SHIPOWNERS 
Q: How can I complete by Crew Welfare Self-Assessment?
A: Follow this link to get started. You'll be able to download the Code of Conduct, Self-Assessment Questionnaire and set up your free account to complete your submission https://crew-welfare.rightship.com/crew-welfare-submission 
 

Q: Why should we adopt the Code of Conduct – Delivering on Seafarers’ Rights and submit a Self-Assessment?

A: Adoption of the Code of Conduct shows that as a shipowner/operator, you understand the extent to which current operations meet crew welfare responsibilities. The Code of Conduct is based on international labour and human rights standards and principles, and the 52 clauses build on and go beyond the ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), focussing on the full spectrum of seafarers’ rights and wellbeing.

The Crew Welfare self-assessment expands on the Code of Conduct and is open to any shipowner regardless of where they may be on their journey to improved policies and practices. 

 

Q: How does this differ from earlier initiatives on seafarer safety, welfare and wellbeing?  

A: A first of its kind, addressing human rights and seafarer wellbeing, the Code of Conduct and Self-Assessment Tool facilitate human and labour rights due diligence for stakeholders across the entire shipping industry, supporting a safe, healthy and secure work environment onboard.

The Code of Conduct was developed by the Sustainable Shipping Initiative in partnership with the Institute for Human Rights and Business and in collaboration with the Rafto Foundation for Human Rights. The Code of Conduct and Self-Assessment Tool are the product of an eight-month consultation process with shipowners, operators, charterers, cargo owners, seafarers’ associations, civil society among others.

 

Q: Do we need to record a “Yes” or check all boxes in positive response in the questionnaire to achieve a pass? 

A: Improving crew welfare is a journey and showing demonstrable progress is key. By completing the self-assessment, you obtain a clear indication on where you’re positioned today based on your results which will be categorised as basic, intermediate or excellent. This will help you to understand what actions you need to take to improve and meet the expectations laid out in the Code of Conduct. Completing the self-assessment year-on-year enables you to measure your progress over time and plan where to focus your budgets and resources

 

Q: Do I need to be an existing RightShip user to self-assess?

A: No. Hosted by RightShip, the Self-Assessment Tool is free for anyone listed as a DOC holder to fill in. DOC holders can download their completed self-assessment to share with clients and other interested stakeholders and will be reminded to re-submit after a year.

Anonymised, aggregated data will be used for progress reporting. However, the individual answers to a company’s self-assessments will not be made public. Should you want to see your badge on the RightShip Platform please contact RightShip for a demo.
 

Q: Can I sign up without having to submit a self-assessment?  

A: Yes, adopting the Code of Conduct and using the Self-Assessment Tool will help you understand the extent to which current operations meet crew welfare responsibilities. If you do not wish to submit data via the Self-Assessment Tool, it is possible to download a PDF of both Code of Conduct and Self-Assessment Questionnaire.

It is suggested that you complete the self-assessment annually, and we recommend developing a crew welfare roadmap to improve, so that you have clear goals to measure against one year later.  

 

Q: What are the obligations once we’ve completed the self-assessment?

A: Once you have submitted your Self-Assessment, we encourage you to work with your teams to explore the areas in which you can improve and use your results as a guide to strengthening crew welfare where gaps are found. Given that we suggest you complete the Self-Assessment annually, we recommend developing a crew welfare roadmap to improve, so that you have clear goals to measure against one year later.  

 

Q What does it require from us in terms of performance? Are there any metrics, standards, mandatory achievements required?  

A: This is not a ratings-based self-assessment, you are not ranked against other operators. It is up to you to establish your level of commitment and build further from where you stand. However, we expect to see increasing industry interest in crew welfare regulation in the coming years and believe those who have made early and positive strides in the protection of their crews will be viewed favourably by the industry. That said, it is also an important ethical business practice.  

 

Q: We’re already committed to crew welfare – why should we complete the self-assessment? 

A: The self-assessment provides you with an indicator of your progress and a tangible document that you can share with your organisation or external stakeholders, raising awareness of crew welfare efforts and increasing transparency. Whether an existing RightShip user or not, you will receive a download of your self-assessment following completion of the questionnaire.

This enables you to clearly display your commitment to crew welfare. Many charterers are actively seeking owners and operators who can show their crew welfare during the due diligence process, so the self-assessment helps to highlight your efforts.   

 

Q How is my data housed? 

A: The full content of the self-assessment submissions will not be visible to external parties. After completing the self-assessment, you will be provided a PDF of your responses via an email from RightShip. Your results will be stored in the Self-Assessment Tool, but the full content of the results nor data will be visible to third parties.

You will be prompted annually via email to update your data or ensure it is still accurate. 

 

Q: Is the disclosed data reviewed, vetted, rated and/or filtered? 

A: The submitted data is not reviewed nor verified and will not affect your RightShip Safety Score, GHG Rating, Vessel Vetting process or your Dry Bulk Inspection outcomes. Anonymised, aggregated data will be used for industry wide progress reporting.

 

Q: How much does it cost?  

A: The Self-Assessment Tool is free to use and helps support the industry improve crew welfare.

 

 

CHARTERERS/CARGO OWNERS

Q: Why should we adopt the Code of Conduct – Delivering on Seafarers’ Rights

A: As a charterer/cargo owner, by adopting the Code of Conduct, you commit to transparency by establishing targets to shift your charters to shipowners/operators who meet the Code of Conduct, publicly reporting on this progress and working actively with shipowners/operators to support implementation of the Code of Conduct.

Adoption of the Code of Conduct shows that as a charterer/cargo owner you want to strengthen the due diligence process for informing your decision-making and the Self-Assessment Tool can be used to support this.

 

Q: How do we use the Self-Assessment Tool?

A: The full content of the Self-Assessment submissions will not be visible to external parties. Instead, a Self-Assessment completion badge will be available on each vessel and company page in the RightShip Platform. A full verification of the data submitted through the questionnaire will be processed by RightShip at a future stage. This means you may require further verification during the due diligence process. We are reviewing how submissions could be verified as part of our vessel vetting and Dry Bulk Inspections process and welcome discussion from participants willing to collaborate. However, this is an opportunity to implement a consistent guide for long-term, systemic risks to seafarers, uniting all parties in a standardised approach to improve the working lives of all members of the maritime industry.