Yacht management

A Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA) is a contract between a shipowner or shipping company and a seafarer, outlining the terms and conditions of employment for seafarers working on board a vessel. It is an essential document that governs the relationship between the employer and the employee and ensures that both parties understand their rights, responsibilities, and obligations during the period of the employment.

Key components typically found in a Seafarer Employment Agreement include:

1. Parties involved: The agreement should clearly identify the employer (shipowner or shipping company) and the seafarer (employee) by their full legal names and contact details.
2. Vessel information: The name, type, flag, and other relevant details of the vessel on which the seafarer will be employed should be stated.
3. Employment details: This includes the start date of the employment contract, the duration of the contract (or the length of each voyage or rotation), and the position or rank that the seafarer will hold on board.
4. Compensation and benefits: The agreement should specify the seafarer's wage, any additional allowances, overtime rates, leave entitlements, repatriation provisions, and other benefits.
5. Duties and responsibilities: The agreement outlines the specific tasks and responsibilities the seafarer is expected to carry out during the period of their employment.
6. Working hours and rest periods: The agreement should define the working hours, rest hours, and leave periods in accordance with relevant international maritime regulations (e.g., the Maritime Labour Convention).
7. Termination and notice period: The conditions under which the agreement may be terminated, by either party and the required notice period should be clearly stated.
8. Health and safety: Provisions for the seafarer's health and safety on board the vessel should be included, along with any requirements for medical examinations before and during employment.
9. Training and qualifications: The required certifications, qualifications, and training that the seafarer must possess and maintain should be detailed in the agreement.
10. Grievance procedure: The agreement may outline the process for resolving disputes or grievances that may arise during the employment period.
11. Applicable law and jurisdiction: The legal jurisdiction that will govern the agreement and any disputes arising from it should be stated.

It's important to note that Ocean Dreams Yachting ensures that a Seafarer Employment Agreements complies with international regulations, such as the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and national laws related to employment and

maritime affairs. The MLC, sets minimum standards for working conditions, accommodation, medical care, and social security for seafarers on a global scale.

MLC 2006 stands for the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. It is an international labor standard adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) on February 23, 2006. The convention was developed to ensure that seafarers worldwide enjoy decent working and living conditions, regardless of their nationality or the flag of the vessel they are working on. It aims to provide comprehensive rights and protection for seafarers and promote fair competition among shipowners.

Key provisions of the MLC 2006 include:

1. Minimum Requirements: The convention sets out minimum requirements for seafarers on various aspects such as working conditions, accommodation, medical care, food and catering, and other conditions of employment.

2. Employment Contracts: MLC 2006 requires that seafarers have written, clear, and enforceable contracts that outline their terms of employment, wages, and conditions of work.

3. Working Hours: The convention addresses maximum working hours and rest periods for seafarers to prevent exhaustion and ensure adequate rest.

4. Health and Safety: MLC 2006 emphasizes the importance of seafarers' health and safety by setting standards for medical care, health protection, and occupational safety on board ships.

5. Repatriation: The convention requires shipowners to cover the cost of repatriation for seafarers upon the completion of their contracts or in cases of injury, illness, or other emergencies.

6. Social Security: MLC 2006 ensures that seafarers have access to social security protection, including benefits such as sickness, maternity, and employment injury benefits.

7. Accommodation: The convention sets standards for the quality of accommodation provided to seafarers, including sleeping and recreational areas.

8. Complaints and Disputes: It establishes procedures for seafarers to make complaints about their working conditions and provides mechanisms for resolving disputes.

9. Enforcement and Compliance: MLC 2006 requires member states to implement and enforce its provisions through inspections and other appropriate measures.

The MLC 2006 entered into force on August 20, 2013, one year after it was ratified by 30 ILO member states, representing over 33% of the world's gross tonnage of ships. It applies to all commercial vessels engaged in international voyages, including cargo ships and passenger ships.

By providing a comprehensive international framework for seafarers' rights and working conditions, MLC 2006 aims to improve the well-being of seafarers and contribute to the overall safety and efficiency of the maritime industry.

The ISM Code, short for the International Safety Management Code, is an internationally recognized set of guidelines and regulations aimed at ensuring the safe operation of ships and the prevention of marine pollution. It was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1993 and came into force on July 1, 1998.

