Global union federation the ITF and international ship managers' association InterManager signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that encourages them to work together on areas such as maritime safety, training, and preventing the criminalization of seafarers. The understanding was signed by InterManager Secretary General Guy Morel and ITF Seafarers' Section Secretary Jon Whitlow.
The MOU identifies a significant overlap in the goals and objectives of the two organizations in the field of shipping's human element. It also recognizes the potential benefits of greater cooperation in areas such as: criminalization and the fair treatment of seafarers; the promotion of social communication onboard ships; meeting the aspirations of young seafarers; promotion of a safety culture onboard ships; ensuring that manning agencies meet the requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention; improving the image and reality of the industry; simplification of the documentation required to be carried by ships; crew/officer training, attraction and retention; and improving accommodation standards.