21st September 2024 – 27th September 2024
LOCAL NEWS
No news reported.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. Philippines implements Magna Carta for seafarers’ rights
On the 23rd September 2024, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. officially enacted the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, also known as Republic Act 12021, during a ceremony at Malacañang.
The Magna Carta, which enshrines the provisions of the Maritime Labour Convention into Philippines national law, aims to safeguard the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers, primarily working on international ships, guaranteeing their right to fair working conditions, self-organization, collective bargaining, access to affordable education and training, and information. It also ensures that seafarers’ families or next of kin receive necessary information and protects against discrimination. Furthermore, the law emphasizes the government’s dedication to rectify ongoing issues in domestic regulations concerning the training and accreditation of the country’s seafarers, which are critical for maintaining their employment prospects in the European market and globally.
The bill was a critical step in addressing the international concerns raised about the training and certification of seafarers while also providing the workforce with a range of protections.
Some of the highlights of the Magna Carta are:
Terms of employment
Only licensed manning agencies will be allowed to recruit and deploy Filipino seafarers. Seafarers are entitled to a standard employment contract, which includes provisions on working hours, wages, benefits, and processes on injuries and disabilities, among others.
Shipowners or manning agencies must shoulder costs of repatriation as necessary.
Dispute resolution for disabilities
In pursuing claims for injuries and disabilities, the Magna Carta provides for a system involving up to three doctors to determine the final disability grading.
In decisions for monetary awards, the specific amounts of the following must be stated: (a) any salary or wage, (b) any statutory monetary and welfare benefits, (c) any undisputed amount, (d) any disputed amount, and (e) damages.
When a seafarer wins, letters A through C must be immediately awarded. However, if the shipowner or manning agency appeals, D and E will only be issued if the judgment obligee, or the seafarer, posts a bond “to ensure the full restitution of those amounts and the bond shall be maintained by the obligee until final resolution of the appeal or judicial review.”
If the seafarer wins in the final resolution, the losing party must reimburse the amount paid for the bond. If the seafarer loses, there will be no reimbursement.
Related Articles:
Safety4Sea 24/09 - Philippines implements Magna Carta for seafarers’ rights
Rappler 24/09 - What is the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers?
Maritime Executive 23/09 - Philippines Enacts “Magna Carta” for Seafarer Rights and Training
2. TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 1: US Treasury Report for week 21/09/2024 – 27/09/2024
3. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 2:Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, for the period between 28/08/2024 – 25/09/2024
Nothing important to report from Local News, the IMO and the House of Representatives.