SSI: Wellbeing of seafarers needs to be a priority

The Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) and the Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI), published “The Delivering on Seafarers’ Rights 2023 Progress Report”, which presents how the situation has changed in the past twelve months and how the Code of Conduct has assisted companies in their due diligence work.

The report covers topics including: attracting people to a seafaring career, illegal recruitment fees, corporate action on improving seafarer welfare, as well as an update on data from the RightShip Crew Welfare Self-Assessment Tool.

Issues such as illegal recruitment fees are negatively impacting the lives and wellbeing of seafarers and jeopardising the profession’s future, according to the latest annual progress report on seafarers’ rights.

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The report shares insights from various organisations and stakeholder groups on the issues facing seafarers, as outlined in the Delivering on Seafarers’ Rights Code of Conduct, and brings together contributions from the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), Nautilus International, Oldendorff Carriers, Rio Tinto, RightShip, and Turtle.

The Code of Conduct establishes a baseline understanding of a company’s operations and their delivery of seafarers’ rights. Seafarers continue to face uncertainties, and it remains pertinent to provide the tools and guidance needed for more stakeholders to acknowledge and begin assessing their obligations to seafarers.

We know the Maritime Labour Convention isn’t enough to prevent seafarers’ rights being undermined. Charterers and container cargo owners should encourage their shipping suppliers to comply with the Seafarers’ Rights Code of Conduct and use the self-assessment tool to improve their performance.

…Frances House, Special Advisor at IHRB, said.

This report is a positive sign that uptake of the Code of Conduct is increasing, but verification and transparency around compliance are the critical goals now.

…Frances added.

SSI: Wellbeing of seafarers needs to be a priority

Credit: IHRB, SSI

This second Delivering on Seafarers’ Rights Annual Progress Report is vital reading for all in the industry. There is progress we can learn from, such as the ideas, innovation, and energy of companies who are investing and making sure their people and social needs are to the fore. However, it is clear that there is so much more to be done.

..Steven Jones, CEO of the Sustainable Shipping Initiative, said.

#1 ISWAN

The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) is only too aware of the impact on seafarers of the failure to uphold their rights. Every day our helpline operators hear from seafarers about the impact of being required to work beyond permitted working time limits, about being denied shore leave, or seeking our support to cope with experiences of abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination, or violence at sea.

Culture change is a long and difficult journey and will ultimately require both carrot and stick. It needs progressive companies to lead the way, being open about what they are doing and helping others to learn from their experiences, but it also needs greater willingness on the part of regulators to take action when the basic human rights of seafarers are ignored. In the meantime, ISWAN will continue our support to seafarers and use the experience we gain from doing so to help develop the structural solutions needed in the future.

#2 TURTLE

At TURTLE, over 150,000 seafarers have signed up on their recruitment platform to connect with over 40 leading international shipping companies. Earlier this year the research briefing “Seafarers and recruitment fees” was published by IHRB and SSI. The research brief was based on almost 5,000 survey responses from seafarers using TURTLE, highlighting the still existing problem of illegal recruitment fees.

Around 1,000 seafarers shared further details on their negative experiences during the recruitment process or while working. 70% of these reported cases are related to recruitment fees to manning agencies or fake job offers after advance payment.

#3 Oldendorff

Over the past year, Oldendorff Carriers has been dedicated to enhancing seafarers’ welfare and wellbeing, in many aspects also by going above and beyond the requirements. Their commitment to this is reflected in the various initiatives in place to improve the wellbeing of our crew. Improving life onboard is crucial to improving crew welfare.

One significant advancement they have made is the installation of Starlink systems on all our inhouse managed vessels. This technology not only ensures reliable connectivity for seafarers but also offers a lifeline to their families ashore, allowing stable video calls, sharing pictures of good quality, etc.

#4 Rio Tinto

The dry bulk shipping industry is a highly fragmented industry characterised by complex ownership and chartering structures, where vessels operate with
varying levels of management and safety standards.

In 2022, the European Maritime Safety Agency reported that 25% of port state control inspection deficiencies found were related to the Marine Labour Convention. Seafarers remain susceptible to systemic challenges related to human rights risks, including the rights to working and living conditions that are safe and healthy.

As of January 2nd, 2024, 483 DOC companies, representing over 10,588 vessels, have completed the self-assessment. This number highlights companies’ commitment to going beyond compliance and ensuring the wellbeing of the seafarers who call their vessels home for large parts of the year. This is especially important in an industry that is continually accused of neglect and where there is the looming prospect of crew shortages.

Since 2021, they have also conducted a total of 19 crew welfare audits, to verify and uphold the highest standards of seafarer welfare. These audits play a
crucial role in evaluating compliance, promoting transparency, and improving accountability – which is essential to creating a more responsible and
compassionate maritime industry in 2024 and beyond.

Three differing levels of achievement:

#1 Basic: requires fulfilling all requirements at the basic level.

#2 Intermediate: requires fulfilling all requirements at the basic and intermediate levels.

#3 Excellent: requires fulfilling all requirements at all three levels.

RightShip Crew Welfare Self-Assessment Tool Aggregated Responses

To remind, the 2023 SEAFiT Crew survey, unveiled the critical role of the internet in crew well-being. A staggering 91% of participants emphasized the essential requirement for top-notch internet access to sustain connections and communicate with their loved ones.

SAFETY4SEA has launched the SAFETY4SEA petition, asking industry stakeholders to join the cause for free Internet at sea. You can sign the petition here.