Complaints related to denial to shore leave “outrun” complaints about back wages

Given the third year of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic it is still a real problem  in some countries to get permission for shore leave. As a result   seafarers have to stay on board for a long time, they are deprived of the possibility to change of scenery,  see the surroundings, buy some small things and just relax. In the meantime the Maritime Labor Convention states that “seafarers shall be granted shore leave to ensure their health and well-being and in accordance with the operational requirements of their position”. Also, the MLC stipulates that “responsible persons in the port and on board should make every effort to facilitate shore leave as soon as possible after the arrival of the vessel at port”. 

At the same time the convention contains a clear explanation to the member states: each country when determining national standards “should take into account the danger associated with the fatigue of seafarers, especially those of them whose roles include  ensuring the safety of navigation and the safe operation of the vessel.”

Despite this, the Russian crew of the m/v "Anadyr" (IMO 8711253, flag of the Russian Federation) spent 11 months on board at the Chinese port  Qinhuangdao  without any chance to sign off from the vessel. Due to the pandemic the local authorities have imposed a ban to shore leave , thus a  repatriation of foreign seafarers is impossible either.

However, thanks to the intervention of the Seafarers'  Union of Russia the crew members will soon be at home - the m/v "Anadyr" is already on the  way to Vladivostok.

Cry for help

According to the Chairman of the SUR Primary Organization of Vladivostok Petr Osichansky,  the trade union committee received an e-mail from the captain of the m/v Anadyr on August, 18. The captain informed that the vessel  had been staying  at a shipyard in China since October 2021, and that due to the lack  of fuel they start a diesel generator  just to make breakfast and lunch. The rest of the time there is no electricity on board,  and even the air conditioners do not work despite the hellish heat.

At the time of receiving the letter this had been going on for three days. The crew asked for help: in addition to lack of power on board the supplies of fresh water and food were running out.

But most of all the captain was worried about something else - in his  letter he stressed that the crew was tired of isolation and was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. The shipowner - Chukotka Trading Company -  failed to arrange a crew change because of COVID-19 restrictions and a national ban on the repatriation of foreigners.

The situation is under control

- We examined  the appeal,  contacted the Harbour Master of port Vladivostok where the vessel  was scheduled to proceed on its way from  China and got in touch with Chukotka Trading Company. The Navigation Safety Officer  confirmed that the situation is under control of the shipowner, the Ingosstrakh insurance company and the Russian Consulate General in Beijing, - Petr Osichansky explained.

Besides, the shipowner's official assured that a bunker tanker with 64 tons of diesel fuel for the m/v Anadyr is expected to arrive.

- Indeed, a few days later we received confirmation that the fuel had been delivered and the vessel  was heading to Vladivostok, -  Petr Osichansky said.

Also, he stressed that in  recent times the trade union faces complaints about  denial  to shore leave or delay in repatriation much more often than with complaints about  back wages, though the latter traditionally was number one problem in the shipping industry.  Peter Osichansky considers this as a warning sign and a  cause for concern.

- It‘s mind- boggling that people spent 11 months on board  without the right to go ashore! -  he said.

To comply with the MLC

The Seafarers'  Union of Russia is convinced that the maritime authorities when taking any emergency action must respect the right of crew members to shore leave. It has been repeatedly noted that the opportunity to go ashore is the main factor affecting the physical and mental health of a seafarer, and a change of scenery reduces the risk of fatigue.

-Shore leave is an important part of seafarers'  life during a voyage, as they spent weeks or even months in unnatural for people conditions that are, in fact, a closed space, which seafarers  can't leave whenever they want, - the SUR notes. – Therefore, it is impossible to talk about an adequate morale and well-being of crew. Governments and shipowners are obliged to do their best to provide a rare opportunity for crew members to change of scenery and gain strength.

Photo from vesselfinder.com