Inspectors from the SUR FERO have inspected a Russian-flagged vessel

Today, Inspectors from the Far Eastern Regional Organization of the Seafarers' Union of Russia visited the Russian-flagged tanker Argaka, which is under loading at the Nakhodka Sea Oil Port for loading. 

According to Nikolay Sukhanov, SUR FERO Chairman, the vessel's crew consists of 15 Russian seafarers from various regions of Russia. All have individual employment agreements, where wages are specified. It's clear from the documents how wages are calculated, so each crew member can calculate their own wages. The union has received no complaints from the seafarers regarding working or living conditions. 

"The shipowner's civil liability insurance certificates, as required by the Maritime Labor Convention, are in place on board," he continued. "They were issued by a Moscow company." It's worth noting that the shipowner insured the life and health of each seafarer for RUB100,000. This insurance will be provided to their relatives if an insured nonoccupational event happens. 

This type of insurance is mandatory for the Russian fleet in accordance with Article 60, paragraph 2 of the Merchant Shipping Code, but not all companies comply with this requirement. Furthermore, contributions are made to the Social Fund of Russia on behalf of the seafarers. The SUR FERO Chairman noted that the vessel does not have a collective bargaining agreement with a trade union. 

"In 2024, trade unions and shipowners signed the Federal Industrial Agreement on Maritime Transport for 2024-2027, establishing minimum standards for working conditions for seafarers working on vessels flying the Russian Federation flag. The signing of the Federal Industrial Agreement on Maritime Transport was a significant achievement for the social partners operating within the industry. The document contributes to improving working conditions for seafarers and serves as the basis for social partnership and collective bargaining," Nikolay Sukhanov added. 

The ship's crew was offered to join SUR so that the Union could begin collective bargaining on behalf of the seafarers.

Photo: pauk/CC-BY-SA-3