Seafarers' rights self-assessment questionnaire

Ensuring that seafarers’ rights are respected is a critical element of the shipping industry’s sustainability journey, underpinned by the need to ensure healthy, safe and secure work environments, rewarding careers as well as a diverse and inclusive maritime workforce.

IHRB and the Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI), in collaboration with the Rafto Foundation for Human Rights (and with additional funding from the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs), have developed a landmark Code of Conduct - Delivering on Seafarers’ Rights. Based on international labour and human rights standards and principles, the Code of Conduct goes beyond the ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and focuses on the full spectrum of seafarers’ rights and welfare, from fair terms of employment and crew protection to availability and appropriate management of grievance mechanisms.

Accompanying the Code of Conduct is a self-assessment questionnaire, which provides guidance on how to meet the Code of Conduct as well as how to track progress against three levels: basic, intermediate and excellence. Addressing social responsibility issues is a journey, and the Code of Conduct and self-assessment questionnaire are not intended to be a one-time snapshot or overnight change, but rather showcase demonstrable progress over time to secure lasting and positive change for our seafarers. Naturally, the earlier we all can secure the much-needed improvement and progress the better for all. 

Download the self-assessment questionnaire, or access electronically via RightShip’s Crew Welfare Self-Assessment Tool

Watch the launch webinar, which to took place on 19 October, 2021, to hear maritime stakeholders discuss the Code of Conduct and self-assessment questionnaire. Speakers include:

• Andrew Stephens, Chief Executive, SSI
• Jacqueline Smith, Maritime Coordinator, International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF)
• Christopher Saunders, Chief Product Officer, RightShip
• Samantha Bramley, Director Environmental and Social Risk Management, Standard Chartered Bank
• Simon Bennett, General Manager – Sustainable Development, Swire Shipping
• Seb Landerretche, Head of Freight, Louis Dreyfus Company
• Carl Schou, CEO & President, Wilhelmsen Ship Management

Image credit: Oldendorff Carriers | Rob Pogson