and face-to-face tuition. Content will include are affecting the way in which ships are regulations, argues Union official CalMac three-year pay deal Launched in January 2019, the four-year SkillSea digital skills (reflecting the changes in the operated. Following a consultation exercise in project is being run by a consortium of 28 national industry and new forms of learning), ‘green’ Feedback from serving seafarers and shore- Nautilus professional and technical officer October 2017, in which 90% of members maritime authorities, shipping companies, skills (reflecting the increased environmental based staff will also help the project to develop David Appleton told the International participated, Nautilus has received shipowners’ associations, maritime education regulation affecting the industry), key proposals for the design and delivery of the Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations written confirmation from CalMac of an providers and seafaring unions – including Nautilus competences, soft skills and knowledge of vocational education and training needed to (IFSMA) General Assembly in Helsinki uplift in 2019 salaries of 2.6%. This was International – from 16 European countries. science, technology, engineering and maths maintain European maritime know-how. that seafarers remain an afterthought the Retail Prices Index (RPI) rate of It aims to develop strategies to identify and meet (STEM subjects). Nautilus professional and technical officer when developing International Maritime inflation for August 2019 and will be paid the future skills needs of the maritime sector, to David Appleton said: ‘This is a much-needed Organization (IMO) regulations, and when in the October pay run. Over the three- break down barriers to mobility of employment Key aims and objectives include: project which is designed to give seafarers the crew are considered it is in the context of who year period, Nautilus increased members’ Nautilus professional and technical officer within the sector, and to attract more European • Analysing the effect of technological skills and training that they need now, and into should take the blame for maritime incidents. David Appleton addressing the 45th IFSMA salaries at CalMac by 10%, along with the young people to work in maritime industries. developments on the industry’s skills the future. He was speaking on the work of the Annual General Assembly in Helsinki bonus payments of 1.5% of salary per The SkillSea project is led by the industry’s social requirements ‘We hope that as many members as possible recently-established Human Element year. That included a rise of 3.9% in 2017, partners – the European Transport Workers’ • Securing a better match between the will support the project by taking part in this Interest Group (HEIG), a body made up of operators tend to be the inheritors of system 3.5% in 2018 and the latest 2.6% in 2019. Federation (ETF) and the European Community industry’s skills needs and the education and survey. Their views and experiences are non-governmental organisations at the defects created by poor design, incorrect Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) – together with a training of seafarers essential to ensure that we develop training IMO – including the International Transport installation and bad management decisions. Leech takes over at Technip specialist maritime education provider, the • Overcoming barriers to the mobility of programmes which are not only needed by Workers’ Federation (ITF), the International Their part is usually that of adding the final Following an internal re-organisation, Rotterdam-based STC Group. seafaring labour and improving career seafarers, but also reflect the realities of the Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and IFSMA. garnish to a lethal brew whose ingredients Nautilus International head of The initiative was launched in response to the progression in the sector shipping industry and its need for highly-skilled HEIG addresses ‘obvious issues’ that are have been long in the cooking’ organising Gary Leech has taken over many trends which are transforming seafaring – • Improving cooperation between education personnel.’ often ignored when legislation is drawn up, Seafarers who make a mistake are responsibility for all members employed including digitalisation and automation, and the providers, maritime authorities and industry said Mr Appleton – such as fatigue, poor often treated as if they had carried out an by Technip. Mr Leech will continue to increasing impact of environmental regulations. • Ensuring that Europe retains a world-leading The future skills survey is split into two design of ships and equipment, complexity ‘intentional violation’ – leading to sacking or work closely with liaison officers Derek The project seeks to foster cooperation between supply of maritime skills and experience versions, for shore personnel and seagoing and administrative burden. imprisonment. Scott, George Christie and Willie industry, education and training providers, and Nautilus members are now being asked to help personnel. To access both of these, follow the Psychologist James Reason in the 1990 HEIG has reviewed the Human Element Jackson to maintain the high standards authorities to identify skills gaps and the need for with a crucial part of the project – a survey of links from the Nautilus website at: publication Human Error found: ‘Rather than Checklist and will consider the problem of of support and professionalism new types of training for seafarers and shore-based seafarers and shore-based staff to gather the www.nautilusint.org/en/futureskills being the main instigators of an accident, deaths in enclosed spaces. members have long received.

