Health, Safety & Welfare Policy for Seafarers

Tide Table Logistics Ltd

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all seafarers recruited, placed, or supported by Tide Table Logistics Ltd are afforded comprehensive and consistent protection in relation to their health, safety, and general welfare throughout the entirety of their employment lifecycle—from initial recruitment and onboarding to the successful completion of their contractual service. This policy reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to upholding the dignity, rights, and well-being of maritime personnel and aligns with internationally recognized frameworks, including the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, relevant flag-state employment regulations, and the applicable labour laws of host countries.

By implementing this policy, Tide Table Logistics Ltd seeks to establish a robust and accountable framework that actively promotes the health, safety, and welfare of all seafarers under its recruitment and operational support. The company recognizes that the physical and mental well-being of seafarers is fundamental to maintaining effective, compliant, and incident-free maritime operations.

To that end, the company aims to:

• Promote a safe, hygienic, and respectful working and living environment aboard all vessels and offshore facilities. This includes ensuring that all accommodations, recreational spaces, work areas, and emergency systems meet internationally recognized safety and habitability standards.

• Ensure adherence to occupational health and safety protocols by mandating comprehensive medical screenings, vaccination checks, and fitness-for-duty assessments prior to deployment. Ongoing safety training and access to onboard medical support shall be provided to address both routine and emergency health scenarios.

• Uphold transparent and equitable welfare practices, including the provision of accessible healthcare services, repatriation support, mental health resources, and the enforcement of fair treatment regardless of nationality, gender, or rank. The company also commits to protecting seafarers against all forms of harassment, abuse, and discrimination.

• Establish and maintain effective grievance redress mechanisms that enable seafarers to report violations or concerns without fear of retaliation. All complaints shall be treated confidentially and resolved in a timely and fair manner.

• Develop a system of continuous monitoring, review, and improvement of welfare standards through regular audits, feedback mechanisms (e.g., post-deployment interviews), and alignment with evolving maritime labour regulations and industry best practices.

Through these objectives, Tide Table Logistics Ltd aims not only to comply with statutory requirements but also to set a high benchmark for ethical and responsible seafarer management across its global operations.

Through clear communication, consistent enforcement, and proactive oversight, the company seeks to foster a culture of safety and responsibility, minimizing risks and enhancing the overall experience and performance of its seafaring personnel.

2. Scope

This policy applies comprehensively to all seafarers, marine crew members, and offshore personnel who are recruited, placed, deployed, or administratively managed under employment contracts or agency agreements facilitated by Tide Table Logistics Ltd, whether directly or through its authorized recruitment partners.

The scope includes, but is not limited to, the following categories of personnel:

• Deck and engine room crew, including ratings and officers responsible for navigation, propulsion, maintenance, and safety operations onboard vessels.

• Marine engineers and licensed officers, who are tasked with overseeing critical mechanical, electrical, and technical systems at sea or on offshore installations.

• Offshore rig workers and Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) crew, operating in high-risk, remote environments and subject to specialized welfare and health protocols.

• Hotel, catering, and support staff assigned to vessels or offshore platforms, responsible for providing hospitality, cleaning, and crew welfare services onboard.

• Any contracted seafarer, temporary or permanent, under the agency, management, or employment services of Tide Table Logistics Ltd or its approved third-party agents.

This policy is universally applicable across all maritime regions, flag states, vessel types (commercial, offshore, or auxiliary), and operational jurisdictions where the company engages in the placement, deployment, or logistical support of marine personnel. Regardless of geographic location or contract duration, all personnel are entitled to the protections and standards outlined herein.

3. Responsibilities

Marine HR and Welfare Officer

The Marine HR and Welfare Officer holds primary responsibility for safeguarding the health, safety, and welfare of all seafarers engaged through Tide Table Logistics Ltd. This role is central to the operationalization of company policies and international maritime standards related to crew well-being.

Key responsibilities include:

• Policy Implementation and Oversight
  Lead the execution and continuous improvement of health, safety, and welfare policies for all deployed maritime personnel. Ensure that these policies align with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006), flag-state regulations, and host country laws.

• Pre-Deployment Safety and Welfare Briefings
  Ensure that all seafarers receive thorough and comprehensible briefings prior to deployment. These briefings must cover occupational safety protocols, emergency procedures, living conditions onboard, access to medical care, and the rights and responsibilities afforded under international maritime law.

• Monitoring Welfare and Managing Grievances
  Establish and maintain systems for tracking crew welfare and satisfaction, including anonymous feedback mechanisms and post-deployment assessments. Act as a confidential point of contact for crew members raising concerns related to working conditions, harassment, safety violations, or breaches of contractual terms.

