ITF News Update
ITF seeks urgent repatriation of seafarers abandoned in Hodeidah – as Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen city
Sixteen seafarers abandoned in Hodeidah Port, with eight trapped on board the Captain Tarek. Sixteen seafarers from Syria and India are stranded in the city of Hodeidah, Yemen, which came under attack from Israeli airstrikes over the weekend.
Joint concentrated inspection campaign on crew wages and seafarer employment agreements (MLC, 2006)
The Member Authorities of the Tokyo and the Paris Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control will launch a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Crew Wages and Seafarer Employment Agreements (MLC, 2006)
Alexander Bodnya
With deep regret, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) mourns the passing of Alexander Mikhailovich Bodnya, Vice-President of the Seafarers Union of Russia (SUR) and President of the SUR Baltic Regional Organization, at the age of 72.
https://www.itfglobal.org/en/news/alexander-bodnya
Houthi Rebels Hit Greek-Owned Boxship in Gulf of Aden
On Saturday, Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted and struck a container ship in the Gulf of Aden, the latest in a long string of attacks on merchant shipping in the region. According to Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree, the militant group launched multiple ballistic missiles at the Greek-owned boxship Groton, “and the hit was accurate.”
https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/houthi-rebels-hit-greek-owned-boxship-in-gulf-of-aden
Iran frees 3 Filipino seafarers from seized vessel
MANILA, Philippines — The last three Filipino seafarers aboard the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries, which was seized by Iranian authorities in April, have been released, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/08/03/2375157/iran-frees-3-filipino-seafarers-seized-vessel
‘Filipino seamen receiving medical care in Yemen’
THE Sana’a government in Yemen has been providing medical care to Filipino crew members of MV Galaxy Leader exhibiting symptoms of malaria, Malacañang said on Friday. The 17 Filipino sailors were part of the 25-man crew of MV Galaxy Leader, held captive by Houthi rebels who have been attacking ships plying the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
https://www.msn.com/en-ph/health/other/filipino-seamen-receiving-medical-care-in-yemen/ar-BB1r60ZY
MWUN Boss Reveals Union’s Efforts In Repositioning Seafarers
Deputy President General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Abi Bunu at the weekend explained how the union’s efforts have helped to reshape the fortunes of Nigeria’s seafarers (ratings) from job insecurity to permanent employment and enviable National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) recognised by the government.
Iran Releases Filipino Crewmembers from Seized Boxship MSC Aries
Filipino officials confirmed on Saturday, August 3, that all the Filipino crewmembers who were working aboard the MSC Aries when the vessel was seized have now been released. … Last week, Iran released the three remaining Filipinos from the MSC Aries crew. Cacdac said the three individuals had reached the Philippines on August 1.
https://maritime-executive.com/article/iran-releases-filipino-crewmembers-from-seized-msc-aires
4 Kenyan seafarers stranded in Oman return after 4 months
Government confirmed the return of the four crew members who were left stranded at Port Duqm, by the ship owner in March, after it encountered mechanical problems. … Reports indicate that the fishing vessel owned and managed by TG Blue Treasure Seafood Inc, based in Bossaso Port ship, was taken to a dry dock for repair, but its owner failed to pay the charges and other related port fees.
https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2024/08/4-kenyan-seafarers-stranded-in-oman-return-after-4-months/
Three Month Port State Inspection Program Focuses on Crew Welfare and Wages
Crew welfare and maintaining basic rights covered under the nearly universal Maritime Labor Convention has become a growing concern and now the two leading umbrella organizations for Port State Control, Paris and Tokyo, are launching a coordinated inspection campaign.
Charity Commits Long-Term Funding to Support Seafarers at Risk in Ukraine
Leading maritime charity Stella Maris is committing funding “for as long as it takes” to provide urgent support to the thousands of seafarers in Ukraine and those regularly making the perilous journey to and from its Black Sea ports.
MLC Amendments to enter into force in late December 2024
Lloyd’s Register has provided an update on the 2022 Amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) which will enter into force on 23 December 2024. According to Lloyd’s Register, some of these amendments require actions by the Member States, whilst others are to be applied by the MLC Shipowner.
https://safety4sea.com/mlc-amendments-to-enter-into-force-in-late-december-2024/
Maritime trade is sailing to a tipping point
In the aftermath of the severe disruption to the world’s supply chains caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, war and climate change are now the major threats impacting the movement of goods through commercial waterways across the globe. They are known as ‘choke points,’ the canals and rivers through which the world’s trade is transported by ships of all kinds and sizes.
https://www.worldfinance.com/markets/maritime-trade-is-sailing-to-a-tipping-point
IMO to promote diversity during Black History Month
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced a photography competition in honour of Black History Month this October. The theme for this year’s photo contest is ‘Diversity at Sea,’ celebrating multiculturalism within the maritime sector. IMO invites photo submissions from all skill levels showcasing unique perspectives on maritime life.
https://safety4sea.com/imo-to-promote-diversity-during-black-history-month/
Crew Welfare remains in the spotlight: Key challenges
Crew welfare in the maritime industry remains a critical issue amid growing volatility and uncertainties. Factors such as geopolitical events, climate change, and piracy have exacerbated the situation, impacting the safety and wellbeing of seafarers. The maritime industry faces heightened risks due to geopolitical instability and piracy.
https://safety4sea.com/cm-crew-welfare-remains-in-the-spotlight-key-challenges/
Remarkable women who move the world
Transport workers from five counties speak out about their experiences in the sector. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and Women Mobilize Women (WMW) have jointly collaborated to put a spotlight on the stories of women transport workers in Brazil, India, Indonesia, Morocco, and Uganda.
https://www.itfglobal.org/en/work-us/union-building/remarkable-women-who-move-world
Disabled overseas seamen, don’t give up
NO thanks to disinformation, there are disabled overseas – or those no longer fit to board again — who give up on ever getting disability benefits that they are entitled to. If truth be told, they have good chances of earning disability benefits on demand.
For mere failure to fight for it, however, they could be living the rest of their lives in penury.
https://dailyguardian.com.ph/disabled-overseas-seamen-dont-give-up/
Port state to focus on fair employment conditions
This year’s joint concentrated inspection campaign by the Paris and Tokyo MOUs starts on 1 September 2024 and will focus on crew wages and seafarer employment agreements under the Maritime Labour Convention. The 2024 joint concentrated inspection campaign (CIC) by the Tokyo and Paris MOUs port state control (PSC) regimes was likely prompted by concerns about the relatively high and static number of Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) related deficiencies recorded in recent years.
https://www.gard.no/articles/port-state-to-focus-on-fair-employment-conditions/