nautilusfederation.org 12 January 2020 January 2020 13 nautilusfederation.org AT WORK

and speed to engine performance under particular pressure, as they seafarers ‘caught between a rock can be continuously transmitted to remain formally charged with and a hard place’ may also take remote centres on land. responsibility for crew safety whilst ‘defensive actions’ such as following As a result, the study notes, being insufficiently protected instructions that they believed were decisions that seafarers had against dismissal to resist inherently unsafe but demanding previously been required (and management pressure. written instructions, dithering trusted) to take onboard in isolation Many seafarers say that trust while awaiting office decisions, or from shore-side management have has also been reduced by a lack taking unapproved action and rapidly become subject to scrutiny of support and respect shown by facing the consequences. and second-guessing. shore-based managers – some All this can increase stress, reduce Prof Sampson said the SIRC team described as being authoritarian morale and lead to poor decision- had carried out extensive research, and others as sometimes making, the study warns. funded by the Lloyd’s Register verbally abusive. ‘Hesitation, inaction, and taking the Foundation and the TK Foundation, And the lack of trust was shown wrong actions all have the potential to find out how these trends are to be a two-way channel. The to produce very serious affecting seafarers. Researchers researchers found numerous consequences for seafarers, and carried out nine observational seafarers who described a lack of companies, because of the safety- MUTUAL voyages, conducted 400 interviews faith in shore-based managers’ critical nature of the industry,’ it with officers and ratings, and experience and knowledge and points out. ‘However, hesitation in analysed some 2,500 questionnaires who considered that any organisational context is likely Image: Igor-Kardasov/ completed by maritime managers were ill- to be negative and may result in the DISRESPECT Getty Images professionals from the UK, China, placed to offer proper 2,500 persistence of bad practice, lost Singapore, India and the assistance when deals, and so forth.’ said the shipping industry has designed by shore-based managers Philippines. unexpected questionnaires were The researchers found that Trust between seafarers and completed by maritime increasingly adopted ‘punishment- – which are laid out in a manual and The feedback gathered showed problems arose. seafarers perceive the professionals from the UK, shore-based management has centred’ bureaucratic systems at often supported with requirements many masters and officers now feel This lack of consequences for those who resist China, Singapore, India declined to ‘disturbing’ levels, corporate level and through for the completion of further unable to exercise their professional confidence was and the Philippines instructions from shore-based international regulations. documents, such as checklists. judgement in situations where they compounded by a managers, in order to protect the a major research project A series of high-profile accidents Almost all forms of regulatory retain the legal and/or moral strongly held view that, safety and welfare of their crew – such as the Herald of Free enforcement in the shipping responsibility for the consequences even where managers had and/or vessel, are severe. It is likely has discovered. ANDREW Enterprise and Exxon Valdez industry now rely on the of their actions or inaction. appropriate seafaring that this has an adverse impact on LININGTON reports disasters – resulted in the maintenance of records which serve Almost one-third of respondents experience, they their desire to continue with a job introduction of procedural and to demonstrate compliance with said they had been prevented by generally ‘changed 30% at sea, the study adds. paperwork measures such as the international standards, the shore staff from taking action in the sides’ as soon as they However, the researchers found asters and officers are International Ship Management researchers point out. Companies best interests of crew, and 18% in the left the sea and went of respondents said they seafarers who talked openly had been prevented by feeling increasingly (ISM) Code, and new rules and face big fines and seafarers can be best interests of the ship. to work in the office, about the fears they had in shore staff from taking unable to exercise record-keeping requirements jailed or dismissed if these records Not only do seafarers feel less becoming concerned connection with standing up for M action in the best their professional through amendments to the are not properly maintained. trusted, but they also fear an with the ‘bottom line’ interests of the crew what they believed was right – judgement as a consequence of the MARPOL, STCW and SOLAS Seafarers’ autonomy has been increased risk of losing their job if above all else. and frequently safe – in the light growing use of