PSC detained the m/v Bourbon due to unpaid wage

On July 2, the Port State Control (PSC) of Nakhodka detained the bulk carrier Bourbon (IMO 9588407, flag Liberia) under the code 30, e.g. salary arrears and lack of contracts.  The problems on board became known on June 23, 2020, when Ukrainian seafarers applied for assistance of the primary trade union organization of the SUR in Vladivostok. Crewmembers informed that they had not received a salary for two months, and they were also interested in the possibility of repatriation from Russia.

«After the call, four seafarers sent requests for medical visit to the trade union committee,  said Petr Osichanskiy, the Chairman of the organization. This allowed us to immediately contact a local agent. We managed to agree that while the ship is under loading for 4-6 days, the issue with the medical assistance will be resolved». As a result, the visit of a doctor was organized. He examined the seafarers, identified an exacerbation of a number of chronic diseases of the AB and cook and prescribed treatment. Meanwhile, there were no medical indications for urgent repatriation.

 «In regard with request for discharging we explained that the seafarers will have to stay in the observator for 14 days, - added Petr Osichanskiy. However, the crewmembers continued to insist on completing the service on board. From our part, we recommended that the Ukrainians write applications for signing off in connection with the end of contracts. The Harbour Master was advised accordingly about unpaid wage due to the crew and the absence of the contracts of employment. After that, the port state control of Nakhodka detained the vessel.

Note that this is not the first time when the bulk carrier Bourbon falls into the field of vision of the PSC and SUR. At the end of February this year, during the visit of the ship in the port of Vostochny, inspectors found a disappointing picture: arrears of wages, scarce supplies of food and fresh water, as well as the deadlines for insurance certificates of financial guarantees of the shipowner that have come to an end. Then representatives of the PSC and the Far Eastern regional organization of the SUR informed the captain that the ship will not leave the port until the documents are put in order and the seafarers will not receive the outstanding wage. After that, captain immediately contacted the company's management, advising of possible detention. The next day, just a few hours before the cargo operations are completed, the problems were solved. The captain showed the inspectors electronic copies of the new insurance certificates and a statement on the payment of arrears to the crewmembers. In addition, after the threat of detention of the ship and the urgent request of the inspectors, the company allocated the necessary funds, and fresh food and fresh water were delivered on board of Bourbon.