Bulk carrier flying the Barbados flag has been inspected in Nakhodka

Inspectors of the Far Eastern Territorial Organization of the Seafarers’ Union of Russia visited the bulk carrier Omnia (Barbados flag, IMO 9595204), berthed at Nakhodka sea commercial port under the loading of coal destined for Indian ports. The crew of 20 Syrians welcomed the SUR representatives on board. At the request of the inspectors, the captain showed all the documents to check the working and living conditions on board the vessel and answered all questions.

According to FETO SUR Chairman Nikolay Sukhanov, the salary for an AB Seaman is USD1,836, and that for  a captain is USD7,500. The individual contracts of seafarers indicate the insurance amount that is paid to their relatives in the event of a crew member's death during a voyage – USD89,000. Daily food allowance is USD15 per person. There are no wage arrears.

The inspectors drew the attention of the sailors to the fact that the owner of the bulk carrier, Serenity Ship Management DMCC, UAE, registered the vessel under a flag of convenience, which means that the laws of Barbados apply on board. “In case a dispute arise on board, it would be difficult for seafarers to seek enforcement of their rights,” Sukhanov explained. “The absence of a collective agreement signed with a seafarers’ union can lead to serious consequences in terms of violation of the rights of crew members.”

As for the level of wages on board MV Omnia, in general it meets the minimum standards that maritime unions are guided by, which cannot be said about the amount of insurance in the event of a fatal incident during a voyage. Trade unions seek to ensure for this amount to be no less than $USD110,000. Taking this in consideration, the crew of the bulk carrier asked the SUR representatives to notify the shipowner on the need to conclude a collective agreement.

In addition, the captain of MV Omnia recalled a high profile incident that occurred in 2016 in Nakhodka: his compatriots – crew members of MV Antoine went on strike and refused to continue sailing until they received their wages. That time, Inspectors of the Far Eastern Territorial Organization of the Seafarers’ Union of Russia came to assistance in time and helped to settle the conflict. The captain of the bulk carrier Omnia expressed hope for fraternal assistance in case of other problems.

Before leaving, FETO SUR Inspectors handed over to the crew books in English on the rights of seafarers working on vessels flying flags of convenience, the fresh magazines  "Maritime Unions Herald" which tell about the activities of  SUR, and calendars for 2024.

The crew thanked the FETO SUR representatives for their  attention to working conditions on board the vessel.

Photo – FETO SUR