bureaucratic systems Conventions, she pointed out. further eroded since the late 1990s they are found in breach of the ‘new Prof Sampson said that of their professional experience and procedures, coupled with This has meant that tasks which by the increasing use of technology normal’. The research uncovered the breakdown of trust can lead and training. increasing surveillance from ashore. were previously carried out in to monitor shipboard operations cases which showed that some to ‘organisationally dysfunctional ‘Many seafarers were concerned That is the conclusion of an accordance with the judgement of from ashore. At the turn of this seafarers have good reason to have behaviour’ – with many seafarers that disagreements with their international study carried out senior officers have become century, most ships simply faxed such fears, Prof Sampson said, and not sharing information with the managers would result in future by experts at Cardiff University’s transformed into activities which daily reports to their managers – but there was also evidence to show that company and barely one-third sanctions, including dismissal, Seafarers International Research follow a set of prescribed steps – now data on everything from course some masters and officers feel saying that they always told shore and in this context it is no Centre (SIRC). The analysis warns unable to act independently even in staff the whole truth about the surprise that there are increasing that the breakdown in trust an emergency. situation onboard – often because reports of senior officers simply between ships and shore presents Examples include a case in which they feel the need to protect awaiting their next instruction worrying implications for the Examples include a case of shore-based shore-based managers resisted a themselves against blame and from the office rather than morale and wellbeing of managers resisting a master’s request master’s request to change course to recrimination. exercising their own discretion,’ maritime professionals and may avoid a typhoon and another in This can lead to seafarers the study noted. ‘That this have damaging impacts upon to change course to avoid a typhoon which a chief engineer’s request for covering up for colleagues – even in happens in a sector where timing shipping companies. and another in which a chief engineer’s new parts was questioned by some quite serious situations, such may be critical and workers’ lives Presenting the findings, SIRC personnel ashore. as an oil spill. are frequently in the balance is director Professor Helen Sampson request for new parts was questioned The study warns that masters are The researchers also found that especially disturbing.’

nautilusfederation.org 14 January 2020 January 2020 15 nautilusfederation.org HEALTHEQUALITY AND SAFETY

monotony and the routine nature of there were differences between the work, a loss of a sense of the Key findings from the French officers and ratings – with officers Increasingly-automated meaning of work, or a divergent study published in IMH journal being more affected by levels of perception of the passage of time,’ external and internal stimulation Percentages indicate the proportion of participants agreeing onboard operations are the study states. with each statement and ratings more influenced by ‘The boredom proneness test does *significant **highly significant living and working conditions.

turning seafarers into ‘machine / Igor-Kardasov iStock.com not just appear to quantify a Officers Crew The study suggests that it might minders’ and are serving as a personality trait but is also be useful to screen seafarers – and ‘breeding ground for boredom influenced by the level of job * * especially ratings – for their satisfaction,’ it adds. 27.5% 47.4% proneness to boredom and at work’, according to a new The researchers found that while Many things I have to do are repetitive and monotonous depression as part of their ‘fitness to study by French maritime just over one-quarter of officers said work’ process. Although those found that much of their work was * * with high scores should not be medical experts. ANDREW repetitive and monotonous, almost 50% 76.9% automatically refused work, the Frequently when I am working I find myself 50% of ratings described their duties researchers suggest they should be LININGTON reports worrying about other things that way. Fewer than 6% of officers subjected to ‘enhanced monitoring’. said time always seemed to pass The research notes that some slowly at work, compared with 32% * ** individuals are better able to cope of ratings. 