Purpose
The BW LPG Labor and Human Rights Policy aims to provide seafarers with safe working conditions and secure employment (including financial security) by complying with the relevant Convention.
Our seafarers are employed through our ship managers who undertake to adhere to BW LPG policies.
Policy Statement
BW LPG ensures that all seafarers that are employed on BW LPG vessels minimally comply with the legal requirements described in the following Conventions:
- International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended
- The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended
- The Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) 2006
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974
The SOLAS Convention addresses the requirements of vessels for the promotion of safety of life at sea. All of BW LPG’s vessels are compliant with SOLAS requirements. All vessels undergo periodic audits by the Flag State Administrations or Recognized Organization, following the audit standard to verify compliance with and implementation of the SOLAS Convention.
The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978
The STCW Convention clarifies the standards of competency required, introduce qualification requirements for trainers and assessors, provide effective mechanisms for enforcement of its provisions, allow greater flexibility in the assignment of functions on board ship, and broadening the career opportunities for seafarers.
All BW LPG seafarers comply with STCW 1978 and hold valid certification. Seafarers shall not be permitted to join unless their certification is valid and in compliance with STCW regulations. STCW documentation shall be issued by Maritime Administrations of respective countries and all trainings/licenses shall be obtained through certified institutions.
The Maritime Labor Convention (MLC), 2006
The MLC Convention aims to protect seafarer’s rights and addresses the following labour and human rights topics:
- Minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship
- Conditions of employment
- Accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering
- Health protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection
- Financial Security
- Compliance and enforcement
BW LPG adopts the following MLC principles in the employment of their seafarers
1. Minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship
- No under-age person (below the age of 16) will be employed or engaged to work on the ship
- All seafarers shall be certified medically fit before being allowed to work on the ship
- All seafarers shall be trained or certified as competent before being allowed to work on the ship
- All seafarers shall have access to an efficient, adequate and accountable system for finding employment on board ship without charge
2. Conditions of employment
- All seafarers shall have a clearly written, legally enforceable employment agreement available to them
- All seafarers shall be paid for their work regularly in full and in accordance with their employment agreements
- All seafarers shall be ensured of their hours of work and hours of rest
- All seafarers shall be entitled to paid annual leave at the normal rate of pay
- All seafarers shall have a right to be repatriated at no cost to themselves
- All seafarers shall be entitled to adequate compensation in the case of injury, loss or unemployment arising from the ship’s loss or foundering
- All ships shall ensure to have sufficient personnel for the safe, efficient and secure operation of the ship
- All seafarers shall have skill development and employment opportunities
3. Accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering
- All seafarers shall be provided with decent accommodation and recreational facilities on board
- All seafarers shall have access to good quality food and drinking water under regulated hygienic conditions
4. Health protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection
- All seafarers shall have access to prompt and adequate medical care on board ship and ashore
- All seafarers shall be protected from the financial consequences of sickness, injury or death occurring whilst serving their employment
- All seafarers shall be ensured of occupational health protection
- All seafarers shall have access to shore-based facilities and services to secure their health and well-being
- All seafarers shall have access to social security protection
5. Financial Security
- All seafarers shall have financial security in the event of abandonment by being provided with documentary evidence of financial security
- All seafarers shall have a certificate or other documentary evidence of financial security in the event of death or long-term disability due to an occupational injury, illness or hazard
6. Compliance and enforcement
- Flag State Members shall be responsible for the establishment of an effective system to ensure working and living conditions for seafarers are up to standard
- Port State Control Officers shall be responsible for implementing responsibilities regarding international cooperation in the implementation and enforcement of the Convention standards
- Labor-supplying State shall be implementing responsibilities pertaining to seafarer recruitment, placement and the social protection of its seafarers
