M2266 - Rationed food

Initial Report

A vessel was provisioned with a month’s supplies for a two-month passage and planned anchorage, and the crew was instructed to ration its provisions. Since they had not been paid for three months, they could not purchase additional provisions, so they approached CHIRP for assistance.

CHIRP Comment

The shore management company claimed they did not have enough money to provide sufficient provisions. CHIRP contacted the vessel’s Flag State, which immediately intervened, directing the company to supply adequate victuals and water and to pay the outstanding wages.

The Maritime Labour Convention regulation 3.2 requires vessels to ensure that sufficient food and drinking water of appropriate quality is on board. It also states that pay arrears of more than two months can be considered crew abandonment.

Capability — The shore management company lacked the financial ability to operate safely and thus put the crew at risk.

Culture — The company does not respect the workforce employed to operate its ships. Crew welfare is inextricably linked to safety, and the safety of the vessel’s crew was compromised. Have you experienced anything similar?

Local practices – Keep local practices from becoming established norms. Report them!