The primary goal of the ISM Code is to promote a safety culture within shipping companies and to create a framework for the implementation of effective safety management systems (SMS) on board ships and ashore. The code is applicable to all commercial ships engaged in international voyages, including passenger ships, cargo ships, tankers, and other types of vessels.

Key Elements of the ISM Code:

1. Safety Management System (SMS): The ISM Code requires shipping companies to establish and maintain a documented Safety Management System. This SMS should provide clear instructions and procedures for safe ship operation, maintenance, and emergency response.

2. Safety Policy: The company must define its safety and environmental protection policy, which sets out the overall commitment of the company to safety at sea and the prevention of pollution.

3. Designated Person Ashore (DPA): Each shipping company must appoint a designated person ashore who acts as a focal point for ensuring effective implementation of the SMS.

4. Responsibilities of Personnel: The ISM Code emphasizes the importance of defining and assigning responsibilities and authority to individuals at all levels of the company and on board the ship. This ensures clear lines of communication and accountability.

5. Procedures and Instructions: The SMS should include detailed procedures and instructions for key shipboard operations, emergency situations, and drills.

6. Training and Familiarization: The code highlights the need for proper training and familiarization of all personnel on board to carry out their duties safely and effectively.

7. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement: Companies must establish processes for monitoring, measuring, and evaluating the effectiveness of the SMS. The goal is to continually improve safety performance.

8. Non-Conformities and Corrective Actions: The ISM Code requires that any non-conformities, accidents, or near-miss incidents are reported and investigated. Corrective actions should be taken to prevent recurrence.

9. Document Control: Proper document control procedures are essential to ensure the availability and validity of necessary documents related to safety management.

10. Certification and Verification: Companies must be certified by a recognized organization that their SMS complies with the ISM Code. Additionally, regular audits and verifications are conducted to ensure ongoing compliance.

Indeed, the ISM Code has significantly contributed to enhancing the safety of international shipping and reducing marine accidents. By promoting a safety-oriented culture and systematic management practices, it has helped prevent incidents and protect the marine environment.

The ISPS Code, or the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, is an international framework developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to enhance the security of ships and port facilities. It was adopted on December 12, 2002, in response to the growing concern about the threat of maritime terrorism and piracy.

The main objectives of the ISPS Code are to:

1. Prevent security incidents: The primary goal of the ISPS Code is to prevent security incidents, such as acts of terrorism, piracy, and other unlawful activities, from occurring on ships and within port facilities.

2. Detect and respond to security threats: The code aims to improve the ability of ships and port facilities to detect and assess security threats promptly, as well as respond effectively to such threats if they occur.

3. Establish roles and responsibilities: The ISPS Code outlines the responsibilities and duties of various stakeholders, including shipowners, port authorities, and governments, in ensuring maritime security.

4. Facilitate international cooperation: The code promotes international cooperation and information sharing among countries and relevant authorities to strengthen maritime security globally.

The ISPS Code divides ships and port facilities into three security levels, based on the perceived threat level and the security measures required:

1. Security Level 1: This level applies during normal maritime security conditions. The standard security measures are implemented at all times.

2. Security Level 2: This level applies when there is a heightened risk of a security incident. Additional security measures, over and above those implemented at Security Level 1, are put in place.

3. Security Level 3: This level applies when there is a specific threat or an imminent security incident. Maximum security measures are implemented to respond to the heightened risk.

Key components of the ISPS Code include:

1. Ship Security Plan (SSP): Each ship subject to the code must have a written SSP in place, outlining the security measures and procedures that the ship will follow to comply with the code's requirements.

2. Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP): Port facilities falling under the code's scope are required to develop and implement a PFSP, which details security measures and procedures for the facility.

3. Designated Security Officer (DSO): Ships and port facilities must appoint a Designated Security Officer responsible for overseeing security-related matters and ensuring compliance with the code.

4. Security Drills and Exercises: Regular security drills and exercises are conducted to train crew members and port facility personnel in responding to security threats and incidents effectively.

5. Continuous Review and Improvement: The ISPS Code emphasizes the importance of conducting periodic security assessments and audits to identify weaknesses and improve security measures continually.

The ISPS Code is mandatory for all ships engaged in international voyages and for port facilities serving such ships. It has significantly contributed to improving maritime security and ensuring safer trade and travel across the world's oceans.