Minimum standards for Welfare Boards

Introduction

The International Port Welfare Partnership (IPWP) programme, launched in 2017, was an ISWAN project that aimed to encourage and support the establishment of welfare boards worldwide in accordance with the International Labour Organization Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. Welfare Boards provided the forum for maritime organisations to regularly meet and support seafarers' port welfare services and facilities in order to improve seafarers' lives. 

The programme was managed by MNWB, with a maritime sector-wide Executive Committee (chaired by ISWAN) that consisted of representatives from UK Government, shipowners, unions, port owners/authorities and voluntary organisations/NGOs. The programme was funded by the ITF Seafarers' Trust, Seafarers UK, The TK Foundation and MNWB.

To be formally recognised and properly effective, welfare boards needed to meet a minimum operational criterion. ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC 2006) Regulation 4.4 and the accompanying standard A4.4 of the MLC, 2006 places an obligation upon ratifying countries to promote the development of welfare facilities in designated ports to provide seafarers that are in its ports with access to adequate welfare facilities and services. Committees operating in ratifying countries are obliged to adhere to the legislation implementing this regulation in their country.

In addition to the above, the MLC,2006 includes a number of guidelines on the matter. These guidelines are not mandatory and are for the consideration of governments who may wish to include some or all of the contents in their legislation. Notwithstanding, the contents of Guidelines B4.4.1 to 4.4.5 inclusive are considered best practice. Therefore, it is suggested that governments, from non-ratifying countries and those considering setting up either NSWBs or PWCs, takes account of the guidelines and, if considered appropriate, base their boards and committees on these. Follow links for further information on associated Regulation, Standard and Guidelines

Welfare Boards – Minimum Standards

The minimum standards for welfare boards at national and local levels are set as follows:

National (or State) Seafarers Welfare Boards Should:

• Have in place a proper constitution in accordance with the laws and rules of that state.
• Include among its members, where possible, representatives from shipowners, seafarers’ organisations (normally the maritime trade unions), competent authorities (government department responsible for maritime affairs) and, where appropriate, voluntary organisations (often “not for profit” organisations) and social bodies.
• Ensure that all members are representative of properly constituted organisations.
• Appoint a chairperson and vice chairperson or title equivalent.
• Appoint a manager/administrator.
• Meet at least once per year – ideally more frequently.
• Record minutes of all meetings.
• Encourage provision of proper welfare services and facilities.
• Monitor adequacy of national welfare provision.
• Have in place a proper internal communication structure utilising the manager/administrator.
• Co-ordinate the PWCs. This can include attendance from a member of the NSWB if resources permit and/or via modern communications.
• Be the national conduit for information to all those involved in seafarers’ welfare.
• Endeavour to ensure that facilities and services to seafarers within the state are appropriate to need.

Port(s) Welfare Committees (regional or single port) Should:

• Have in place “terms of reference”
• Include among their members, where possible, representatives of shipowners’ (often shipping agents) and seafarers’ organisations (normally trade unions), competent authorities (port state control), port authorities, port health representatives, voluntary organisations and social bodies.
• Ensure that members are representative of properly constituted organisations.
• Appoint a chairperson and vice chairperson or title equivalent.
• Appoint an administrator/secretary.
• Meet at least twice per year – ideally more frequently.
• Record minutes of all meetings.
• Have in place a proper internal communication structure, between members, utilising the administrator/secretary.
• Endeavour to ensure that local facilities and services to seafarers are appropriate to need and monitor these on an ongoing basis.
• Recognise and recommend changes when appropriate.
• Review any proposals for change.
• Where necessary, encourage the raising of funds to support shore based welfare facilities, in accordance with national conditions and practice, and MLC, 2006 guidelines. Ensure any such funds are used only for the purposes for which they are raised.
• Recommend the efficacy of any grants being sought.
• Where appropriate, be a member of a National Welfare Board

Finance

In an ideal situation, NSWBs will have access to sufficient funds to pay meeting costs and probably a part-time administrator – these costs should be minimal. However, if there is enough willingness to establish an NSWB, then the members will cover their own travel costs, provide a meeting room and appoint a person, seconded from a member organisation, or volunteer, to act as manager/administrator. Nonetheless, those ports specially selected to be supported by the pilot project will be provided with funds to assist with the organisation of NSWB meetings.

PWCs themselves should not need financial support. By definition the members will all be locally based and almost inevitably one will have access to a meeting venue. The manager/administrator would need to be seconded from a member organisation, or be a volunteer. Nonetheless, those ports specially selected to be supported by the pilot project will be provided with funds to assist with the organisation of PWC meetings.

Fundraising

It is stressed that the primary functions of a welfare board are the coordination, promotion and support of port welfare services to seafarers and not fundraising. Nonetheless, once a welfare board has been established, fundraising can be supported and monitored to ensure shore based welfare services are properly financed in accordance with MLC, 2006 guidelines as follows:

MLC 2006 – Guideline B4.4.4 – Financing of welfare facilities

1. In accordance with national conditions and practice, financial support for port welfare facilities should be made available through one or more of the following:

(a) grants from public funds;
(b) levies or other special dues from shipping sources;
(c) voluntary contributions from shipowners, seafarers, or their organizations; and
(d) voluntary contributions from other sources.

2. Where welfare taxes, levies and special dues are imposed, they should be used only for the purposes for which they are raised.