Ratifying the International Labour Organisations maritime labour convention will protect the reputation of New Zealand’s exports as well as ensuring fair treatment of seafarers according to two government ministers.
Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss says foreign ships are transporting more than 99% of New Zealand’s export goods by volume, so ratification of the convention was important to the Government.
The Maritime Labour Convention is an international treaty adopted by the International Labour Organisation. It sets minimum standards to address the health, safety and welfare of seafarers on commercial vessels.
The Convention will come into force 8 March 2017. It will apply to about 890 foreign commercial cargo and cruise ships visiting New Zealand annually, and approximately 30 New Zealand ships.
“New Zealand law is referring to New Zealand registered ships which are already broadly consistent with the convention. Only minor or technical changes are required. They are not expected to have any material impact or cost,” says Foss.
“Ratifying the convention gives New Zealand the power to verify that employers of the crew on foreign ships carrying New Zealand goods are treating them fairly and to internationally accepted standards,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Woodhouse.
“This includes medical care, health and safety protection, accommodation, food and water, repatriation, and employment conditions,” says Woodhouse
“The Government has worked together with New Zealand ship owners and seafarers throughout the ratification process, with support from Business NZ and NZCTU, to ensure current industry practice reflects the convention’s minimum standards,” he says.
