IMO discussed the use of gross tonnage
The IMOs Sub-committee on Stability and Load Lines and on Fishing Vessels Safety, at its fifty-third session in January 2011 (SLF 53), with regard to the options to improve the effect on ship design and safety within the 1969 Tonnage Measurement Convention (1969 TM Convention), discussed (among other issues) the use of gross tonnage figures as parameters for the applicability of standards concerning living and working conditions on ships and fishing vessels.
At SLF 53, the International Labour Organization observer noted that there remains concern that the 1969 TM Convention has led to an economic disincentive for ship owners to improve such crew conditions, in particular by discouraging (by increasing associated costs) the provision of more than the minimum required accommodation space, and the provision of accommodation space for carrying cadets.
The observer went on to say that improvements in crew accommodation are important to attracting and retaining seafarers, especially bearing in mind decreased opportunities for shore leave and the fast turnaround times of vessels in port; and that providing sufficient space for the carriage of cadets is important to ensuring the future of the shipping and fishing sectors.
INTERTANKO has previously carried out a substantial amount of research into cadet berth availability, through its Human Element in Shipping Committee (HEiSC).
INTERTANKO has a best practice regarding cadet berth availability which reads, 2.8 Best Practice Cadet Berths As part of a planned programme for Officer training, to commit to enlisting Apprentice Officers (Cadets) for each vessel operated, where suitable certified cabin space exists onboard the vessel to accommodate them, and where it is possible to enlist young, capable Cadet Officers of a suitably qualified nature, in an effort to increase the number of qualified competent Officers at sea and to safeguard the tanker industry of the future.
MSC 89 proposal reduced gross tonnage
In its submission to this weeks Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 89), Germany highlighted that many of todays fees are governed by the gross tonnage defined by the 1969 Tonnage Measurement (TM) Convention. In this respect, ships with larger crew accommodation spaces are punished by a large gross tonnage. Commercial criteria have a detrimental effect on the human element regarding good working and living conditions.
Germany proposes that a reduction for accommodation and crew provisions be covered under remarks in the last page of the TM Certificate. This reduction would be determined by formula.
The amended gross tonnage would be shown as a remark on page 4 of the International Tonnage Certificate (ITC 69), thus inviting flag states and/or port authorities to make use of this additional figure when incentives for better working and living conditions are sought. The gross tonnage as described by the 1969 TM Convention would remain unchanged.
The delegations that spoke were all in favour of the proposal put forward by Germany. However the Norwegian delegation advised that under Norwegian law, there is no legal basis to dictate to harbour authorities what fee to charge vessels.
Recognising the importance of this issue, the Committee decided that the issue would be best addressed by SLF at its next session, where detailed consideration would be carried out.
Source : INTERTANKO
