Russian-Ukrainian crew of m/v Sea Arrow was not allowed to communicate with union

The Greek company Aliakmon Marine Inc prohibits Sea Arrow crew members (Liberia flag, IMO 9166871) to show seafarers' contacts of employment and any documents that must be on board as required by the MLC to the representatives of ITF and its affiliates. This was announced by Nikolai Sukhanov, chairman of the Far Eastern Regional Organization of the Seafarers Union of Russia (DVRO).

Today trade union”s inspectors visited the vessel Sea Arrow which was moored at the pier of the Nakhodka seaport for coal loading.

- We were met by the Russian-Ukrainian crew. The third mate reported our visit to the captain who came down to see us. He looked a little confused as it turns out that the Greek company prohibited showing any documents to representatives of the ITF and its affiliates. During our visit the agent of the shipowner was on board the vessel and he said that the trade union interferes with work because the ship was preparing to depart and the crew does not have time to talk with inspectors. We tried to explain to him that it was not his function to evaluate the actions of the trade union but he continued to convince the captain not to provide any documents, - said Nikolay Sukhanov.

Representatives of the DVRO  decided to visit the vessel again at the next call at the port. The union will also ask the Nakhodka maritime authorities for a joint inspection of the Sea Arrow. Taking in mind the vessel is not covered by ITF agreement the union will send a notice to the shipowner with request to negotiate a collective agreement with the Greek  Seafarers Union. Given the hostile behavior of the ship agent of the Orion Alliance based in Nakhodka who spoke rudely to the inspectors the union representatives will submit an appeal to the transport prosecutor's office in order to prevent further illegal actions.

- When the vessel calls our port next time we will invite the crew of the Sea Arrow to the International Seafarers Center, - added Nikolay Sukhanov. - So the crewmembers could distracted from the ship's everyday life and relax. We also delivered magazines and newspapers to the seafarers.