• Stakeholder Liaison and Compliance Assurance
  Maintain regular communication with shipowners, crewing agencies, vessel operators, and onboard management teams to verify that welfare standards are being upheld consistently across all assignments. Where gaps are identified, take corrective action and escalate non-compliance issues to relevant authorities or executive leadership.

This role serves as the company’s ethical and operational anchor for ensuring that the dignity, safety, and well-being of maritime personnel are actively protected and prioritized throughout the employment lifecycle.

Shipping Partners and Vessel Operators

All shipping partners, vessel owners, and operational managers working in cooperation with Tide Table Logistics Ltd bear joint responsibility for ensuring that seafarers’ rights to health, safety, and welfare are upheld throughout the duration of their service onboard. These responsibilities are not only contractual obligations but also essential components of regulatory compliance and ethical maritime operations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provision of a Safe and Hygienic Environment
  Ensure that all onboard living and working spaces comply with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) standards, including proper ventilation, sanitation, noise control, and protection from occupational hazards. Regular inspections must be carried out to verify cleanliness, safety, and habitability of crew quarters and workspaces.

• Compliance with Accommodation and Welfare Standards
  Guarantee that vessel accommodations—including Sleeping quarters, sanitary facilities, dining areas, and recreational spaces—are maintained at standards that meet or exceed flag-state and international requirements. Seafarers must have access to nutritious food, clean drinking water, and essential supplies throughout their deployment.

• Access to Medical Care and Emergency Preparedness
  Facilitate immediate access to onboard medical supplies, first aid provisions, and qualified personnel capable of administering care. Ensure that procedures are in place for medical evacuation, repatriation in case of illness or injury, and psychological support if needed. Ships must carry appropriate insurance to cover such events.

• Operational Safety Measures and Drills
  Implement and enforce the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety systems for all personnel. Conduct regular safety drills, including fire, man-overboard, and abandon ship exercises, and ensure that all seafarers are familiar with their roles during emergencies.

Shipping partners are expected to cooperate fully with Tide Table Logistics Ltd in monitoring compliance, resolving safety-related grievances, and fostering a culture of accountability and respect onboard. Failure to comply with these standards may lead to suspension of contracts or formal reporting to relevant maritime authorities.

Recruitment Agents (Ghana, UK, and Other Jurisdictions)

Recruitment agents operating under the authority or on behalf of Tide Table Logistics Ltd play a critical frontline role in safeguarding seafarers’ rights and promoting safe, transparent deployment practices. These agents act as both facilitators of employment and custodians of pre-deployment welfare standards, particularly in their capacity to brief, prepare, and support candidates through the mobilization process.

Key responsibilities include:

• Pre-Deployment Welfare Orientation
  Ensure that all seafarers receive a comprehensive pre-deployment briefing outlining their legal rights, entitlements, and employer obligations under applicable international and national laws. This must include:

  • Details of insurance coverage (including for medical emergencies, personal injury, and repatriation).

  • Occupational safety expectations, including shipboard conduct, grievance procedures, and access to medical and welfare support.

  • Overview of contractual rights under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) and relevant flag-state regulations.

• Documentation and Welfare Transparency
  Provide seafarers with clear, written documentation of their terms of employment, insurance policies, health and safety standards, and contact information for welfare support both at sea and ashore. Confirm that candidates fully understand these documents before signing.

• Monitoring and Reporting Obligations
  Maintain open channels of communication with deployed seafarers to identify early signs of distress, abuse, or non-compliance with contract terms. Agents are required to:

  • Immediately report any safety violations, harassment, labor exploitation, or substandard living/working conditions to Tide Table Logistics Ltd and, where applicable, relevant maritime authorities.

  • Escalate grievances from seafarers in a confidential and timely manner, ensuring appropriate follow-up and intervention.

• Ethics Recruitment Compliance
  Adhere strictly to ethical recruitment standards, avoiding the charging of placement fees to seafarers and ensuring non-discriminatory practices in selection. Agents must comply with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) guidelines and the ILO’s Fair Recruitment principles.

Failure to fulfill these responsibilities may result in the revocation of the recruitment agreement, blacklisting from Tide Table Logistics Ltd’s approved partners list, or legal proceedings in cases involving negligence or rights violations.

4. Procedures

4.1 Pre-Deployment Health Screening

To ensure the safety, fitness, and readiness of all seafarers prior to deployment, Tide Table Logistics Ltd mandates a comprehensive health screening process that adheres to international maritime medical standards and national health regulations.

Key Requirements:

• Mandatory Medical Examination
  All seafarers must complete a full medical assessment conducted by a recognized and accredited maritime medical practitioner. This examination must be carried out no more than six months prior to the seafarer’s scheduled deployment and should confirm the individual’s capacity to perform their assigned duties without risk to themselves, the vessel, or other crew members.

