Report warns of sinking working conditions for many seafarers

Date: 18/06/1998

By Bruce Barnard

THE ISM means very little to the thousands of third world ship crews whose working conditions continue to deteriorate as owners seek to cut costs.

Recent reports from the International Transport Workers' Federation and the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) revealed that a sizeable proportion of owners ignore the minimum standards for living and working conditions set out in an International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention.

The MOU said 25&percent; of the 3,700 vessels it inspected in EU and Canadian ports failed in at least one of the areas covered: food supply and storage, the condition of the galley, ventilation and heating in cabins, sanitary facilities and hospital accommodation.

The ITF survey of the working conditions of 2,500 seafarers of 60 nationalities showed that 30&percent; worked 12 hours or more and 36&percent; did not get the minimum of ten hours of rest in every 24.

The federation has scored major victories in its battle for better conditions, especially on ships flying flags of convenience. But with crewing agencies in the former Communist nations entering the business, owners can pick and choose in a buyer's market.

The latest blow to seafarers was the decision by the US state department to increase crew shore-leave visa prices from $1 (0.916 ecu) to $45 (41.25 ecu) per person. For a vessel with a crew of 30, the bill rises from $30 (27.50 ecu) to $1,350 (1237.5 ecu) and some owners refuse to pay.

If that happens, crew members are cooped up on board throughout the ship's stay in port.