Oral Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan to Parliamentary Question on Social Security Protection Requirements for Singaporean Seafarers

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport whether the Government can assist Singapore-based vessel-owning companies as well as foreign-based shipping companies employing Singaporeans to comply with social security protection requirements for all crew members serving onboard their ships as required by the Maritime Labour Convention 2006. 

Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan:

1.     Singapore is committed to protecting the well-being of seafarers. In 2011, Singapore was the first country in Asia to ratify the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), which is a comprehensive global labour instrument adopted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to provide for the rights and protection of seafarers working onboard vessels.

2.     Our legislation provides for medical care, employment injury and invalidity benefits for all seafarers, Singaporeans or otherwise, employed on Singapore-flagged vessels. 

3.     In addition, Singaporean seafarers who enter into employment in Singapore, and their employers, are generally required to make CPF contributions for the seafarers' retirement needs, regardless of whether they are working on Singapore or foreign-flagged vessels. Singaporean seafarers who are employed by Singapore-based companies are also entitled to compensation for injuries sustained in the course of their work.

4.     MPA has not come across any cases of Singaporean seafarers who have been denied the requisite social security benefits. 

5.     The Government will continue to work with our tripartite partners to ensure that Singaporean seafarers are accorded the social security protection provided for under the MLC.