Textbook of Maritime Medicine

Another important stakeholder in maritime health, is the International Transport Worker’s Federation (ITF).

The abbreviation might be somewhat confusing, but has an obvious explanation, being the abbreviation of the German name of the organization: Die Internationale Transportarbeiter-Föderation (ITF).

Since 1896 ITF has been active representing the interests of seafarers worldwide.[1] Over 600.000 seafarers are members of ITF affiliated unions. ITF is working to improve conditions for seafarers of all nationalities, and to ensure adequate regulation of the shipping industry, to protect the interests and rights of the workers, regardless of their nationality or the ship’s flag.

One of the more important issues for ITF has been to oppose the system of Flags of Convenience (FOCs). On this arena ITF has been active over 50 years. 

The ITF Seafarers Section provides international coordination for, and support to, affiliated unions and individual seafarers through involvement with the ILO, IMO, OECD and other international agencies, assists seafarers and maintains a network of over 100 ITF inspectors around the world.  ITF agreements for FOC Ships specify minimum conditions of employment for crews, including wages.  ITF policy is formed through committees where affiliated unions are represented. ITF is strongly supporting with significant grants the work of the International Maritime Association and the publication of International Maritime Health.

[1] http://www.itfglobal.org/seafarers/index.cfm