News

The Commonwealth of Dominica Maritime Administration (DMA) has recently updated CD-MSC 10-20 CORONAVIRUS DISEASE UPDATES (Rev.02) to address expiration of mariner certificates.

The update extends:

Certificates of Competency (CoCs);
Certificates of Proficiency (CoPs); and
Medical Certificates.

Until 01 January 2021.

For all inquiries and requests relating to mariner certification please contact [email protected]

The Commonwealth of Dominica Maritime Administration has recently updated its guidelines, information, and Marine Safety Circulars (MSC) relating to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Administration urges all owners, operators, masters and officers of merchant ships, and recognized organizations to review the Administration’s COVID-19 webpage HERE.

For any clarifications on COVID-19 guidelines, please contact the Administration.

Press Release.

London. UK / Fairhaven/MA. USA.  Following the rapidly emerging case of the alleged kidnap of 28 Indian seafarers of the MT Gulf Sky the evening of 5 July 2020 by unknown persons and their forced transfer to Iranian waters, resulting, at the time of writing, in 26 seafarers being repatriated to India and two remaining in Tehran, awaiting documentary clearance, the Dominica Maritime Flag Administration and Human Rights at Sea would like to highlight the following short points.

Both organisations are very pleased that all Indian seafarers are safe and well and that their ordeal is now over, noting that it is understood that two seafarers are awaiting on repatriation from Iran.

The 28-man crew will be the ultimate source of the facts of the incident and debriefing is still ongoing by the relevant agencies. Meantime, time, space and support must be given to the crew to settle back into daily life with their friends and families after their ordeal.

Both organisations reiterate their absolute support for seafarers and their dependents at all times, especially those who ask for assistance and support during times of need. That support will continue alongside all other collaborative partners and stakeholders involved in such incidents.

Finally, liaison with State authorities, welfare organisations and all other pertinent parties is still ongoing.

President and CEO of the Commonwealth of Dominica International Ship Registry, Eric R. Dawicki states:

“Our initial concern was regarding the health and welfare of the crew, however it is abundantly troubling that the crew is claiming that they were either coerced or forced to pick up anchor and get underway knowingly engaging in an act of piracy.  Piracy, in any form cannot be tolerated and we believe that the crew will deliver the key from which this mystery is unlocked.”

ENDS.

Press Release.

‘Arbitration as a Means of Effective Remedy for Human Rights Abuses at Sea’

London. UK. The Commonwealth of Dominica Maritime flag Administration will be joining the 9 July 2020 webinar hosted by Human Rights at Sea and the international law firm, Shearman & Sterling LLP for the first public discussion and review of the joint project to address the concept of ‘Arbitration as a Means of Effective Remedy for Human Rights Abuses at Sea‘ following the issuing of the White Paper on 24 March 2020 focusing on a victim-led approach to the issue.

President and CEO, Captain Eric R. Dawicki, will attend online for the Panel discussing ‘Exploring how arbitration could be used to address human rights issues’ as the first flag State to become involved in the project work seeking to develop a new pathway to effective remedies for victims.

Captain Dawicki commented: ““During these opaque times, the rule of law must move forward, now more than ever, to ensure mariner and seafarer rights are being upheld and thoroughly disseminated. Arbitration can be the very bridge between parties that ensure human rights at sea becomes the very baseline from which these rights are realized and more importantly become the norm from which all maritime workers can go to work, feel safe and feel as though they are part of the all important team facilitating maritime commerce. I, for one, will do what I can to make arbitration part of the norm for resolution of mariner and seafarer rights being ensured.”

Yas Banifatemi, partner and Co-Head of the International Arbitration practice, said: “The performance of ship registries can vary significantly when it comes to human rights issues. The Commonwealth of Dominica Maritime Administration stands in a unique position in that it is taking active steps to distinguish itself as a registry that promotes the rule of law, including with respect to human rights at sea. By pledging its support to the development of an arbitration-based system of redress for human rights abuses in the maritime environment, the Administration is paving the way for other registries. Our hope is that more and more flag States will come to realize that arbitration can be a powerful tool to help ensure that vessels flying their flag adhere to key international standards, and that human rights for all seafarers are respected.

CEO, Human Rights at Sea, David Hammond commented: “We are delighted to have the keen interest of a highly-reputable flag Administration attending this event and assisting the stakeholders with the project development. This follows on from the announcement of our partnership in June to aim to deliver justice for the stranded seafarers of the MV GULF SKY reflecting our charitable objectives to support seafarers.”

ENDS.

Press Release.

London. UK.  Human Rights at Sea is pleased to announce that it has partnered with the Commonwealth of Dominica Maritime Administration to work towards resolving the ongoing case of the MV Gulf Sky, registered under the Dominica Registry, anchored off Port Khor Fakkan Anch, UAE with 22 Indian seafarers on board.

The Case of the MV Gulf Sky was highlighted first by Human Rights at Sea in May when the charity produced a Case Study reporting on the situation on board on the MV Gulf Sky (IMO 150377) flying the flag of the Commonwealth of Dominica .

The Master, who on behalf of the crew, appealed to Human Rights at Sea in May 2020 raised serious concerns about the welfare of the seafarers and the financial hardships that they are subject to given the three months delay in their wages, as well as their living conditions onboard including periodic re-supply of essential victuals.The crew has been onboard the vessel since October 2019 with some joining in subsequent months.

The Dominica Maritime Administration initiated the necessary proceedings and referred the case to mediation but the managers have failed to resolve the case, pay the salaries of the seafarers and sign them off.

The Dominica Maritime Administration which is committed to the welfare of seafarers and which has the seafarers as its core value has committed to take further action. The flag State and Human Rights at Sea will work as a collective to apply pressure to resolve the case and stand by the seafarers during these difficult times.

Comments

Elizabeth Mavropoulou, Trustee and Programme Manager of Human Rights at Sea commented:

“This is the first partnership of Human Rights at Sea with a flag State Registry to help seafarers get their wages and repatriate. The  Commonwealth of Dominica Maritime Administration has actively sought the engagement of Human Rights at Sea to resolve the case. This is an exemplary example of proactivity and commitment to the human rights of the seafarers coming from flag State Registry. We are determined to help resolve the case and we hope that this is only the first of the projects with the Dominica Maritime Administration.”

Eric Dawicki, President and CEO of the Commonwealth of Dominica Maritime Registry commented:

“The Dominica Maritime Administration Office of Maritime Affairs and Marine Personnel will, shall, and always put seafarer rights first and foremost as the number one tenet of facilitating commerce.  We will remain steadfast and shall use every legislative and regulatory tool to ensure that the mariners and seafarers of the MV Gulf Sky are repatriated and are made whole.  This is another example of “flag hopping”, a way to evade punitive action and responsible adherence to appropriate international instruments.  We will not walk away from our responsibilities and we will not push our responsibilities to another Administration as in this case. This Administration’s Office of Maritime Affairs and Marine Personnel is proud and pleased to be working with Human Rights at Sea to bring urgent attention to our global partners and allies to help us resolve this case and any other case that puts the lives and welfare of mariners and seafarers at risk.”

 ENDS.