ICS Publishes Anti-Bullying Principles
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has launched a set of industry principles for establishing effective measures to combat and eliminate harassment and bullying in the maritime sector.The principles have been published against the backdrop of a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) â alongside Lloydâs Register Foundation (LRF) and Gallup â on experiences of violence and harassment at work. The first of its kind global survey and analysis benefitted from insights of 74,364 respondents in employment across a range of sectors in 121 countries and territories.
Global Campaign Launched to Boost Seafarer Recruitment
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has launched a video titled âAn Adventurous Spiritâ, signifying the start of a global campaign to address the seafarer shortage.âAn Adventurous Spiritâ is the result of collaboration between ICS and its network of members to produce a resource that the shipping industry can use in its recruitment efforts. The 10-minute video was produced using first-party testimonials gathered from current seafarers who shared insight into what their roles entailâŚ
Ukraine Sailor Permits Crucial for Grain Exports, Global Shipping
Ukraine's decision to allow its seafarers to leave the country despite wartime restrictions will free up vital manpower for both Ukrainian grain exports and the wider global shipping industry, industry figures told Reuters.The move, officially confirmed this week, is part of efforts by Ukraine to maximize its grain shipments via a UN-brokered corridor through the Black Sea, which lifted a Russian blockade of Ukraine's south coast when came into effect in early August."We understandâŚ
ICS Launches Definitive Guidelines on MLC Convention
Responding to changing regulations the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has launched of the third edition of its essential Guidelines on the Application of the ILO Maritime Labor Convention, the only fully up to date guide to the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) for all involved with the employment of seafarers.Focused on todayâs MLC, the publication covers all amendments made to the Convention since it entered into force in 2013. It also contains practical advice, information and key learnings from industry bodies at the heart of the shipping community.Natalie ShawâŚ
Most Seafarers are Content at Sea -Survey
A new survey being carried out as part of the BIMCO/ICS Manpower Report 2015 is directly engaging seafarers in order to understand their views on life at sea and outlook for the industryâs manpower in the years ahead. Preliminary results of the new survey indicate that the majority of respondents are content with life at sea. The BIMCO/ICS Manpower Report, which has been published every five years since 1990, has traditionally been based on two main quantitative data sources fromâŚ
Seafarers Content with Life at Sea - BIMCO/ICS Report
A new survey being carried out as part of the BIMCO/ICS Manpower Report 2015 is directly engaging seafarers in order to understand their views on life at sea and outlook for the industryâs manpower in the years ahead. Preliminary results of the new survey indicate that the majority of respondents are content with life at sea. The BIMCO/ICS Manpower Report, which has been published every five years since 1990, has traditionally been based on two main quantitative data sources from which the current seafarer supply and demand situation is estimated: a questionnaire completed by shipping companies and a questionnaire completed by national maritime administrations.
ICS Meets in Cyprus
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) â the principal global trade association for shipowners representing over 80% of the world merchant fleet â met in Limassol, Cyprus last week for its Annual General Meeting (AGM). The meeting was hosted by the Cyprus Shipping Chamber in its 25th anniversary year, and commenced with a gala dinner hosted by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, His Excellency Nicos Anastasiades, at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia. Representatives of ICS member national shipownersâ associationsâŚ
WISTA Formulates Interim Philippine Response Plan
WISTA (Womenâs International Shipping & Trading Association) has conferred with Nathalie Shaw, ICS Director of Employment Affairs, together with the leaders of ISWAN, ITF, ICMA and other worldwide partners to set up guidelines for cooperation and collaboration to assist seafarers impacted by the typhoon in the Philippines and to set up an Philippines Industry response plan. "We are forwarding you what we have agreed upon to do on the short term and are working on a longer term plan as houses and schools are destroyed.
ICS Launches Web-based MLC Resource
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) debuted a new web-based information resource to assist shipping companies to implement the International Labor Organization (ILO) Maritime Labor Convention (MLC). The ILO MLC entered into force worldwide in August although, in practice for many ships, full certification including the preparation of Documents of Maritime Labor Compliance on board individual vessels is not required until August next year. ICS, operating as the International Shipping Federation (ISF)âŚ
Seafarers Travel the World, Only See the Sea
The International Shipping Federation (ISF) calls on port states to facilitate the right of seafarers to shore leave. ISF has made this proposal in a submission to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Facilitation Committee, which next meets in April to consider its current review of the IMO Convention on the Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL). The FAL Convention includes a blanket prohibition on port states requiring seafarers to obtain visas in order to enjoy shore leave.
ISF Launches New on Board Training Book
The International Shipping Federation (ISF) has updated its widely-used On Board Training Record Book for Engine Cadets to meet the latest requirements governing seafarersâ training emanating from the STCW 2010 Manila Amendments. âThe competence of engine officers is critical to safety and environmental protection. The updated ISF Book enables cadets and their companies to monitor and evaluate their on board training in a structured manner in accordance with the new STCW Convention requirements.â ISF Director Employment Affairs, Natalie Shaw, explained.
Crew Leave Transit Visa Hassles Disappoint ISF
The International Shipping Federation (ISF) concerned at low implementation levels of ILO Convention 185. Speaking in Manila, at a seminar organised by the International Federation of Shipmasters' Associations (IFSMA), ISF Director of Employment Affairs, Natalie Shaw, explained that the ILO Seafarersâ Identity Documents Convention (ILO 185) - which ISF helped to negotiate on behalf of employers in 2003 - was adopted as part of a package of measures following the terrorist attacks in 2001. âThe wide ratification of the Convention would have materially assisted the welfare of seafarers as well as addressing the security concerns of port states.â said Mrs Shaw.
ISF Disappointment at Slow Implementation of ILO 185
The International Shipping Federation (ISF), which represents maritime employers globally, says that the low level of implementation of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 185, concerning the facilitation of shore leave and crew transits, is a continuing source of disappointment. Speaking in Manila this week, at a seminar organized by the International Federation of Shipmasters' Associations (IFSMA), ISF Director of Employment Affairs, Natalie Shaw, explained that the ILO Seafarersâ Identity Documents Convention (ILO 185) - which ISF helped to negotiate on behalf of employers in 2003 - was adopted as part of a package of measures following the terrorist attacks in 2001.