Are you a seafarer looking for a job at sea? Do you want to work on a ship that pays you well, treats you fairly, and respects your rights? Do you want to avoid falling into the trap of scammers who may try to cheat you out of your money or your documents?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this blog post is for you. In this post, I will tell you about an organization that can help you find a good job at sea and avoid scams. It is called the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), and it is a global union federation of transport workers’ trade unions. The ITF represents more than 20 million workers from 150 countries, including seafarers.
The ITF has launched a new website called itfshipbesure.org, which provides advice on finding a manning agent, avoiding recruitment scams and ensuring you have the right contract. The website guides you through the recruitment process, from before you board to after you disembark. It also gives you information on your rights and responsibilities as a seafarer, and how to contact the ITF if you need help.
The website is divided into three main sections: Before you board, On board, and After you disembark. Let me tell you more about each section and what they can offer you.
Before you board
This section gives you tips on how to find a reliable manning agent, how to avoid recruitment scams, and how to check your contract before you board a ship. Some of the tips are:
Always ask for a written contract that clearly states your wages, working hours, leave entitlements, repatriation rights, and other benefits.
Always read and understand your contract before signing it. If you have any doubts or questions, ask for clarification or seek legal advice.
Always check the credentials and reputation of your employer and your manning agent. You can use the ITF Look Up tool or the Recruitment Agent Directory to find out more about them.
Always check the flag and the owner of the vessel you are going to work on. You can use the ITF Look Up tool or the Sea-web database to find out more about them.
Always make sure that your ship is covered by an ITF approved agreement, which guarantees you fair wages and working conditions. You can use the ITF Look Up tool or contact the ITF Seafarers’ Support team by email at seafsupport@itf.org.uk to find out if your ship is covered.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you
have a valid and legal contract that protects your rights and interests as a seafarer. You can also avoid falling victim to scammers who may try to lure you with fake job offers or charge you fees for non-existent services.
One of the features of the ITFShipBeSure website is that it allows you to report any suspicious or fraudulent job offers or agents that you may encounter. You can use the Report Scam button on the website or email report@itfshipbesure.org to alert the ITF about any potential scams. The ITF will investigate your report and take action against the scammers if necessary.
Another feature of the website is that it alerts you about any fake job offers or agents that have been reported by other seafarers. You can use the Fake Job Alerts button on the website or subscribe to receive email notifications about any new alerts. This way, you can stay informed and avoid falling for any scams.
By using these features, you can help yourself and other seafarers to find a good job at sea and avoid scams. You can also help the ITF to expose and stop the scammers who prey on seafarers.
To learn more about how to avoid recruitment scams and fake jobs, visit this page: https://www.itfshipbesure.org/scams-and-fake-jobs
To see the latest fake job alerts and report any scams that you encounter, visit this page: https://www.itfshipbesure.org/scam-alerts
On board
This section gives you information on your rights and responsibilities as a seafarer, such as:
Your right to decent wages, working hours, rest periods, health and safety, food and accommodation, medical care, social security, and freedom of association.
Your responsibility to follow the rules and regulations of the ship, to perform your duties diligently and professionally, to respect your colleagues and superiors, and to report any problems or grievances to the appropriate authorities.
Your right to contact the ITF if you face any issues or violations of your rights on board. The ITF can provide you with assistance, advice, repres
entation, and solidarity. You can contact the ITF by using the ITF Seafarers app, by calling the ITF Seafarers’ Support team at +44 7523 515097, or by emailing them at seafsupport@itf.org.uk.
By knowing your rights and responsibilities as a seafarer, you can ensure that you have a safe and dignified work environment on board. You can also access the support and services of the ITF if you need help or guidance.
After you disembark
This section gives you guidance on how to claim your wages, benefits and entitlements after you finish your contract, and how to plan for your next job. Some of the tips are:
Always keep a record of your wages, overtime, deductions, and expenses. You can use the ITF Seafarers app to keep track of them.
Always check your final pay slip and make sure you receive all your dues. If you have any disputes or claims, contact the ITF as soon as possible.
Always keep your original documents, such as your passport, seaman’s book, certificates, and contract. Do not give them to anyone unless you are sure they are trustworthy and authorized.
Always plan ahead for your next job. Update your CV, renew your certificates, and look for new opportunities. You can use the ITFShipBeSure website or the ITF Seafarers app to find reliable manning agents and job offers.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you receive all your wages, benefits and entitlements after you disembark. You can also prepare yourself for your next job and career advancement.
Conclusion
The ITFShipBeSure website is a valuable tool for seafarers who want to find a good job at sea and avoid scams. It helps you protect yourself from unscrupulous employers or scammers, and ensures that you have fair wages and working conditions. It also connects you with the ITF network of unions, inspectors, and supporters who can assist you in case of any problems or violations of your rights.
So if you are a seafarer looking for a job at sea, don’t hesitate to visit www.itfshipbesure.org and follow their advice. You will be glad you did!