ITF launches new website to prevent seafarers being scammed during recruitment
3 August 2021
The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has launched a new website, ITFShipBeSure, as part of its ongoing project to ensure seafarers are not scammed by fake manning agents.
The website, which is part of the ITF Manning Agent project, aims to be a unique reference point of information and guidance for seafarers during the recruitment process. This includes information on their rights, and how to identify recruitment scams and rogue or fake agents. The site also aims to enable seafarers to look up details on the latest manning scams and browse a list of registered manning agents from India, Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines.
The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) provides clear guidance for each Member State that has ratified the MLC on their responsibilities to monitor and manage public and private recruitment and placement services in their countries.
The ITF receives information regarding the illegal practices of some manning agents, and will be implementing a rating system for all manning agents that are registered with the relevant Member State on the list into Green and Red categories.
Agents that fall under the Green list are those where the ITF has no information or evidence that they are not compliant with the MLC or engaged in any other activity that violates seafarers' rights. An agent is red listed when the ITF has confirmed evidence of non-compliance.
The ITF will post press and social media releases after they confirm valid allegations against an agent and have moved them to the Red list, to warn seafarers.
Tags
More articles
ITF calls on Mauritian government to release Wakashio crew on anniversary of grounding
The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has called for the immediate release and repatriation of the MV Wakashio crew who have been held by Mauritian authorities for over a year.
ITF demands answers from Ireland over migrant fisher case
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is insisting that Irish authorities explain the 'catastrophic' mishandling of civil and criminal proceedings in a high-profile migrant exploitation case involving four Ghanaian fishers.
ITF recovers wages and repatriates Filipino crew in Port of Tyne
The ITF has helped to recover pay owed to Filipino crew aboard the Liberian-registered bulk carrier Dory, and has repatriated four crew members.