5.6% 32% with boredom-inducing factors And while one-quarter of officers Time always seems to be passing slowly than others, and studies in aviation MARITIME said they feel they work below their have shown that airline pilots have * * abilities for most of the time, the 5.4% 21% been able to develop techniques to figure was just over 60% for ratings. stave off the effects of low I often find myself with nothing to do, time on my hands MALAISE Such figures highlight a problem stimulation. Most say chatting to with the work routine for many their colleague on the flight deck is esearch published in Some airline pilots complain that were taking drugs to reduce anxiety seafarers, the report argues, ‘which ** ** the most effective way to do this, the International modern cockpit systems make it (anxiolytics) and 5% were taking is today transformed on modern 24.3% 60.5% while one pilot spoke of treating Maritime Health (IMH) harder for them to revert to manual anti-depressants, compared with ships into watch and maintenance the autopilot ‘like a bad co-pilot R I feel that I am working below my abilities most of the time journal has warned mode and that their job satisfaction 2.5% of officers on anti-depressants work, of no particular interest to and watching everything the that the impact of monotonous has declined as a result of becoming and anxiolytics, and 6% of office these seafarers’. * * airplane is doing’. tasks at sea may reduce attention ‘system monitors more than pilots’. staff taking anxiolytics and 8% on Combined with the ‘familiar 13.5% 34.2% Other aviation research has found and vigilance, increase the risk of Psychologists commonly define anti-depressants. frustrations of separation from family, I am often trapped in situations where that while cockpit automation can accidents, and lead to higher levels boredom as ‘a state of low arousal and Researchers said differences in containment in a confined space, and I have to do meaningless things sometimes relieve pilots of certain of smoking, drinking, eating dissatisfaction attributed to an the level of job demand and job poor relationships with people tedious tasks and give them more disorders and addictive behaviours inadequately stimulating situation’. control meant ratings were much onboard’, these factors create the * ** time to think ahead, their thoughts amongst crew members. Boredom occurs when workers are more likely to be classed as passive classic conditions for boredom, it adds. 95% 71.8% may drift onto non-work related The study, carried out by members faced with a monotonous life rather than active in their work, and The paper points to other I have projects in mind all the time, things to do matters. Ultimately, it argued, more of the French Society for Maritime combined with frustration, the IMH therefore much more prone to research linking proneness to should be done to improve the Medicine (Société Française de paper notes. ‘This combination is often boredom, with high levels of boredom with depression, and the * * design of automated systems so that Médecine Maritime), says that found among seafarers, because of the boredom-proneness almost twice researchers said there was evidence 50% 71.8% they ‘more meaningfully engage the increasing industrial automation is monotony of work onboard, routine that of officers. of this amongst seafarers. However, I often find myself with nothing to do, time on my hands human operator’. posing a growing problem, and it deck-work or using machinery, being ‘For many of them, this would points to similar research on watch, or doing maintenance tasks, translate to the existence of a state undertaken in the aviation and road especially at sea,’ it adds. of boredom due to a lack of external transport industries examining the The research compared a group of stimulation and, in particular, effects of repetitive tasks and little or seafarers serving with a French no intellectual stimulus. oceanographic research company A condition described as with shore staff. It found The study suggests that ‘automation complacency’ has been significantly higher rates of diagnosed amongst airline pilots, in cigarette smoking amongst the it might be useful to which they can become over-reliant seafarers – with more than 15% screen seafarers for their on automated systems and fail to being smokers, compared with 9.3% exercise sufficient vigilance or of office staff. proneness to boredom and sustained attention. In some cases, While only 12.5% of officers were depression as part of their they rely on automation rather than on medication, 27.4% of office staff exercising their manual pilot skills and 30.8% of ratings were on ‘fitness to work’ process and abilities. medication. Just over 10% of ratings

nautilusfederation.org 16 January 2020 January 2020 17 nautilusfederation.org NAUTILUS AT WORK

