One of the most frequently wondered topics by seafarers working in the maritime sector is who will pay their entitlements after an ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) application. In practice, many seafarers think that the ITF is an organization that makes direct payments, or they are misinformed in this regard. However, the structure and operation of the ITF differ from this expectation. In this article, we explain in detail whether the ITF truly makes payments, what its functions are, and how the process works, if any.

Does the ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) Make Direct Payments to Seafarers?

IThe ITF is not an organization that makes direct salary or entitlement payments to seafarers. The ITF is not a government institution, an insurance system, or a compensation fund; it is an international trade union federation. Therefore, it does not have the function of paying seafarers’ entitlements from its own budget. The primary role of the ITF is to protect seafarers’ rights and to ensure that these rights are fulfilled by the employer. Consequently, payments made after an ITF application are made directly to the seafarer by the shipowner or employer.

The ITF’s Role: To Make Payments, or To Enforce Payments?

The ITF’s true power is not to make payments, but to enforce them. ITF inspectors board vessels to conduct inspections, check if wages have been paid, and identify outstanding or unpaid claims. Following these findings, the shipowner is contacted directly, and payment is requested. The pressure exerted by the ITF through its international trade union network often leads shipowners to make payments promptly. Especially when the vessel is in port, the ITF’s intervention yields much faster results.

Payment Process for Vessels Covered by ITF

On vessels subject to an ITF agreement, the payment process operates in a more systematic and robust manner. On these vessels, the shipowner is obliged to comply with specific wage standards and payment obligations because they have signed a collective bargaining agreement with the ITF. If wages have not been paid or have been underpaid, the ITF inspector directly assesses the situation as a breach of contract and demands immediate payment from the shipowner. In such cases, it is often observed that outstanding amounts are paid before the vessel departs from port. Thus, payment is not made by the ITF, but by the shipowner as a result of ITF pressure.

Payment Process for Vessels Not Covered by ITF

For ships not covered by the ITF, the ITF does not have a direct contractual sanction. However, this does not mean that the ITF is ineffective. ITF inspectors can also conduct inspections on these ships, meet with the shipowner, and exert indirect pressure through port state authorities. Furthermore, a ship being internationally monitored creates a serious reputational and operational risk for the shipowner. For this reason, payments are often made even on ships not covered by the ITF. However, this process may take a little longer than for ships covered by the ITF.

Does the ITF Have Any Compensation or Guarantee Fund?

The ITF does not generally have a “guarantee fund” that pays all seafarers. However, in some special cases, particularly on ITF-contracted vessels and if certain conditions are met, ITF-related funds or mechanisms may be activated. These situations are quite limited and do not apply to every case. Therefore, it is important for seafarers to also consider legal avenues to secure their receivables, rather than relying solely on the ITF process.

Should the ITF Process and Legal Process Be Carried Out Together?

In practice, the most effective method is to carry out the ITF process and the legal process concurrently. While the ITF offers a pressure mechanism that ensures quick results, the legal process secures the receivable. Especially for high-value receivables, implementing measures such as precautionary attachment, ship arrest lawsuit, and enforcement proceedings largely guarantees the collection of the receivable. Therefore, conducting both processes concurrently is the strongest strategy for the seafarer.

Why Is Expert Lawyer Support Necessary?

Although an ITF application is a powerful tool, it may not always be sufficient on its own. The correct calculation of receivables, the proper submission of the application, and the initiation of legal processes when necessary require a professional approach. At this point, the support of an Istanbul maritime lawyer and a Tuzla maritime lawyer ensures that the process is managed correctly.

2M Hukuk Law Firm, specializing in maritime labor law, manages ITF applications with legal strategy, implements precautionary attachments on vessels when necessary, and initiates legal proceedings to collect their clients’ receivables in the fastest and safest way.

Frequently Asked Questions

ITF does not make payments directly; it makes the employer pay. This is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of the ITF and is often misinterpreted in practice.

Payment periods after an ITF application generally vary depending on whether the vessel is in port; if it is in port, a result can be obtained within a few days, while at sea, the process may be extended.

All receivables can be collected through an ITF application; however, if the employer resists, legal processes may need to be initiated.

The ITF application is free, and no fee is requested from the seafarer.

The ITF process and the litigation process can be conducted concurrently, and this method yields the most effective results.