ITF News Update
IMO/ILO Conference Emphasizes Rights of Seafarers, Fishers
Protecting seafarers and fishers’ rights and working conditions now – while preparing them for a digitalized and decarbonized future – were key themes explored during the first International Maritime Organization (IMO)/International Labour Organization (ILO) Conference on Work at Sea, which took place at IMO Headquarters in London on 13 November.
https://www.miragenews.com/imoilo-conference-emphasizes-rights-of-1126405/
Foreign flagged ships detained in the UK during October 2023 under Paris MOU.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) announced today that four foreign flagged ship remained under detention in UK ports at the end of October after failing Paris MOU Port State Control (PSC) inspection.
Hamburg: Seaman’s Missions start Christmas campaign for seafarers
Under the motto “Christmas in the Box”, the seafarers’ missions in Hamburg are once again starting their Christmas campaign for seafarers. Anyone can bring joy to sailors as an elf or Santa Claus. “Sailors have a very special burden to bear if they cannot be with their family at Christmas,” said Jörn Hille, head of the “Duckdalben” sailors’ club.
Starlink connectivity revolution creating crew isolation issues
Space X’s Starlink is creating a “small revolution” in shipboard communications for seafarers but this is also resulting its own challenges in terms of isolation. According to the latest Q3 edition of the Seafarers Happiness Index connectivity is the number one driver for retention of seafarers.
UK P&I Club: Herpes zoster and crew well-being in maritime settings
UK P&I have been made aware of a series of unrelated recent cases of shingles in crew members, resulting in ship deviation, medical repatriation, and treatment abroad. Early identification and action on board could alleviate discomfort, reduce the severity of the condition and cost implications involved.
https://safety4sea.com/uk-pi-club-herpes-zoster-and-crew-well-being-in-maritime-settings/
Sea of change
ANDREW LININGTON introduces the battling history of the maritime trade union Nautilus. SEAFARING has always been a tough, dangerous and precarious profession and — in one of the most globalised and fiercely competitive of all industries — it’s been a constant struggle to defend, let alone improve, working conditions.
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/c/brief-history-nautilus
Two Freighters Lost in Black Sea Storm, 12 Missing
Two coastal freighters were lost in a severe storm at the port of Eregli, Turkey on Sunday, according to Turkish officials, and one of the ship’s crewmembers are missing. According to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, the cargo ship Kafkametler was caught in severe winds and seas just outside of the port of Eregli, where it had attempted to take shelter from a storm.
https://maritime-executive.com/article/two-freighters-lost-in-black-sea-storm-12-missing
16 crew of troubled tanker rescued
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT: Sixteen crew members who abandoned the MT King Rich at sea off Ilocos Norte after the Sierra Leone-flagged tanker developed engine trouble safely arrived on Sunday, November 19, at Subic.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/11/21/regions/16-crew-of-troubled-tanker-rescued/1920770
Danica crewing specialists reveals findings of 2023 Seafarers’ Survey
Salaries are rising by at least 10% as the crew employment market tips in the favour of seafarers, according to a recent survey by Danica Crewing Specialists.
https://safety4sea.com/danica-crewing-specialists-reveals-findings-of-2023-seafarers-survey/
ITF’S ‘NOWHERE TO HIDE’ CAMPAIGN SHINES A LIGHT ON WAGE THEFT ON THE AUSTRALIAN COAST
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has re-launched its ‘Nowhere to Hide’ campaign this week in Melbourne, Australia, and commenced a fresh week of action across Victorian, South Australian and Tasmanian ports.
17% of seafarers are victims of bullying and harassment – survey
A survey by the Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) has exposed the full extent of bullying and harassment of seafarers onboard vessels. Andreas Nordseth, Director General of the DMA, presented findings from a survey conducted with seafarers onboard Danish-flagged ships at Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect 2023 on Tuesday.
https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/crewing/17-seafarers-are-victims-bullying-and-harassment-survey
FAME members told to implement seafarers wage increase starting Jan 2024
The Filipino Association for Mariners’ Employment (FAME) was urged to implement the 6 percent increase in seafarers’ wages effective January 2024.
VIKAND: How maritime can win the talent race
Amidst a rising demand, the challenge of securing a sustainable workforce has intensified. For the maritime industry to thrive long-term, it must find solutions to address crew recruitment and retention challenges, argues Mimi Schuppler, VIKAND’s Director, Engagement & Human Sustainability.
https://safety4sea.com/vikand-how-maritime-can-win-the-talent-race/
Tough times for shipping industry in 2024: Container xChange
While blank sailings are expected to increase, imbalanced container availability may continue in certain regions. The container shipping industry is predicted to grapple with persistently reduced demand and oversupply, potentially leading to fiercer competition, further reduced profits, and possible market consolidation in 2024.
Cruise staff say Carnival UK threatened to get rid of 919 of them if they refuse to take pay cuts
UK cruise giant Carnival has been accused by union employees of threatening to fire more than 900 crew members if they don’t take pay cuts as high as 20%. Nautilus International, a trade union representing the maritime workers, on Thursday said Carnival UK was indicating amid negotiations that it wanted to “fire and rehire” 919 employees.
Houthi Commander Welcomes Hijacked Crew to Yemen
Yemen’s Houthi rebel group has released new video footage of the hijacked car carrier Galaxy Leader, which was seized by a helicopter-borne Houthi assault team on Sunday. The video shows a senior Houthi commander aboard the ship, meeting with the crew, reassuring them and examining the vessel.
https://maritime-executive.com/article/new-video-shows-houthi-commander-with-hijacked-ship-s-crew
Violence and harassment at work: Unions in action for C190
To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the ITUC is highlighting how trade unions around the world are successfully campaigning for the ratification and implementation of ILO Convention 190 (C190) and Recommendation 206 (R206).
https://www.ituc-csi.org/Violence-and-harassment-at-work-Unions-in-action-for-C190
Video: Domestic Japanese Car Carrier Abandoned After Grounding
The Japanese Coast Guard and Japan Transport Safety Board are both investigating why a domestic car carrier grounded and was in danger of floundering while traveling in calm sea and clear weather. The car carrier Suou (6,100) dwt was traveling in a busy sea lane when the incident occurred.
https://maritime-executive.com/article/video-domestic-japanese-car-carrier-abandoned-after-grounding
Just Transition: Unions demand bold action at COP28
23 November, 2023Trade unions globally are defining key expectations and demands to address the pressing issues at COP28. The climate crisis is escalating, and unions are determined to ensure that the voices of workers are not only heard but integral to the decisions that will shape the planet’s future.
https://www.industriall-union.org/just-transition-unions-demand-bold-action-at-cop28