Crewmember from m/v Aura M was signed off thanks to ITF and PSC

The ITF inspector in St. Petersburg and the Port State Control of Ust-Luga helped the 3^rd Engineer from the m/v Aura M (flag of Liberia) to return home before the end of the contract at the expense of the shipowner. The seafarer needed to be repatriated due to health problems. However, when he informed the company that he needed medical attention, the management, instead of sending him to the hospital, decided to terminate the contract and refused to pay for the travel expenses. Then the seafarer asked the ITF for help, and the inspector informed the state PSC in Ust-Luga, where the ship was going, about the problem on board the Aura M. As a result, the situation was resolved in favor of the seafarer. Despite the fact that the vessel is not covered by the ITF collective agreement, the shipowner fully paid for the employee's repatriation to the Krasnodar Territory, as well as paid the wage in full. The ITF added that the 3^rd Eng. returned home safely and began treatment. The inspectorate still controls the issue of the payment of sick leave, as well as insurance as this is required for a seafarer in accordance with the requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention. Nevertheless, the Seafarers Union of Russia notes that the best protection on a voyage is a collective agreement as the document plays a crucial role in the prompt settlement of any situation.