ITF Agreements & Crewing Agents Guide
A comprehensive guide for seafarers on workplace protection and recruitment rights.
What are ITF Agreements?
ITF Agreements are collective bargaining agreements for seafarers on ships flying a "Flag of Convenience" (FOC). These agreements are exclusively approved by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF).
They are signed between a maritime union affiliated with the ITF and a shipping company. Typically, the union is based in the same country as the beneficial owner of the ship. This collaboration ensures fair and decent working conditions, pay, and rights for the crew, often involving unions from the crew's home countries to respect national laws and customs.
If a seafarer covered by an ITF Agreement has no affiliated union in their home country, the ITF itself provides representation.
The Core Components of an ITF Agreement
Special Agreement
This is the legally binding document that ties the employer to a specific ITF-approved Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). It outlines the ship details, validity dates, shipowner obligations, and the right of ITF representatives to inspect the vessel for compliance.
Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
The CBA details the comprehensive terms and conditions for the crew. It specifies entitlements like pay scales, working hours, leave, and other benefits, setting the standard for onboard employment.
Individual Employment Contracts
These contracts link individual seafarers to the ITF Agreement and the relevant CBA. Each contract lists the specific terms for the crew member's role (e.g., pay, overtime) and is distributed in four copies: for the seafarer, the ship, the ITF, and the company.
Ship Owner's Undertakings
- Apply the employment conditions laid out in the CBA.
- Incorporate these conditions into individual contracts and ship's articles.
- Secure appropriate insurance to cover all liabilities in the agreement.
- Accurately record all working hours of the crew.
- Provide the ITF with a current and complete crew list upon request.
- Pay union membership fees to the designated union or ITF department.
- Make contributions to the ITF Welfare Fund.
Main Categories of Agreements
Standard
The ITF Standard Agreement is typically signed after industrial action or when a company has violated a previous agreement. It is generally the most costly and stringent agreement for the ship owner.
Total Crew Cost (TCC)
This is the most common type of ITF Agreement. Most affiliated unions use the ITF Uniform TCC Agreement. While variations exist to comply with national laws, all are based on the uniform TCC and meet ITF minimum standards.
International Bargaining Forum (IBF)
IBF Agreements are exclusively for ship owners who are members of an employers' association within the International Bargaining Forum. These agreements are negotiated between the employer and the local union, typically annually, and must meet established minimum criteria.
Understanding Crewing Agents & Your Rights
Your rights during the recruitment process are protected by the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).
No Fees for Jobs
In countries where the MLC has been ratified, crewing agencies must not charge you for finding work. The only permissible costs are for your national medical certificate, seafarer's book, passport, or similar personal documents. The shipowner must cover visa costs.
Your Rights are Protected
All private crewing agencies must be regulated to protect your employment rights. Blacklisting qualified seafarers is forbidden. A process must exist for you to file a complaint if an agency violates these requirements. Contact your union or the ITF for advice.
How to identify a reliable crewing agent
A reliable agency must:
- Keep an up-to-date register of all their seafarer placements.
- Inform you of your rights and duties under an employment agreement with sufficient time for review.
- Provide you with a copy of your employment agreement.
- Check your qualifications for the job.
- Ensure the shipowners they work with are financially secure to prevent you from being stranded.
- Have an effective complaints procedure.
- Have insurance to compensate you for any failures by them or the shipowner.
As a matter of good practice, they should also:
- Employ staff with relevant maritime industry knowledge.
- Respect your right to privacy and confidentiality.
- Respond promptly and sympathetically to requests from your family at no cost.
- Keep up-to-date emergency contact lists.
- Inform you of relevant company policies (e.g., dry ship policies).
- Check that labour conditions on ships comply with all applicable CBAs, laws and regulations.
Other Specialist Agreements
The ITF also approves specialized agreements for specific sectors of the maritime industry, including:
- ITF Offshore Standard Agreement
- ITF Cruise Ship Agreement for Catering Personnel