NUSPM

NUSPM

A missed payment can become serious quickly. Act early, remain factual and protect your safety. A good evidence file helps a union representative or adviser understand the amount, dates and responsible parties.

Notice the early signs

Warning signs include changing pay dates, unexplained partial payments, repeated promises without bank confirmation, missing statements, pressure to sign false receipts, or several crewmates experiencing the same delay.

Save the core documents

Collect lawful copies of:

• signed SEA, amendments and applicable CBA;
• wage scale and monthly statements;
• your overtime and leave records;
• bank statements showing what was—or was not—received;
• messages about payment dates;
• recruitment receipts and employer details;
• vessel name, IMO number, flag, owner and operator.

Create a table with each pay period, amount due, amount received and balance. Keep records off the vessel where possible. Do not alter originals.

Raise the issue safely

Ask payroll or the responsible officer for a written explanation and a firm payment date. Use the onboard complaint process if appropriate. Speak carefully with crewmates: shared evidence can show a pattern, but nobody should be pressured or placed at risk.

Contact NUSPM or ITF with a concise summary and your documents. The ITF non-payment guidance, ITF wages guidance, and ITF Your Rights explain available support routes.

If the situation may be abandonment

Non-payment can be one part of abandonment, especially when the owner also fails to provide necessities or arrange repatriation. Do not diagnose the legal status yourself. Tell the union or relevant authority the full facts so qualified people can assess it.

Avoid these mistakes

• Do not surrender original identity documents as leverage.
• Do not sign that wages were received when they were not.
• Do not make threats or publish sensitive records impulsively.
• Do not pay an unknown “recovery agent” without verification.
• Do not leave the vessel contrary to safety, immigration or lawful instructions without advice.

Evidence checklist

• SEA and CBA
• Wage statements and personal calculation
• Overtime records
• Bank evidence
• Written payment requests and replies
• Vessel, owner, operator and agency details
• Crew needs involving food, water, medicine or safety

If the owner stops supporting the ship and crew, the first priorities are human needs: safety, food, water, medicine and communication. Abandonment has a formal meaning under maritime labour arrangements, but you do not need to settle the legal label before asking for help.

Act now if essentials are at risk

• Tell the master or responsible officer about urgent shortages.
• Record remaining food, potable water, fuel, medicine and essential services.
• Seek emergency assistance through the appropriate onboard and local channels when life or health is threatened.
• Keep the crew together and communicate calmly; avoid actions that create new safety or immigration risks.

Send one accurate vessel summary

Provide NUSPM, ITF or the relevant authority with:

• vessel name, IMO number, flag and current port or position;
• owner, operator and manager details;
• crew list and nationalities where safe and appropriate;
• dates and amounts of unpaid wages;
• shortages and medical needs;
• last meaningful communication from the owner;
• SEA, CBA and relevant insurance certificate details.

Photograph notices and certificates where permitted. Save original messages and maintain a chronological log.

Check financial-security information

MLC-related financial security may respond to qualifying abandonment and repatriation situations. The relevant certificate should normally identify the provider and contact route. Do not assume coverage or sign a settlement without advice. Ask a union representative or qualified adviser to help interpret the documents.

Communicate with families

Choose a reliable crew contact and provide families with verified, measured updates. Avoid rumours. Explain what assistance has been requested and how families can send essential information without flooding the ship’s limited communications.

Use the ITF abandoned seafarers guide and ITF abandonment list to find practical information. The ILO MLC portal explains the wider framework.

Immediate checklist

• Life, medical and security risks assessed.
• Food, water, fuel and medicine documented.
• Vessel identity and location confirmed.
• Contracts, wage records and insurance details secured.
• NUSPM/ITF/competent authority contacted.
• Families receive one verified update channel.
• No crew member signs unfamiliar documents without advice.