The Health and Safety Authority has agreed a draft Code of Practice for Dock Work, which will now be presented to the Government. It is aimed at tackling the gross exploitation of seafarers on some ships visiting Irish ports, as well as protecting jobs on shore.

The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) Inspector for Britain and Ireland, Ken Fleming, said that he hoped the changes will be signed into law quickly. "Not only are the lives of seafarers being jeopardised by being forced to work excessive hours at sea but the lives of dockers in Irish ports are also being put at risk when they have to work alongside these exhausted crews."

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According to the ITF, some ship owners visiting Irish ports are forcing crews to work anything from 90 to 161 hours per week. When they arrive these crews are often required to unload cargoes, even if they have not been trained to do so and are unfamiliar with the equipment.

The new draft Code of Practice sets out, for the first time, the distinction between a port worker and a seafarer. It also states that 'persons exhibiting signs of fatigue' should not be involved in cargo handling and measures should be put in place to ensure rest periods are appropriate. It adds that employers must take account of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, when cargoes are being loaded or unloaded from vessels.

Ken Fleming estimates that the owners of up to 35% of cargo ships entering Irish ports are making their crews participate in unloading.

"Seafarers involved in this practice can be earning as little as $3 an hour, so it is very tempting for shipping agents and cargo brokerages to disregard health and safety concerns to save money on wages for shore based workers." He cited the findings of an EU-funded Horizon project published in January to support his claims.

(CD)