Today sees the launch of a landmark Code of Conduct and self-assessment tool developed to protect the human rights and welfare of the world’s nearly two million seafarers.
The initiative aims to support a safe, healthy and secure onboard work environment, and goes beyond the ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) to focus on the full spectrum of seafarers’ rights and wellbeing, from fair terms of employment and minimum crewing levels to the management of grievance mechanisms.
Based on international labour and human rights standards and principles, the Code of Conduct focuses on the full spectrum of seafarers’ rights and welfare, from fair terms of employment and crew protection to availability and appropriate management of grievance mechanisms.
The global pandemic brought seafarers rights firmly into focus, with many crews forced to endure exceptionally difficult conditions to keep global supply chains and trade freely flowing. This Code of Conduct and self-assessment will help build a platform to respect worker dignity while advancing industry progress. We look forward to widespread engagement from industry stakeholders everywhere.
….notes Frances House, Deputy Chief Executive at IHRB.
As informed, the Code of Conduct deliberately does not cover more technical health and safety issues that are equally important to the rights to life and health of seafarers, as these are covered in the MLC and other more detailed conventions, regulatory requirements, standards, codes and inspections.
It assumes that the issues covered by this Code of Conduct will be integrated together with these health and safety requirements into the overall management of all aspects of shipping that affect seafarers.
Shipowner and ship operator requirements
Commits to valuing seafarers and respecting their human rights
The shipowner/ship operator:
- Has a written commitment to valuing seafarers, including by respecting their human rights, and to complying with the MLC which reinforces seafarers’ human rights.
- Has a management system, supported by appropriate staffing and procedures, to manage compliance with the MLC, other relevant health and safety requirements and this Code of Conduct.
- Informs and regularly trains seafarers (including officers and ratings) and other staff on seafarers’ rights and this Code of Conduct.
Commits to an inclusive workforce
The shipowner/ship operator:
- Promotes an inclusive working culture through leadership, training and mentoring to support open communications and improve morale and working relationships on board and with staff on shore.
- Commits to treating seafarers fairly, with respect and dignity, and without discrimination based on any protected characteristics.
- Commits to equal opportunities in recruitment, hiring, placement, development, promotion, terms and conditions of employment and benefits, recognising underrepresented groups in the industry.
- Ensures that workplaces are free from discrimination, harassment, violence or retaliation of any kind.
Does not seek on-going exemptions from rules protecting seafarers
The shipowner/ship operator:
- Avoids seeking further exemptions over and above those already provided for in the statutory or regulatory framework related to human rights, including labour rights, environmental, health, safety or security, recognising that these rules are in place to protect seafarers, the public, the marine environment and the industry.
For the records, the project has been led by the Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI) and the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB), in collaboration with the Rafto Foundation for Human Rights and RightShip. Key SSI members played an active role in its development, with expert input from Forum for the Future, Louis Dreyfus Company, Oldendorff Carriers, South32, Standard Chartered Bank, Swire Shipping and Wilhelmsen Ship Management.
A sustainable shipping industry needs to ensure the protection of its workforce. This presents a unique opportunity for the industry to work together and take concrete action for the rights of nearly 2 million seafarers worldwide, now and in the future.
…Kristina Kunigenas, Human Rights Lead at the Sustainable Shipping Initiative, concluded.
FULLY VIEW THE CODE OF CONDUCT HERE
