Seafarers Day: Merchant Navy wants CBA as prerequisite for ship license renewal

The Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA) on Wednesday, called on the federal government to make Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for seafafers a prerequisite for Shipping Companies seeking license renewal.

The National President of the group, High Chief Bob Yousuo made the call at the 2025 edition of the World Seafarers Day held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

According to the him, the concept of a “Free Ship” is integral to this year’s theme saying a free ship also implies a vessel that operates without the burden of harassment, intimidation, or exploitation.

The Trade Union Congress affiliate implored shipping companies to comply with the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) or have a Collective Bargaining Agreement that guarantees minimum condition for decent work and decent pay

This year’s theme is My Harassment -Free Ship.

Speaking further, Comrade Yousuo charged the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to ensure protection of Seafarers against harassment both offshore ands onshore.

He also told shipping companies and manning agents to treat Seafarers right onboard ship as well as adhere to the campaign against harassment.

“A crucial aspect of achieving this ideal is the implementation of a robust Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). It is therefore our plea that CBA should be a prerequisite for Shipping Companies seeking license renewal.

“To reinforce this requirement, a Marine Notice should be issued to that effect. This measure would help ensure that Seafarers’ Rights are protected, and their working conditions are fair and safe.”

“This affects Nigerian Seafarers’ performance and mental health. Some Shipping companies in Nigeria do not comply with the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) or have Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in place that guarantee minimum condition for “Decent Work and Decent Pay”. It is on this note we implore all the Shipping Companies to have individual CBA as stipulated in NJIC for the purpose of “Free Ship.”

“Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as the regulatory Agency must ensure Seafarers are protected from harassment/bullying. NIMASA and stakeholders must join hands to fight this abnormality, considering Seafarers’ impact on global trade and their sacrifices.

“Shipping Companies and Manning Agents must treat Seafarers right and adhere to this campaign against harassment.

“We will not accept excuses of culture, hierarchy, or tradition. Seafarers are not commodities; we are workers, humans, and rights-holders. Every crew member, every Officer, and every Manager must take ownership of this theme. It is not enough to be non-harassing — we must be anti-harassment.”

Stressing the dangers in harassment, the union leader said that harassment and bullying onboard could have severe consequences for Seafarers’ physical and emotional health, leading to stress, anxiety, depression and isolation which are risky to the safety of the vessel and the crews.

Furthermore, a truly free ship would also imply compliance with international standards and best practices. In this regard, Nigeria’s inability to issue Class 1 and 2 certificates is a significant concern.

“This limitation not only hampers the development of Nigerian Seafarers, but also perpetuates a form of “national harassment” that undermines the principle of a free ship. We urge the Authority to expedite action on the issuance of Class 1 and 2 in Nigeria to avoid capital flight.”

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