In SwedishSAN NEWS 3 2009
Seamen at risk helped by ITF
Unpaid salaries, crews abandoned and worn ships. In merchant navies around the world there are many examples of seamen working under abysmal conditions, but Annica Barning, ITF inspector, explains that the absolute worst ships seldom come to Sweden.
Flags of convenience
The International Transport Workers Federation, ITF, lists 32 nations that have so-called flags of convenience. The basic criterion for a flag of convenience is when a ship sails under the flag of another country than that of the owner.
Obesity and smoking more common at sea
Seafarers’ diets are equally healthy as those working ashore. On the other hand, they smoke more, are more often overweight and get less exercise. These facts were illustrated by a report published in the spring on diets and exercise habits among people working at sea.
Super Convention close to reality
The tonnage quota is already filled and after another 25 countries have ratified it, the International Labour Organisation’s maritime super Convention will come into force.
– It will have far-reaching effects for seafarers internationally, says Johan Franson, who is leading the Swedish investigation of the convention.
The flag makes all the difference
In this issue, 3 2009, of SAN News we have chosen to turn our gaze outwards and take a closer look at the conditions onboard ships in the world’s merchant navy. Which flags offer good working conditions and which are the worst? It is difficult to give categorical answers to such questions since conditions vary substantially between different ships sailing under the same flag.
Safety, health and environment at conference in Nyborg
The Marine Conference on safety, health and environment held in Nyborg in August was very well organised with interesting topics. Below is a short summary.
An investigation by Henrik L. Hansen at the National Board of Health in Denmark showed that western seamen are not as good as their comrades from eastern European states and Asia [...]
Telephone information line for swine flu
For those who have questions about swine flu, call: 020-20 20 00. The information line is open around the clock. All questions and answers are shown on the website www.krisinformation.se.
ILO opens support service
The International Labour Organisation, ILO, has opened a web-based support service designed to answer questions on global working norms. The service is free and is aimed at employees and employers as well as their organisations. Questions may be sent to assistance [a] ilo.org.
British government to take measures against fatigue at sea
Great Britain’s Minister of Transport has promised the officers’ union, Nautilus UK, that the government will take strong measures to solve the problems associated with fatigue among watch officers in British waters. The minister bases his statement on a report from the commission of enquiry, MAIB.
Shortcut when repacking rafts can cause mortal danger
It has been noted a number of times previously that shortcuts are sometimes made when inflatable life rafts are repacked. It appears to be commonplace that the bushing located between the two halves of the shell through which the release line runs is cut. The reason is that when repacking almost the whole line must be pulled through the bushing, which involves an amount of work.
Warnings from the Swedish Transport Agency
The Maritime Department has put out a number of warnings on the Swedish Transport Agency website under the heading of Safety Alert. Refer to http://www.transportstyrelsen.se/Sjofart/Olyckor–tillbud/Safety-alert/.
Low energy lamps may cause interference
There have been warnings about electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones, since it can interfere with sensitive instruments. It now appears that the new type of low-energy lamps may have a similar interference effect as they also operate at high frequencies.
From Insjö
In the marine reporting system for accidents and near-accidents, Insjö, there are currently 2,366 reports. One particularly interesting event concerns the CO2 system on a ship. It may be noted that the arrangement as described in the report does not fulfil approved standards.
Faulty depth data and other deficiencies in electronic sea charts
Some of Garmin’s sea charts contain errors and have been recalled by the manufacturer. The fault lies mainly in the position of the depth contours. More information from Garmin can be found at www.garmin.se/bluechart2009.
Faulty valves in the CO2 high-pressure system
The Swedish Transport Agency has received a warning regarding valves in the high-pressure CO2 system from the US Coast Guard. The valves may self-release unintentionally and put personnel in the vicinity at great risk. The valves are in use on Swedish vessels.
