Marine crewing leader one of the first to achieve accreditation, continuing tradition for best-practice employment.
C-MAR Group has become one of the earliest signatories of the Maritime Labor Convention. Having come into force in August 2013, this is the first time that the industry has committed to ensuring internationally standardized, seafarer rights. The accreditation means that C-MAR mariners are fully protected by a new, consolidated convention which ensures that fair and good management principles are applied on board.
Although C-MAR has long complied voluntarily with industry best-practice safety, and employment standards, it has welcomed the opportunity to commit to what is referred to as the ‘fourth pillar’ of the international regulatory regime for quality shipping, complementing the existing conventions of the International Maritime Organization, IMO, namely SOLAS, STCW and MARPOL[1].
As a global provider of manpower services, MLC accreditation is vital for C-MAR’s ongoing expansion. In addition to its existing operations in Europe, the USA and Canada, the business is also developing its recruitment and placement services in new markets in Asia and Brazil. The international standardization that will come into effect with accreditation will be essential in driving this growth by providing clients with a consistent global service.
C-MAR Group Chief Operating Officer, Peter Aylott commented “It is important for C-MAR to lead by example and proactively ensure the protection of those mariners under our care. As a globally applicable and enforceable initiative, the significance of this accreditation cannot be underestimated in terms of what it represents for mariners’ human rights.
“In my view, accreditation is essential for modern and forward thinking managers of marine companies - business cannot continue to be done without it. It means that ship owners and managers will now need to adhere to clear regulations if they are going to pass rigorous MLC inspections from member flag state and port state inspectorates, since the use of a licensed, certified or regulated private recruitment and placement agency is one of the 14 points subject to scrutiny.
“There will certainly be a period of adjustment as non-compliant ship owners feel the effects of Article V’s ‘no more favourable treatment’ clause, meaning they are no longer protected by registering with a non-ratifying state. And there will be challenges such as understanding the differences in the way each Member State implements and enforces its jurisdiction over ships that fly its flag.
“One major concern is the relatively broad definition of ‘seafarer’ under Article II of the Convention. It means that owners may be held responsible for supernumeraries as well as crew even if not directly employing them, which may well become an unbearable burden for many.”
Mr. Aylott concluded “In an industry with a growing shortage of manpower and a looming skills gap, especially in the North Sea, is essential that we protect those already with contracts and attract the brightest talent for the future. C-MAR is proud to be part of an industry that is really starting to work together collaboratively and introduce tough measures for the good of all involved.”
In its role as a provider of Marine Crewing Personnel and other Ship Management services, C-MAR has already gained Marine Manning Office/Private Recruitment and Placement Services Conformance Certification through the Services of DNV in the UK and the USA (DNV Standard 3.404). Additionally it holds Recruitment and Placement Services Licenses in Canada through Transport Canada and in India via the Indian Registry of Shipping and its Seamen’s Mumbai Employment Office Directorate.
