InterManager and ITF sign MOU

InterManager and ITF sign MOU

Global union federation the ITF and international ship managers’ association InterManager signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) today that encourages them to work together on areas such as maritime safety, training, and preventing the criminalisation of seafarers.

The understanding was signed by InterManager Secretary General, Guy Morel, and ITF Seafarers’ Section Secretary, Jon Whitlow.

The MOU identifies a significant overlap in the goals and objectives of the two organisations in the field of shipping’s human element. It also recognises the potential benefits of greater cooperation in areas such as: criminalisation and the fair treatment of seafarers; the promotion of social communication onboard ships; meeting the aspirations of young seafarers; promotion of a safety culture onboard ships; ensuring that manning agencies meet the requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention; improving the image and reality of the industry; simplification of the documentation required to be carried by ships; crew/officer training, attraction and retention; and improving accommodation standards.

Guy Morel commented: “Today’s signing reflects our focus on the care for our seafarers and our belief that, with better liaison and co-operation, we can minimise unnecessary duplication of effort, improve efficiency and enhance our impact. We have already seen what can be achieved when the industry unites on issues such as criminalisation and piracy, and we hope to build on those lessons.”

Jon Whitlow added: “This is a positive step towards developing closer ties on matters of common interest with international bodies representing ship owners and operators. We hope that searching for common ground and improving communications and liaison will result in a more powerful united voice on industry issues.”

The last two years have seen a number of occasions when organisations across the shipping industry have come together to speak out on issues such as piracy and the unfair criminalisation of seafarers. The ITF has previously signed an MOU with INTERTANKO.

ENDS

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