ITF Agreements and Collective Bargaining: What They Mean on Your Ship

A collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is negotiated between a union and an employer or employer group. It can set wages and working conditions beyond the individual SEA. An ITF-approved agreement is part of an international system of agreements and inspections, but coverage must be checked for the specific vessel and period.

What a CBA may cover

Depending on the agreement, it may address wage scales, overtime, leave, contract duration, repatriation, compensation, welfare contributions and complaint or dispute routes. The CBA and SEA should be read together. If they appear inconsistent, seek union advice instead of guessing which line controls.

Confirm the correct agreement

Ask for the complete current document, not a photograph of one page. Check:

• vessel name and IMO number;
• effective dates;
• employer and signatory union;
• ranks or crew covered;
• wage scale and amendments;
• contact details for representation.

An ITF logo on a noticeboard does not by itself establish current coverage.

Know who represents you

Identify the signatory union and onboard representative, if any. Keep contact details off the ship. NUSPM can help Malaysian seafarers understand where to direct a question, while ITF resources explain the wider agreement framework.

Keep the paper trail

Save the SEA, CBA, wage scale, amendments, pay statements and correspondence. Record the version and date you received. When asking a question, identify the exact clause and explain what occurred factually.

Read ITF Agreements for the agreement system and ITF Wages for wage guidance.

Agreement checklist

• Vessel and IMO number match.
• Agreement is within its effective dates.
• My rank or role is covered.
• Wage scale matches my statement.
• I know the signatory union and contact route.
• I saved the entire agreement and amendments.