The President General of the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, Chief Engineer Joseph Yousou, has called for unity among all the Seafarers and stakeholders in the industry.
He made this plea in a goodwill message at the commemoration of this year’s Seafarers’ Day
He reminded the participants that the International Maritime Organisation has set aside the 25th of June, every year, to celebrate Seafarers globally. This year’s theme is “My Harassment – Free Ship,” which promotes a culture of respect and zero tolerance for harassment and bullying at Sea.
According to him, the theme highlights the challenges faced by Seafarers, including poor remuneration, inadequate rest hours, lack of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), harassment, bullying, delayed wage payments, and discrimination.
His words, “As we celebrate the bravery, resilience, and sacrifices of Seafarers who navigate the world’s oceans to keep global trade afloat, we also acknowledge the challenges they face. We recognize the vital role Seafarers play in our economy as well as the global community and the need to ensure their welfare and safety.”
He noted that Seafarers are the backbone of global trade, yet many face these challenges onboard and ashore. This year’s theme, he pointed out, seeks to:
Raise awareness about harassment at Sea and Ashore.
Promote proactive industry action to implement zero-tolerance policies.
Encourage reporting and accountability through safe channels.
Equip Seafarers with resources to combat harassment.
Engr Yousou observed that harassment and bullying onboard can have severe consequences for Seafarers’ physical and emotional health, leading to stress, anxiety, depression, and isolation, which are risky to the safety of the vessel and the crews.
He named different types of harassment and bullying to include: Physical harassment/bullying, Verbal bullying, Social bullying, Electronic/cyber bullying, Racial bullying, Sexual bullying, Tribal bullying, and Religious and disability bullying
Addressing Harassment/Bullying is crucial for individual Seafarers’ well-being and vessel safety/productivity.
The number one Seafarer noted that many Nigerian Seafarers face harassment/bullying from foreign counterparts, Employers, Manning Agents, and Security Agencies.
The National President has this to say,” We have witnessed incidents where foreign Seafarers harass Nigerian Officers due to preferential treatment by Employers and Manning Agents. This affects Nigerian Seafarers’ performance and mental health.
” Some Shipping companies in Nigeria do not comply with the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) or have Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in place that guarantee minimum condition for “Decent Work and Decent Pay”. It is on this note we implore all the Shipping Companies to have individual CBA as stipulated in NJIC for “Free Ship”.
He also called on the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), as the regulatory Agency, to ensure Seafarers are protected from harassment/bullying.
“NIMASA and stakeholders must join hands to fight this abnormality, considering the Seafarers’ impact on global trade and their sacrifices. Shipping Companies and Manning Agents must treat Seafarers’ rights and adhere to this campaign against harassment. We will not accept excuses of culture, hierarchy, or tradition. Seafarers are not commodities; we are workers, humans, and rights-holders.
“Every crew member, every Officer, and every Manager must take ownership of this theme. It is not enough to be non-harassing — we must be anti-harassment,” Engr. Joseph Yousou stated.
The concept of a “Free Ship” is integral to this year’s theme. In this context, a free ship implies a vessel that operates without the burden of harassment, intimidation, or exploitation. A crucial aspect of achieving this ideal is the implementation of a robust Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
CBA, he noted, should be a prerequisite for Shipping Companies seeking license renewal. To reinforce this requirement, a Marine Notice should be issued to that effect. This measure would help ensure that Seafarers’ Rights are protected, and their working conditions are fair and safe.
He added that a free ship would also imply compliance with international standards and best practices. In this regard, Nigeria’s inability to issue Class 1 and 2 certificates is a significant concern. This limitation not only hampers the development of Nigerian Seafarers but also perpetuates a form of “national harassment” that undermines the principle of a free ship. We urge the Authority to expedite action on the issuance of Class 1 and 2 in Nigeria to avoid capital flight.
“As the representative of Nigerian Seafarers, we will continue to advocate for their interests and well-being. I urge my professional Colleagues (Seafarers) to stay focused and be determined in pursuance of their career goals”, he urged.
The National President, however, urged Seafarers to unite as one in fighting this endemic, while also saluting their courage in the face of daunting challenges.
