Inspectors of the Far Eastern Territorial Organization of the Seafarers' Union of Russia inspected working conditions of Russian seafarers on board MV Vladimir Shilkov

Inspectors of the Far Eastern Territorial Organization of the Seafarers' Union of Russia visited MV Vladimir Shilkov (Russian flag, IMO 9350082), berthed at the Nakhodka Commercial Sea Port. During their conversation with the crew, consisted of 16 Russians, the inspectors discovered that the seafarers were unaware of the precise amount of their monthly wages, and the union representatives were unable to calculate wages in accordance with the existing collective agreement and employment contracts. 

It turned out that there was a complicated remuneration scheme on board the vessel. MV Vladimir Shilkov, built in 2005, is in Nakhodka under a metal loading destined for Taiwan. The vessel is covered by the collective agreement with the Water Transport Workers' Union, valid until June 2025, the crew members have employment contracts in place. As it has been found out, the wage for an able seafarer comprises a salary of RUB19,242, a district coefficient of RUB11,545, a Far North coefficient of RUB5,772, as well as overtime and bonuses. According to the crew members, the amounts of wage per month vary but never exceed RUB100,000. 

- The Seafarers' Union of Russia has repeatedly raised the issue of the need to establish a minimum base rate for able seafarers within the limits established by the International Labor Organization and in accordance with the recommendation of the Maritime Labor Convention of 2006. As of January 1, 2025, it is $673, - Nikolay Sukhanov, Chair of the Far Eastern Territorial Organization of the Seafarers' Union of Russia, said. 

He noted that the vessel has insurance certificates, as required by the MLC. According to these documents, the crew members are insured by Ingosstrakh, but the insurance amount is unclear. 

- The seafarers are aware that they are insured by the Social Fund of Russia. In the event of a fatal accident, their family members are entitled to receiving compensation of up to 2 million rubles. However, at the same time, there is no mention anywhere of the insurance payout a seafarer's family will receive from Ingosstrakh in the event of the natural death of a crew member on board, - Sukhanov added. - In practice, we know that if the seafarer's contract does not specify this insurance amount, then the family members will receive nothing from the insurance company. This is a violation by the shipowner of Art. 60, paragraph 2 of the Merchant Shipping Code, which states that the shipowner is obliged to insure the life and health of crew members. 

During a meeting with the crew, the FETO SUR Inspectors told them that maritime trade unions and shipowners signed the Federal Industry Agreement on Maritime Transport for 2024-2027. The document establishes minimum standards on working conditions for seafarers working on sea vessels sailing under the national flag of the Russian Federation. 

— This agreement recognizes the ILO recommendations on issues related to seafarers' remuneration, but it specifies that they are non-regulatory. Ship owners need to pay attention to global guidelines for seafarers' compensation, even if they're just advisory. This is important to ensure fair working conditions and respect for seafarers' rights, — SUR FETO Chair Nikolay Sukhanov concluded.

Photo: FETO SUR