Human Rights at Sea informs that the introduction of a dedicated maritime levy in New Zealand is visibly maximizing support for seafarers.
As HRAS informs, the maritime levy contribution secures sustainable support for seafarers’ welfare services under a legislative change to the Maritime Transport Act 1994, which now explicitly provides for the funding of these services.
This change is the positive outcome of a campaign led by the New Zealand Seafarers’ Welfare Board in 2020 with the support of Human Rights at Sea. The amendment has reshaped a previously problematic seafarers’ welfare landscape identified by HRAS in an independent report
What is more, it marked the first success of the NGO’s broader Maritime Levy Campaign, which identifies potential deficiencies in coastal states’ maritime legislation which may impede the provision of seafarers’ welfare support.
The campaign aligns with obligations set out in the Maritime Labor Convention 2006, under which signatories are required to promote the continuous development of port welfare facilities and to ensure seafarers can easily benefit from them.
New Zealand Transport Minister Michael Wood has confirmed to HRAS via written correspondence that the amendment to the Maritime Transport Act 1994 has laid the foundation for long-term funding for seafarers’ welfare services.
However, until Maritime New Zealand undertakes a funding review … the Government continues to provide support for seafarer welfare services through funding provided to Maritime NZ specifically for that purpose
…Mr. Wood said.
The funding review will determine how much revenue is required for Maritime New Zealand to undertake its regulatory and compliance roles.
Mr. Wood said the government funding has so far provided for on-board pastoral care, counselling, and mental health support for seafarers.
Extra mechanisms to facilitate communication with crew’s friends and family through portable Wi-Fi units has also been provided
…he added, noting also that other means of welfare support include providing transport to and from welfare centers and town for those who can take shore leave to access Wi-Fi, online shopping options, and some limited recreation.
Additionally, HRAS continues to independently explore the potential for a similar legislative amendment in Australia focusing on shore-based welfare facilities.
We are delighted to see the impact that has been achieved in New Zealand. Seafarers are an absolutely essential part of the global economy and it’s vital that their welfare needs are sustainably addressed
…HRAS said.
Rolling out the success we’ve had with the Maritime Levy Campaign to other countries is a priority for Human Rights at Sea. Australia is our current focus, and we are hopeful that the Australian Government will recognize the need to meet their obligations under the Maritime Labor Convention
…the organization concluded.
It is worth noting that in 2019, Maritime New Zealand had informed that changes to fees and the levy would come into effect on 1 July 2019.
The Maritime Levy (formally known as the Marine Safety Charge or the MSC) is paid by all commercial maritime operators to fund the regulatory system. The Maritime Levy applies to all New Zealand commercial vessels and foreign commercial vessels visiting New Zealand and must be paid to fund the regulatory system.
What is more, in September 2021, Human Rights at Sea, along with in-country partners, had been discreetly pursuing its Maritime Levy Campaign in Australia.