The Royal Caribbean vessel Allure of the Seas Nautilus members and other seafarers who ‘There is still a clear disconnect and Image: Royal Caribbean International shared their views on social media found divide between the value put on serving dumping in the UK and Europe – a practice the company’s actions to be exploitative seafarers, especially those with where employers use cheaper labour than and morally questionable. Some felt the watchkeeping duties, and the pay and THE LATEST RACE what is available domestically, such as cruise industry as a whole promoted a conditions we are offered,’ he said. employing migrant workers or moving glamorous image that hid the reality of pay ‘When you actually put pen to paper and production to a low-wage country or area. and working conditions for crew. weigh up the pay and conditions against TO THE BOTTOM Nautilus believes the advertised RCCL ‘I don’t doubt that by the moral the responsibility the individual who takes third officer roles are a clear case of social definition there is a level of exploitation up this post is duty bound to carry out, it’s dumping. going on of junior seafarers,’ said Nick actually very insulting.’ Comments by Faststream chief executive Chubb, founder of maritime technology Another member, who asked not to be Mark Charman seem to back this up. consultancy Thetius. Mr Chubb is the named for fear of reprisals, felt that the job ad Mr Charman told the Nautilus Telegraph author of the hard-hitting blog-post on was discriminating against British nationals. that UK nationals were not in fact the Splash247 titled ‘Why are third officers ‘This really is infuriating. They aren’t target audience for the position, despite being paid less than coffee shop workers?’ allowed to discriminate by nationality, but being actively marketed to via email and which sparked the social media uproar. this is the most obvious loophole, and yet its website. ‘Based on our experiences, the The Nautilus Telegraph has been told of no one will do anything about it.’ applicants applying for these jobs, and the at least one British third officer who took a applicants we have placed into these jobs, position with RCCL brand Celebrity Cruises Fair Pay at Sea these are not UK nationals,’ he said. at $2,000 per month, desperate to find As well as tackling the social dumping Representatives from RCCL and all its work after being unemployed for many practices described above, the Nautilus brands were unavailable for comment months. Having completed two rotations, Fair Pay at Sea campaign will target despite repeated attempts by the Nautilus known scams by unscrupulous operators Telegraph. who seek to undermine ITF/ILO agreed minimum rates by creating new Hiding behind the flag ‘There are some basic subordinate ranks aboard vessels. RCI is based in Miami, Florida, and its rules of play that we On some vessels, traditional third officer vessels use the Bahamas flag of must insist on. Our jobs are being redefined as ‘junior officer’ Nautilus has expressed grave concerns over news that a convenience, which requires it to pay crew roles with a much lower rate of pay. Junior cruise operator is offering British officers salaries below minimum salaries as set by the ITF/ social conditions. officer is a generic descriptive term used the UK minimum wage – exploiting highly-qualified International Labour Organisation (ILO). Our environmental for Third Officers. There is no officially seafarers, encouraging social dumping and undermining The current ITF/ILO third officer minimum standards. Our safety recognised rank of 'Junior Officer'. wage is $1,822 per month. A similar scam is happening with the hard-won gains in pay and conditions. It’s time to get RCCL brand Celebrity Cruises also and health standards' traditional AB role. Dishonest ship behind the Union’s Fair Pay at Sea campaign and stamp advertises third officer jobs for $2,000 per operators are redefining that role, which is out these practices, writes HELEN KELLY month. Its ‘upmarket’ Azamara brand he is now working for a rival UK-based already one of the most poorly paid advertises the same position for $2,700 per company at a much higher salary. onboard, as a ‘catering boy’ in order to cut month. Both brands use the Malta flag. Nautilus International member and UK wages further. Nautilus’s position on ILO minimum wage resident Phillipa Bowden, who holds a That situation is clearly not sustainable. recent social media furore than that for 18-20 year-olds (£6.15). Mark Dickinson strongly criticised RCCL for standards has always been that quality ship Master Mariner Unlimited certificate, was ‘Ultimately, we think the solution is to over low pay in the cruise The role and others aboard RCCL’s brands exploiting newly-qualified third officers operators should be paying well above these approached by Faststream about the RCI swim completely against the tide of A sector has lifted the lid on Azamara and Celebrity Cruises are being and introducing a race to the bottom on absolute minimum levels, and that they role and found the level of pay and Reaganite and Thatcherite neo-liberalism exploitative practices promoted by UK-based recruitment agency crew wages. should not be used to drive wages down. conditions insulting. which has served hard-working seafarers employed by global operators to drive Faststream via email to British and ‘There is no future for an industry which Nautilus does not have a recognition ‘When you consider most companies so poorly, and insist that in the UK and down wages and conditions for newly- European Economic Area (EEA) seafarers. keeps scouring the world for the next agreement/collective bargaining agreement now pay at home too or compensate for Europe, shipping is regulated to our qualified British and European officers. The successful candidate is expected to source of cheap labour,’ he said. ‘The future (CBA) with parent company Royal Caribbean leave period in the wage paid onboard, plus standards,’ Mr Dickinson said. