As in all other areas of ASA's operation, the focus of ASA's labour and human resource activities is to:

• Promote the interests of Australian ship owners and operators
• Do everything practicable to increase the competitiveness and quality of operations
• Act as a focal point of contact.

Regulatory clarification is clearly necessary.

At the same time, one of the most prevalent concerns in the industry - both in Australia and internationally - is the looming shortage of maritime skills. The diminishing number of young persons wanting to be trained as seafarers in the Australian-controlled fleet is contributing to an ageing skills base. Seafarers gain unique experience and skills whilst at sea. That experience, in turn, is critical for effective pilots, surveyors, cargo planners, harbour masters, ship managers, maritime regulators, and so on. Maritime training institutions require a continuing core of seafarer trainees to remain viable. Whilst not yet critical, the 'point of no return' may be fast approaching. And the answer is not as simple as 'train more' - young Australians need encouraging career paths, and the opportunities and operating environment must first exist to encourage those opportunities.

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ASA activities

The labour activities of ASA are broad, and encompass a wide range of services, including:

• Influencing HR policy in the industry and its regulation
• Enabling access for ASA members to international regulators (IMO, ILO) and labour organisations (ISF, IMEC)
• Disseminating up to date information to operators involved in bargaining negotiations or disputation
• Facilitating members' dealings with the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) and other regulatory bodies
• Providing a point of liaison between operators and maritime training institutions
• Fulfilling a collective focal role in broad industry negotiations

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Key issues and representation

Key labour issues include:

• Maritime security
• Seafarers' rehabilitation and compensation arrangements
• Income taxation of Australian seafarers engaged in international trades
• Addressing the maritime skills drain
• Introduction of mixed crewing in certain trades
• Reducing the incidence of injury and continuously improving workplace OH&S
• Facilitation of Australian maritime training
• Clarification of national drug & alcohol regulations
• Implementation of the IMO International Ship & Port Facility (ISPS) Code
• Oversight of welfare and counselling services for seafarers

To view ASA Human Resources Committee memos click here (members only)

ASA is actively involved in the following committees:

• IMO Maritime Safety Committee and Sub-Committees
• International Chamber of Shipping Marine Committee and Sub-Committees
• International Shipping Federation Labour Affairs Committee
• ILO Joint Maritime Commission
• ILO High-Level Tripartite Working Group on Maritime Labour Standards
• Australian Maritime Group (AMG) Ad Hoc Working Group on Maritime Security
• National Maritime Security Working Group (MSWG)
• Transport Security Division Shipping Consultative Committee
• AMSA Advisory Committee
• Australian Maritime Industry Compensation Agency (AMICA)
• Maritime Employers Database (MED)
• Australian Maritime Defence Council
• Defence Industry Study Course
• MOST
• MODIF
• Seafarers Assistance Service
• National Maritime Industry Training Council (NMITC)
• National Seafarers' Welfare Advisory Council (NSWAC)
• Seafarers' Safety, Rehabilitation & Compensation Authority (Seacare)
• Seacare OH&S Standards Taskforce
• Seacare Safety Performance Indicators Shipping Industry Consultative Committee (SPISIC)

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ASA human resources services

Australian Maritime Industry Compensation Agency (AMICA)

ASA effectively administers AMICA. Under the Seafarers' Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992 (Seafarers' Act) there is provision for management of a 'safety net' compensation fund, to provide a means of compensation for injured seafarers where their previous employer has ceased to exist, become insolvent, or ceased trading in Australia. AMICA administers this fund and any claims on the safety net fund.

In April 2002, as a consequence of the significant tightening of insurance internationally, AMICA failed to secure the insurance required under the Seafarers' Act. At that time, the operations of the safety net fund reverted to the Seafarers' Rehabilitation, Safety and Compensation Authority (Seacare Authority). AMICA continues to manage the day to day operations of the safety net fund by way of a management contract with the Seacare Authority. The costs of maintaining the operation of the safety net fun are met by way of a statutory levy. The quarterly reviewable levy, collected by the Commonwealth, is levied on a per berth per quarter basis.

Maritime Employers Database

With the wind up of the seafarer's engagement system in 1998, operators still saw a need to be able to location and employ seafarers on reasonably short notice. As a consequence of this demand, ASA initiated the Maritime Employers Database (MED). MED is a database of contact details for seafarers that are actively seeking employment. Subscribers to the MED receive daily updated lists of these seafarers. Companies may then contact seafarers as necessary to satisfy their own individual manning requirements.

Seafarers Assistance Service

ASA provides secretarial services for the Seafarers' Assistance Service. The SAS is a confidential counselling service set up by the Australian maritime employers and IPS Employee Assistance, one of Australia's largest and most experienced providers of workplace counselling services. The service aims to provide assistance to all seafarers who may have personal problems that may be disrupting their life at work and at home. Under this program all seafarers and their families have access to free, professional and confidential counselling throughout Australia. The SAS commenced operation in 1993.

Through the SAS, Seafarers and their families with problems such as emotional stress, marital or family difficulties, alcohol problems or other personal problems, may seek confidential assistance at an IPS Counselling Centre near their home or through one of the IPS affiliate centres throughout Australia and New Zealand. A Steering Committee, chaired by Capt. J. Briggs of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), and with representation from shipowners, towage operators, offshore industry employers and the maritime unions, monitors the service to ensure it meets the needs of the industry. The Steering Committee also directs and develops promotional activities to publicize the service throughout the industry.

Sexual Harassment Contact Officer Courses

ASA is the major sponsor of the two-day Sexual Harassment Contact Officer Courses run by Fay Marles and Associates. The Courses are designed to equip Contact Officers with the means for assisting employees who may be exposed to sexual harassment and/or victimisation in the workplace. The Courses also provide an important educative function for seafarers.

Course participants are informed of relevant anti discrimination legislation and the Australian Maritime Industry Policy and Procedures concerning Sexual Harassment.