Sea Trade Marine SA is saving on the salaries of the Kastos 1 crew

Nikolay Sukhanov, Chairman of the Far Eastern Territorial Organization of the Seafarers’ Union of Russia, is convinced of it. 

The tanker arrived from China and moored at the Ashoka Oil and Gas Commercial Sea Port to load diesel fuel bound for Singapore. FETO SUR Inspectors together with State Port Control Officers visited MV Kastos 1 (flag of Panama, IMO 9282297) They have been met on board by a crew of 22 Filipino seafarers. The salary of an AB Seaman is $1,325 and that of a captain is $12,500. 

The crew is insured for $50,000 during the duration of the contract. The crew members have not voiced any complaints regarding working conditions, but they have asked about the level of salaries on board flag of convenience vessels and why the Greek owner's vessel was registered under Panamanian and not Greek flag. 

The FETO SUR Inspectors explained that the flag of Panama is a flag of convenience. "In essence, it is a cheap flag that attracts shipowners from developed countries with its favorable conditions, allowing to reduce the shipping company's expenses. Changing the flag to a flag of convenience improves the profitability of ship operations and the competitiveness of the fleet. Besides, it gives a significant advantage in competition in international freight markets and also allows saving on wages". 

"Maritime unions insist that the minimum salary of an AB Seaman working on board a flag of convenience vessel shouldn't be less than $1,836, and compensation for death on the voyage shouldn't be below $110,000," - Sukhanov noted. The seafarers asked the SUR Inspectors to send a notice to Sea Trade Marine SA about the need to conclude a collective agreement with the Greek seafarers' union. 

The Filipinos thanked the SUR representatives for their assistance and support. They agreed that the united actions of seafarers from all over the world can improve working conditions and raise the level of wages for crews employed on FOC vessels. 

In addition, the FETO SUR representatives gave the seafarers fresh magazines "Maritime Unions Herald" and books in English on the rights of seafarers working on FOC vessels. Also, they invited the off-duty seafarers to visit International Marine Club of Nakhodka. 

Photo – FETO SUR