The merchant navy is a profession that is by far away from the need to have a permanent legal counsel for the benefit of the employees. And obviously, as the topic suggests, the ones in concern here are the ones working onboard (as opposed to the office). Professional life onboard is strictly work oriented with less to minimum chances to give rise to situations that might demand legal proceedings.
The merchant navy is a profession that is by far away from the need to have a permanent legal counsel for the benefit of the employees. And obviously, as the topic suggests, the ones in concern here are the ones working onboard (as opposed to the office). Professional life onboard is strictly work oriented with less to minimum chances to give rise to situations that might demand legal proceedings.
In general, the culture on ship is to solve matters within the periphery of the ship, amicably and respectfully. The Master is normally enough by himself to solve issues that require specific and serious attention. However, as with all workplaces, there sometimes arises a situation that just cannot be solved through the honor of a good handshake and an apology; sometimes, a seafarer has no option but to turn to full fledged authorities dedicated towards the disputes pertaining to the life in the merchant navy.
Such disputes may arise when the questions of remuneration, facilities onboard, repatriation or other such similar aspects cause dissatisfaction to the seafarer. Indeed, in an environment where work is worship, and one in which the seafarer toils to get his salary at the end of the month, issues that cause dissatisfaction to him ought to be heard, considered, debated and judged.
So where exactly is it that a seafarer turns to when in requirement of assistance? Which organisations are willing to extend a helping hand to a sailor in need? Read on.
1. International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF): Founded in 1896, ITF is a global union of the variety of trade unions with respect to the transport associated with different industries (shipping, aviation etc.). ITF stands for the interest of the union workers associated with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Labor Organization (ILO), and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Headquartered in London, it has offices at strategic locations across the world. Affiliation of unions to ITF enables the Organisation to negotiate the various interests and rights of the workers/seafarers. Help by the ITF is rendered irrespective of nationality and/or the flag of the seafarer’s vessel. Their contact details can be found here.
2. International Labor Organisation (ILO): The ILO is an arm of the United Nations (UN), which deals with international labor standards, and other labor related issues across the world. Established as a specialized agency of the UN in 1919, it sets forth regulations with regard to working conditions, wages as well as regulations that are put into force to ensure that the seafarers’ workplace standards are maintained and upheld. The ILO has been pivotal in the formation of the conventions such as the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC, 2006), Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers Convention (1996), Repatriation of Seafarers Convention (1987), Seafarers’ Identity Document Convention (2003) and many more. More information on the ILO can be found here.
3. The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI): Founded in 1834, SCI is a comprehensive agency, which provides a wide range of services for seafarers. Based out of North America, the SCI renders services with respect to a seafarer’s personal, professional as well as spiritual needs. These services spam the areas of education, pastoral care and legal help. Most important of them is the free legal aid service they provide exclusively to seafarers. The SCI is an organisation that values and acknowledges the immense importance of the work carried out by sailors and its critical support in shaping robust economies. More information can be found about them here.
*To be concluded next week
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