A research report and survey conducted by Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and maritime welfare charity, The Mission to Seafarers (MtS), highlighted the extent of unlawful recruiting fees and charges billed against seafarers in violation of the Maritime Labour Convention.
The report, titled ‘Survey on Fees and Charges for Seafarer Recruitment or Placement,’ sheds light on cases where seafarers are forced to pay illegal fees and charges, confirming the severity of the problem and providing a better understanding of its depth.
The study comprises a survey of over 200 seafarers of various ranks, ages, and nations, and all data gathered were carefully analysed in accordance with academic standards at Liverpool John Moores University.
Almost 65% of respondents said they were aware of illegal requests for recruiting or placement fees, either personally or via a colleague’s experience.
According to the study, 92% of respondents agreed that these practices must stop. This is a significant result since it shows that such fees and charges are not an acceptable part of the recruiting process.
In terms of nationalities and countries where illegal fees were most widespread, Indian individuals accounted for 29% of cases (followed by Filipinos and the Burmese/Myanmarese).
Also, 58% of the participants added that the crewing agent appointed by the shipping company demanded illegal fees and charges.
A further 31% claimed it was from a person with connections to the crewing agent, and 11% said it was from a shipping business employee.
When questioned about the nature of the demand, 56% said it was a “service charge”, 29% said it was “agency fees/registration fees” and 29% said it was a “bribe”.
The amounts ranged from US$50-100 to US$7,500, with the average being US$1,872. In 10% of recorded cases, the impacted seafarers are still in debt.
Furthermore, 29% of respondents had their documents illegally withheld throughout the recruiting process, most often their Continuous Discharge, Certificate/Seamans’s book, passport, or Certificate of Competency.
The research was presented as part of a panel discussion at The Global Forum for Responsible Recruitment, a worldwide meeting of corporations, civil society, trade unions, government, and academics to explore the global agenda on responsible recruiting.