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL), the have experience in rank on any type of should be one of high quality and respect.’ Cruise Lines (RCCL) or any of its cruise considering you work seven days a week, 10 ‘We’re not closing the sector down. But world’s second largest cruise operator in passenger vessel, an Officer of the Watch The Union recently launched its Fair Pay brands RCI, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara. hours a day, the pay is still an insult to we do insist on some basic rules of play, terms of revenue, is advertising third CoC unlimited, and the right to live and at Sea campaign to achieve decent However, Nautilus does have CBAs with anyone who has worked hard to get their that we will regulate: Our social conditions. officer positions on its Royal Caribbean work in the European Union. That means treatment for members and all seafarers, other reputable international cruise Officer of the Watch,’ she said. ‘Yet at the Our environmental standards. Our safety International (RCI) fleet for as little as they will have completed three years’ study including legislation that sets minimum operators which offer Third Officers in the same time I feel concerned that people are and health standards. $2,000 (£1,541) per month or $16,000 and work as a cadet at a reputable British or wages in national waters. range of £1,950-£3,400 per month. working for that, with a job that holds a lot ‘It’s those social standards that we can’t (£12,358) per year for a 4:2 rotation. mainland European training facility. Nautilus is also working with the of responsibility.’ accept to be regulated to the minimum.’ That equates to an approximate hourly Once onboard they can expect to work 12 European Transport Workers’ Federation Morally questionable Nautilus member and UK resident salary of £4.28 – less than the UK National hours per day. Third officers with RCI do (ETF) to introduce a minimum wage for While RCCL is not doing anything illegal by Bradley Jones felt that RCCL was taking Members affected by any of these issues Minimum Wage for young people under not get paid for shore leave. seafarers in Europe. paying third officers at just above the advantage of newly qualified Third Officers are advised to get in contact with the the age of 18 (£4.35) and significantly less Nautilus International general secretary Such legislation would prevent social agreed international minimum, many who may be struggling to find work. Union.

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PAVING THE WAY FOR SOCIALLY The ETF and Nautilus believe that the SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING State Aid Guidelines The European Transport Workers’ Federation launched its European Maritime Space for Socially system is in need of Nautilus general Sustainable Shipping concept with the support of Nautilus International, academics and secretary Mark an overhaul Dickinson researchers at the Fair Shipping Conference in Brussels. The document sets out ambitious plans speaking at endangered status would no doubt to create a level playing field without social dumping, where fair employment conditions for all the launch of have been escalated to extinction. the European The Guidelines may have slowed European workers would apply. HELEN KELLY reports Maritime Space for Socially down the decline in EU seafaring he European Sustainable skills, but they have not managed Transport Workers' Shipping in to halt it entirely. The European Brussels T Federation (ETF) and maritime industry now faces a Nautilus International demographic cliff edge, with many have set out a bold plan to secure Terje Pettersen from the best part of 25 years – ever since maritime professionals expecting the future of European maritime Norwegian Seafarers’ Union the 1996 Dublin conference to retire over the next 10-15 years, workers with better, well-paid jobs added: ‘Several studies recently organised by the European and with unrelenting pressure on and enhanced working conditions. carried out in Norway all came to Commission to debate whether the seafarers’ terms and conditions of The European Maritime Space the same conclusions. The concept European seafarer was, in fact, an employment. for Socially Sustainable Shipping is perfectly legally applicable, and endangered species. The ETF and Nautilus concept creates momentum for the limited increased costs can be That debate led directly to the International firmly believe that real action on jobs and puts forwarded to the shippers.’ adoption of the State Aid the State Aid Guidelines system is collective bargaining agreements Guidelines paving the way for broken and in need of an overhaul. (CBAs) at the heart of future Shifting the debate government support for EU Recent research commissioned by negotiations with employer The ETF and its social partner, the shipping and EU seafarers that the ITF/OECD and authored by groups and other social partners. European Community today is estimated to cost EU Olaf Merk – Maritime Subsidies: At the launch of the plan in Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), taxpayers some €3bn per year. Do They Provide Value for Brussels on 5 November 2019, EU-owned have been discussing this Without that support via Tonnage Money? – backs this up. Nautilus general secretary Mark vessels do not apparently thorny issue of quality Tax regimes and support for In simple terms, the State Aid have to respect Dickinson said: ‘We need to create jobs for European seafarers for the training, the EU seafarer’s Guidelines require two things in European labour a level playing field at the EU level rights if they fly a which provides an opportunity trading in EU waters do not have European maritime sector non-EU flag for higher cost European seafarers the obligation to respect EU seafarers need a in line with on- level playing field The legal basis for a European Maritime Space to secure training and job legislation regarding labour rights Image: Lee Patten land businesses, opportunities. For third-country and conditions, because they fly meaning that all Professors Tarjei Bekkedal and Finn Arnesan Treaties and the key European policy on the at the same time.' operators to compete with the flag of a non-EU country. shipping services operating in EU from the University of Oslo’s Centre for European establishment of a European Social Pillar,' the Some countries, however, will allow ships European shipowners at European This can be true even when waters would have to follow EU Law have published a report into 'Fair wages authors said. registered domestically to be flagged in a third standards and avoid the race to ships are owned by European and/or member state legislation, and working conditions within the European 'The main message is that people believe that state, which allows shipping companies to import the bottom that we have seen in companies, including those who Mr Alphonso said. This would Maritime Space'. everything in the fields of maritime is guided by third country conditions into the EU. recent years. We cannot compete benefit from state aid schemes offer fair employment conditions The report presents recommendations the Flag States Principle,' Professor Bekkedal 'I think that's very much against the basic down there. such as Tonnage Tax. Such for all crew, regardless of their upon which a European Maritime Space can be pointed out. values, the basic foundation for the principle of ‘Only when the competition is companies are often trying to nationality or place of residence, constructed, and which can guide the drafting 'We argue that is plainly wrong.' mutual recognition,' Professor Bekkedal said. obliged to work to EU social reduce costs, but this leaves and protect EU seafarers from of a legal framework that strikes a fair balance The research found that if EU law is invoked, standards within European waters European seafarers exposed to unfair competition based on low between competition and free movement on the which it normally will be for European businesses For a full copy of the research report, please go can EU shipping, employing more unfair competition from seafarers cost and low standards. one hand, and fair wages and working conditions operating in Europe, the basic principles of to: www.jus.uio.no and search for European EU citizens, thrive.’ outside Europe in a way that ‘Our main aim is to defend and on the other. freedom of movement and freedom to provide Maritime Space (it ETF political secretary for workers on land are not. improve jobs, careers and skills of It found that the law of the EU Maritime Space services are also invoked. And if EU law is invoked, makes no difference maritime transport Philippe Even European seafarers who do European seafarers who need and differs from that of the European Working Space the Flag States Principle cannot be invoked. whether you are in the Alphonso set out how conditions find work in the sector may not are needed for a thriving in general, with no legal arguments that can 'You have to choose whether you would like to Norwegian or English for crew are determined by the enjoy the same rights as European ETF Fair Shipping European maritime industry,’ he explain or justify this difference. 'In our view, invoke rights stemming from EU law or the Flag version of the site). country where a ship is registered shore-based workers. logo said. ‘So, let’s discuss together how the current state of the law is at odds with States Principle,' he said. 'You can't invoke the Alternatively, scan and whose flag the vessel is flying. The European Maritime Space a European Maritime Space could the fundamental legal values espoused by the right to free movement and Flag State Principles this QR code. This means that many ships reforms would instead bring the add value to these objectives.’

