Also in this Week’s edition:

1. Understanding your Salary and Seeking Support for unpaid wages in the Maritime Industry

2. Unsinkable Ship (pinky promise, you will love this)

3. Book for your sea career

4. Maritime Contents for you

5. Job Listings for Seafarers.

Understanding Your Salary and Seeking Support for Unpaid Wages in the Maritime Industry

When it comes to your hard-earned wages out at sea, it's crucial to know your salary and where to seek support if you're not paid. In this Newsletter, we'll delve into the various aspects of wage rates, agreements, regulations, and steps you can take to ensure you're fairly compensated for your work out at sea.

Wage Rates Based on Vessel Type

Your wage rates in the maritime industry depend on whether you're serving on a national flag vessel or a ship covered by an ITF (International Transport Workers' Federation) agreement. If your vessel falls under an ITF agreement, your entitlements are governed by the terms of that agreement.

To determine if your ship is covered by an ITF-approved agreement, you can visit the Look Up section of the ITF Seafarers website or download the ITF Seafarers app from the Google Play Store or the Apple Store.

For national flag vessels, wage levels can be determined b y a national collective bargaining agreement. In cases where such agreements are not in place, it is recommended that wage scales align with national standards and the minimum levels set by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Recommended Basic Minimum Wage

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has established a minimum basic wage for able seafarers to ensure their protection and promote decent work conditions. This recommendation serves as a safety net for seafarers' well-being.

Guideline B2.4.4 of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) specifies that the basic pay or wages for a calendar month of service for an able seafarer should not be less than the amount periodically set by the Joint Maritime Commission (JMC).

The JMC, consisting of shipowners and seafarers, meets biennially and agreed to increase the ILO minimum monthly basic wage for able seafarers to USD658 as of 1 January 2023, USD666 as of 1 January 2024, and USD673 as of 1 January 2025.

Hours of Work, Leave, Rest, and Overtime

In addition to wage regulations, the ILO has outlined guidelines for seafarers' working hours, leave, rest, and overtime to ensure fair treatment and adequate rest periods.

Working Hours: MLC Guideline B2.2.2 recommends that normal working hours should not exceed 48 hours per week (208 hours per month). Total working hours can be determined by either a maximum of 14 hours per day or 72 hours per week, or at least 10 hours of rest per day or 77 hours per week.

Leave: Seafarers are entitled to a minimum of 2.5 days of leave per calendar month. Leave is calculated based on the formula: One day’s basic wage = basic monthly wage divided by 30, multiplied by 2.5.

Overtime: Each hour of overtime should be compensated at a rate of 1.25 times the basic hourly rate, as recommended by MLC Guideline B2.2.2.

The Issue of Unpaid Wages

Regrettably, the maritime industry is not immune to cases of unpaid wages, leaving crew members frustrated and financially strained. Many ship workers report their employers' refusal or inability to pay their wages, which can affect an individual or the entire crew.

The ITF takes an active role in addressing these issues. In 2022 alone, ITF inspectors successfully recovered over USD35 million in unpaid wages for seafarers.

Red Flags and Solutions

To minimize the risk of not being paid for your work, here are some recommended steps to take:

1. Thorough Research: Before joining a ship, gather as much information as possible about the company and the vessel. Look for any indications of problems, whether through maritime social media or discussions with fellow crew members.

2. Check Previous Crew Payments: Ensure that the previous crew members have received their rightful wages. If they haven't, it's likely you'll face similar issues.

3. Manning Agency Verification: Verify that the manning agency is registered and not red-listed by the ITF. A registered agency reduces the chances of wage disputes.

4. ITF Agreement Coverage: Join a ship covered by an ITF agreement, as this facilitates the resolution of wage-related claims.

5. Written Contract of Employment: Insist on a written contract that clearly outlines your wages and working conditions. This document will be crucial in case of any disputes.

Ensuring Regular Payments

Once on board, take the following steps to ensure timely and regular wage payments:

1. Payment Method: Arrange a reliable payment method, whether it's through allotments, bank account transfers, or cash on board.

2. Monitor Payments: Regularly check that your salary is being deposited into your designated account each month and address any delays promptly.

3. Reject Delayed Payment Arrangements: Avoid arrangements where your salary accumulates over time with only small advances. These arrangements can lead to potential losses in case of problems.

4. Communication and Action: If your salary is significantly delayed, communicate with the captain to understand the situation and expected payment date. If promised payments aren't met, seek advice from the ITF and assess the situation with fellow crew members.

Dealing with Unpaid Wages

If you find yourself facing unpaid wages, follow these steps:

1. Contact the ITF: Reach out to the ITF as soon as possible. They can assist you in resolving the situation. Provide details of the ship, your employment contract, hours worked, shipowner information, bank statements, correspondence, and any evidence you have.

2. Collaborate with Fellow Crew: Discuss the issue with your colleagues to determine if others are experiencing the same problem. Collective action can yield better results.

3. Consider Legal Options: Depending on your location, explore legal options for addressing unpaid wages. Seek advice from local ITF inspectors or union representatives.

4. Abandonment Criteria: If your shipowner fails to pay contractual wages for at least two months, it qualifies as abandonment under the Maritime Labour Convention. In such cases, seek assistance from the ITF and relevant authorities.

In conclusion, knowing your entitlements, staying informed, and taking proactive steps can help ensure that you receive the wages you rightfully deserve in the maritime industry. While challenges may arise, staying vigilant and seeking support from organizations like the ITF can help you navigate through such situations effectively.

Toy too cool to have if you are a seafarer

Book for better sea career 

Excellent communicating skills have always been crucial to success in leadership and management roles like sailors—and that’s one of the reasons the first edition of this book, Mastering Communication at Work, has been an international bestseller taught at universities and referred to by leading CEOs. In the years since it was first published, it’s been the go-to “communication playbook,” helping leaders develop strategic responses and communication tactics with clear, actionable advice.

What’s changed in the last ten years? Well, nothing—and everything.
The fundamentals of effective communication are the same, as are many of the challenges leaders face, generation after generation. You still need to “match your listener’s tendency” and “validate,” and you still need to guard against “defensiveness.” What has changed is how some of the fundamentals and challenges are applied and met in today’s world—both real and virtual, in remote and on-site working environments.

Mastering Communication at Work, 2nd Edition features an essential new chapter on remote team communication along with additional content on equitable leadership and updated case studies. Throughout, you’ll find practical, hands-on advice and strategies that can help you reach your potential when preparing for big conversations and important presentations, help you reduce everyday stress and improve your organization’s performance at every level.

Found this book here

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