International Presence

ASA has a strong presence in the international arena, where employee relations issues remain a major area of activity.

The global shortage of deck and engine officers is expected to continue to grow for several years to come.  ASA engages with the International Shipping Federation (ISF) to take part in manpower planning studies and training discussions.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is responsible for the Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping Convention (STCW) which sets the standards for seafarer training.  This convention is currently being reviewed and a revised version is scheduled for agreement and adoption in 2010.  ASA is involved with this review via two means – providing advice to the Australian Government for consideration and also in discussions and proposals made by the ISF directly to the IMO.

ASA is the employer representative at maritime sessions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).  This organisation has for many years developed conventions dealing with seafarer’s health, safety and wellbeing.  In 2006 a new consolidated convention was finalised.  This convention, the Maritime Labour Convention, is widely described as the fourth pillar of shipping regulation, after Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS), International Convention of the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and STCW.  This important convention has the ability to provide basic living and working conditions and will assist in providing a safe working environment for all seafarers and a level playing field for all shipowners.

ASA works both at the ILO and with the Australian Government and the unions to progress the ratification by Australia of this convention and its implementation domestically.