Russian seafarers under the flag of Togo

Inspectors of the Far Eastern Territorial Organization of the Seafarers’ Union of Russia (FETO SUR) visited the MV Sidimi (flag of Togo, IMO 8501414), berthed at Nakhodka commercial seaport for unloading, and met with its crew consisted of Russian seafarers from Primorsky Region. The registered owner of the vessel is Inderton Ltd SA, the operator is Acrex Corp, both are based in Vladivostok. However, according to the Declaration of maritime labor compliance part II, the beneficial owner is Ocean Glory Shipping Ltd from Belize. The agency OOO Forewater Crewing has a power of attorney from the shipowner for the right to conclude and sign individual contracts with seafarers. According to Nikolay Sukhanov, FETO SUR Chairman, the shipowner insured the sailors at the VSK company, and there are two insurance certificates that meet the requirements of the Maritime Labor Convention 2006 available on board the vessel. -According to the conditions, the seafarers will get insurance payment in the amount of USD30,000 in case of injury on board the vessel or death resulting from illness, - Sukhanov noted. — The name of the relative whom the compensation should be paid in case of insured event is indicated in a dedicated clause of their individual contracts. The head of the FETO SUR added that the wage of the AB Seaman is USD1,100 with a basic salary is USD950, the captain earns USD3,400. The SUR representatives told the crew of MV Sidimi about the activity of Seafarers' Union of Russia. “We drew the seafarers' attention to the fact that only the laws of Togo apply on board the vessel, since the vessel is registered under the flag of this state,” - Nikolay Sukhanov emphasized. - Maritime trade unions offer shipowners whose vessels fly flags of convenience to provide seafarers with decent working conditions that meet the minimum international requirements adopted by maritime trade unions.” However, not all shipowners agree with this. “In this case, the unions recommend that shipping companies to change the flag of their vessels to the national one and comply with national laws,” he continued. The FETO SUR Chairman reminded that the demands of maritime trade unions come down to the signing of a collective agreement and securing that monthly wage, for example, of an AB Seaman, should be at least USD1,836, and the insurance amount in case of death during a voyage should be at least USD110,000. The FETO SUR Inspectors answered all questions of the crew, including those related to the procedure for joining the trade union. At their request, SUR will send to the owner of MV Sidimi a letter offering to negotiate SUR on signing a collective agreement that will improve the working conditions of the crew. Before leaving the vessel, the SUR Inspectors gave the crew members books about work on vessels under flags of convenience and the latest issues of the “Maritime Unions Herald”. The crew thanked the Union for its attention to the needs and concerns of maritime workers. 

Photo — FETO SUR