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return for member states giving action is no option.’ subsidies to EU shipowners. She stressed the distinction European Shipowners must grow their between protectionism and national maritime skills base – i.e. protecting European standards as shipowners' increase the number of seafarers part of a new way forward. they train and employ – and ‘We need to protect Europe plan offers increase the number of ships better,’ she said. ‘Europe as a space under EU flags. for values, Europe as a space for nothing new Yet EU seafarers continue to doing business, Europe as a space A Maritime Growth Plan developed by decline in numbers and the for competitiveness and for the European shipowners has been criticised as proportion of EU ships flying EU social dimension. offering ‘nothing new’ by unions. flags is now down to only 18%. ‘We can’t go the protectionism The European Community Shipowners’ The new European Maritime way because it doesn’t work in the Associations (ECSA) Maritime Growth Plan Space calls for accountability and current world today, but we contains no solid commitments towards transparency in State Aid definitely need to be better with decent work, ensuring flag growth or Guidelines. The Commission must protecting.’ improving the attractiveness of careers at now ensure that the goals to A sustainable European sea, Nautilus International and the European increase jobs for EU citizens and Maritime Space should not be Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) said. grow EU-registered shipping are limited only to facilitating trade, ‘ECSA’s plan is hardly ambitious and delivered. If shipowners want to clearing customs and easing merely repackages existing work streams continue receiving subsidies, then reporting formalities. It should and ongoing EU-funded projects developed they must deliver what they also be based on European social via the EU Sectoral Social Dialogue promised. standards for those working Committee (SSDC) on Maritime Transport,’ ‘No action is no longer an onboard vessels operating in said Nautilus International general secretary option,’ Mr Dickinson said. European waters. Mark Dickinson. ‘We know it won’t work Mr Dickinson told the audience because it has not worked in the past to Level of ambition – which included attendees from arrest the decline of EU flags and EU skills.’ As the event in Brussels employers’ associations, The ETF has proposed its own concept – kicked off, news broke shipowners, ship manufacturers, a ‘European Maritime Space for Socially that the long-awaited port operators, the European Sustainable Shipping’ with the support of new European Commission, members of the academics and researchers. It offers a Commissioner for European Parliament, academics legal framework for quality shipping and Transport had been and NGOs – that we now have a the establishment of a level playing field announced. The unique opportunity to discuss the for both shipowners and seafarers based European Commission’s basis of a European Maritime on a race to the top instead of a race to president-elect Ursula Space. ‘Don’t repeat the failures of the bottom. von der Leyen the past – let us make a real The ESCA Maritime Growth Plan reportedly accepted change,’ he urged. ‘completely ducks the question of ensuring Romanian MEP Adina ‘We believe that the European EU flag growth, preferring to talk only about Magda Kopczynska Valean for the position. Image: European Maritime Sector needs a high level the amount of world The ETF and Nautilus Union / Wim of ambition – ambition for jobs, for shipping that EU shipping International are now ready with Daneels skills and for the future. It cannot companies control,’ said ideas to contribute to a new be otherwise.’ ETF political secretary for European Maritime Transport maritime transport Strategy, which must set a level of The concept note for the European Philippe Alphonso. ‘We ambition that has never been Maritime Space for Socially believe this is not enough seen before. Sustainable Shipping can be – the EU State DG MOVE director for downloaded from: www.etf-europe. Aid Guidelines for waterborne transport Magda org/resources – or by scanning this maritime transport Philippe Alphonso Kopczynska echoed Mr QR code: specifically require Dickinson’s statement in her growth in EU registered tonnage in return keynote speech that wrapped up for state aid subsidies.’ the launch event. Ms Kopczynska, ETF General Secretary Livia Spera said: who is the highest ranking official ‘The ECSA growth plan is all carrot and no in the seaborne directorate, said: ‘I stick. The time for state aid without can make a commitment that no guaranteed return is over.’

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