Seafarer Welfare. A legal and social responsibility. Maritime Labour Convention and other industry initiatives

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1 Seafarer Welfare A legal and social responsibility Maritime Labour Convention and other industry initiatives

2 Australian Shipowners Association International & domestic trading ships Cruise ships Offshore oil and gas support FPSOs Dredges Domestic towage & salvage tugs Scientific research vessels

3 A presentation of two parts.. Seafarer welfare: a legal responsibility Maritime Labour Convention Seafarer welfare: a social responsibility Mental Health Project with SANE Australia

4 Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC) Commenced 20 August countries, 80% of the worlds tonnage 5 Titles addressing: Minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship Conditions of employment Accommodation, recreation facilities, food and catering Health protection, medial care, welfare and social security protection Compliance and enforcement Recent amendments agreed at ILO regarding insurance for abandonment and crew claims* *Changes likely to come into effect in approximately 2 years

5 Some area that shipowners are grappling with: Who is a seafarer and who is a shipowner? What is a ship (for MLC purposes)? Accommodation requirements (smaller vessels) Recruitment and placement services

6 Who is a seafarer Who is a shipowner? Seafarer any person who is employed or engaged or works on a ship in any capacity (including that of master) on board a vessel on the business of the vessel, other than: A licensed pilot (acting as a pilot) An owner of the vessel or a person (except the master) representing the owner; Law enforcement personnel (in their capacity as law enforcement personnel) If the vessel is a special purpose vessel special personnel in relation to that vessel; A person temporarily employed on the vessel in port; A person prescribed by the Regulations. Shipowner More than 1 shipowner (overall general control v beneficial ownership) Seafarers work agreement shipowner or employer?

7 What is a Ship?* FPSO? Harbour tug? Does flag matter? *for the purposes of the MLC

8 Accommodation Requirements apply post 20 August 2013 (i.e. new builds) What is a small vessels (s69 MO11)? Implications? Exemptions Recreational facilities reviewed frequently and adapted How does this work in practice?

9 Recruitment and Placement Services Requirement to be registered Aimed to ensure seafarers not left high and dry No payment from seafarer Prevent creation of blacklist Possibly being interpreted more broadly than anticipated

10 Mental Health Project Maritime Industry Foundation partnered with ASA and SANE Australia to address a gap in awareness and training around mental illness Development of a training package for the maritime industry Key element examining the unique working conditions in the maritime industry

11 Specific Industry Conditions Non traditional work arrangements Isolation from family and friends Unusual sleep patterns Noise Structured onboard environment Living at work Limited facilities Physical separation from the majority of management

12 Awareness: How much of an issue? Nearly 45% of people experience some kind of mental health disorder in their lifetime 20% in any year What is the cost? $11 billion per year (conservative estimate) in absenteeism, reduced productivity and compensation claims The individual? Benefits of implementing appropriate action? For every $1 a return of $2.30 in benefits* *Creating a mentally health workplace return on investment analysis by PWC and beyondblue March 2014

13 First Level Intervention (mental health first aid) Identifying an issue Change in behaviour, poor work performance, withdrawal from socialising Response No fool proof formula, no diagnosis, show support Disclosure to management Threat to self or others Awareness of support services available Employee Assistance Program, HR Contact

14 Development and Delivery Focus group consulted Training developed Pilot programs have been run Feedback obtained and collated Adjustments to the training module Report has been provided including recommendations for next steps

15 Feedback Generally a positive response Appreciative of the context Agree that it is needed in the industry Valued the lived experience Requires reinforcement

16 Thank you