A vessel is modern, but problems are old

Today, Inspectors of the Far Eastern Regional Organization of the Seafarers' Union of Russia (FERO SUR) visited the bulk carrier Bullitt. The vessel is staying at the port of Nakhodka under the loading of metal, destined to Thailand. MV Bullitt is a 2024-built modern vessel under the flag of Liberia. It would seem that a newbuilding vessel implies new standards, but the reality turned out to be completely different for the bulk carrier's crew. Despite modern equipment and a glint of new hull, the working conditions of the crew remain far from fair. 

Thus, the FERO SUR Inspectors found out that the owner of the vessel is Isarco Maritime Inc, and the operator is the Athens-based Greek company Evalend Shipping Co SA. There are 21 Filipino seafarers on board, all of them hired through a government agency in Manila. There is no collective agreement on the vessel, the salaries leave much to be desired: the salary of an AB Seaman is $1,168 (of which the basic wage is just $658), and that of a captain is $9,100.  

- We asked the captain of the vessel to show the ship's papers, but met with refuse: according the captain, the company prohibits the crew from communicating with trade unions! This is another example of how shipowners use the Liberian flag to avoid control and limit workers' rights, - the FERO SUR Chairman Nikolay Sukhanov said. 

Despite the captain's attitude, the crew members, ready to defend their rights, talked to the SUR representatives. The Inspectors explained to the seafarers that a flag of convenience is an opportunity for shipowners to avoid national laws. Liberia, like other flag of convenience countries, does not oversee working conditions of seafarers, thereby, it allows shipowners to set their own rules. 

- In particular, this concerns payments to the crew. According to international standards, there are minimum requirements for vessels flying flags of convenience either: the salary for an AB Seaman should be at least USD1,836, and the insured amount in case of seafarers' death should be at least USD110,000. It is obvious that the Greek shipowner is ignoring these requirements, and the ban on communication with trade unions is another way to keep the crew in the dark and under control, - Nikolay Sukhanov believes. 

Sukhanov added that the situation on board the MV Bullitt is a clear example of how shipowners use flags of convenience to save on wages and also to limit the seafarers rights, whom the trade union could help to fight for their rights. The Inspectors will send the shipowner a warning about the need to meet international standards. 

- Immediately after our visit, the Foreign Relations Department of the Seafarers' Union of Russia contacted the Greek Seafarers' Union to discuss the situation on board MV Bullitt. As it turned out, the company – shipowner has been avoiding contact with maritime trade unions for years, ignoring the rights of seafarers, - he added.

According to the representative of the Greek trade union, they are actively looking for leverage over the company to put an end to such practices. The FERO SUR Chairman told, that during the negotiations, the Greek colleagues expressed gratitude to SUR for solidarity and support in the fight against unscrupulous shipowners. They believe that by joining efforts it will be possible to achieve the signing of a collective agreement, which will be an important step towards improving the working conditions of seafarers.

 Also, the Inspectors addressed the issue of protecting the rights of crews working under flags of convenience with special attention: the crew members of MV Bullitt were given books on the rights of seafarers working on FOC vessels and fresh magazines "Maritime Unions Herald" so that the seafarers remained up to date with the latest news and events in the maritime community. 

- During the talk, the seafarers were interested in where in Nakhodka they could relax after long weeks at sea. We were happy to share the contacts of the International Marine Club - a true oasis for those who want to spend time with benefit and pleasure. To get there, the captain only needs to submit an application in advance through the ship's agent, and a free of charge comfortable bus will bring seafarers to the Club, and then back to the vessel. No worries, just rest and new impressions, - the FERO SUR Chairman concluded.