LIVERPOOL's John Moore's University (LJMU) and leading maritime welfare charity, The Mission to Seafarers (MtS), have unveiled a survey that exposes illegal recruitment fees imposed on seafarers, that violate the Maritime Labour Convention, reports Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide.
The Survey on Fees and Charges for Seafarer Recruitment or Placement, sheds light on the alarming practice of seafarers being coerced into paying unlawful fees and charges.
This study not only confirms the severity of the issue but also provides valuable insights into its widespread nature.
The comprehensive report encompasses responses from over 200 seafarers representing various ranks, ages and nationalities.
Almost 65 per cent of respondents acknowledged the existence of illicit demands for recruitment or placement fees, either based on personal experience or the experiences shared by colleagues.
Ninety-two per cent of respondents voiced their desire to put an end to these practices, highlighting the awareness that such fees and charges have no place in the hiring process and should be eradicated.
Regarding the nationalities most affected by illegal fees, the report reveals that 29 per cent of cases involved Indians, Filipinos and Burmese.
Additionally, 36 per cent of fee demands were reported to occur in India, with the Philippines and Burma following suit.
Furthermore, the survey highlighted that 58 per cent of respondents reported demands for illegal fees and charges from the crewing agent appointed by the shipping company.
An additional 31 per cent attributed the demands to individuals linked to the crewing agent, while 11 per cent identified employees of the shipping company itself.
When describing the nature of these demands, 56 per cent referred to them as 'service charges,' 29 per cent as 'agency fees/registration fees,' and 29 per cent as 'bribes.'
SeaNews Turkey
The Survey on Fees and Charges for Seafarer Recruitment or Placement, sheds light on the alarming practice of seafarers being coerced into paying unlawful fees and charges.
This study not only confirms the severity of the issue but also provides valuable insights into its widespread nature.
The comprehensive report encompasses responses from over 200 seafarers representing various ranks, ages and nationalities.
Almost 65 per cent of respondents acknowledged the existence of illicit demands for recruitment or placement fees, either based on personal experience or the experiences shared by colleagues.
Ninety-two per cent of respondents voiced their desire to put an end to these practices, highlighting the awareness that such fees and charges have no place in the hiring process and should be eradicated.
Regarding the nationalities most affected by illegal fees, the report reveals that 29 per cent of cases involved Indians, Filipinos and Burmese.
Additionally, 36 per cent of fee demands were reported to occur in India, with the Philippines and Burma following suit.
Furthermore, the survey highlighted that 58 per cent of respondents reported demands for illegal fees and charges from the crewing agent appointed by the shipping company.
An additional 31 per cent attributed the demands to individuals linked to the crewing agent, while 11 per cent identified employees of the shipping company itself.
When describing the nature of these demands, 56 per cent referred to them as 'service charges,' 29 per cent as 'agency fees/registration fees,' and 29 per cent as 'bribes.'
SeaNews Turkey