• Fitness for Duty Certification
  The medical evaluation must include:

  • General physical examination, including cardiovascular and musculoskeletal assessments.

  • Vision and hearing tests, including color vision as required for watchkeeping duties.

  • Mental health screening to identify potential psychological vulnerabilities that could impair performance or compromise safety.

  • Screening for communicable diseases, including but not limited to tuberculosis, malaria, and sexually transmitted infections.

• Vaccination Compliance
  All required immunizations must be current in accordance with:

  • World Health Organization (WHO) travel and occupational health guidelines.

  • Flag state and port authority requirements of the country of embarkation or vessel operation.

  • This typically includes, but is not limited to: Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, Influenza, and COVID-19 vaccinations.

• High-Risk Role Screening
  For high-risk assignments—such as offshore installations, extended rotations, or work in hazardous marine environments—psychological assessments may be conducted to evaluate emotional resilience, crisis management readiness, and behavioral stability.

• Confidentiality and Recordkeeping
  All medical reports are to be treated as confidential and stored securely in compliance with applicable data protection laws (e.g., UK GDPR and Ghana Data Protection Act). Clearance for deployment will only be granted upon receipt and review of the official “Fit for Sea Service” certificate.

4.2 Insurance and Repatriation Coverage

Tide Table Logistics Ltd mandates that all seafarers are protected by a comprehensive crew insurance policy that ensures their health, safety, and financial security throughout their service period. This coverage must include the following core components:

• Medical Treatment at Sea and Ashore
  Insurance must cover all necessary medical care, including routine and emergency treatment, whether onboard the vessel or at shore-based healthcare facilities.

• Occupational Injury and Accident Compensation
  Coverage shall provide for compensation and support in the event of work-related injuries or accidents, encompassing medical costs, rehabilitation, and income protection during recovery.

• Death and Disability Benefits
  Adequate provisions must be in place to provide financial support to seafarers or their beneficiaries in the event of permanent disability or death resulting from maritime employment.

• Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
  The policy must cover emergency medical evacuation and repatriation to the seafarer’s home country or recruitment location following serious illness, injury, or contract completion.

The Marine HR Officer holds responsibility for verifying that all seafarers have active and valid insurance coverage prior to deployment. Additionally, seafarers must be issued written confirmation of their insurance status, including details on coverage scope and claims procedures.

4.3 Safety Briefings and Welfare Orientation

Prior to deployment, all seafarers must undergo a comprehensive pre-boarding safety and welfare orientation to ensure they are fully prepared for their onboard environment. This briefing shall include:

• Vessel-Specific Safety Procedures and Muster Stations
  Clear instruction on emergency protocols, evacuation routes, muster points, and vessel layout to ensure readiness during drills and actual emergencies.

• Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  Guidance on the correct selection, use, and maintenance of PPE relevant to the seafarer’s role and operational area, emphasizing compliance with safety standards.

• Reporting Mechanisms for Unsafe Conditions or Harassment
  Information on established channels to report safety hazards, workplace misconduct, or harassment without fear of reprisal, including designated personnel or committees responsible for addressing concerns.

• Onboard Welfare Contacts and Confidential Helplines
  Introduction to welfare officers, mental health resources, or third-party helplines available to seafarers, highlighting confidentiality and support options for personal or professional issues.

This orientation is a vital step in promoting a safe, respectful, and supportive working environment at sea, reinforcing the company’s commitment to seafarer well-being and compliance with international maritime welfare standards.

4.4 Grievance and Welfare Reporting Channels

Tide Table Logistics Ltd is committed to fostering a safe and respectful working environment by ensuring all seafarers have access to effective and confidential channels for reporting concerns. Seafarers must be clearly informed on how to report the following issues:

• Workplace Abuse, Harassment, or Discrimination

• Unsafe, Unhygienic, or Hazardous Working Conditions

• Breaches of Employment Contracts or Denial of Contractual Entitlements

To facilitate this, the company maintains a robust and confidential grievance procedure that allows seafarers to submit complaints via multiple accessible avenues, including:

• Designated Welfare Officers who are trained to receive and handle grievances with sensitivity and confidentiality.

• Official Company Email or Dedicated Hotline, providing direct and confidential communication with the company’s management.

• Local Maritime Labour Representatives, offering independent support and advocacy.

All grievances received will be formally logged and subject to thorough and impartial investigation. Tide Table Logistics Ltd ensures that resolutions are pursued promptly and fairly, with strict policies in place to protect complainants from any form of retaliation or victimization. This framework guarantees that seafarers’ welfare concerns are addressed transparently and effectively, reinforcing the company’s dedication to upholding dignity, safety, and legal compliance throughout maritime operations.

4.5 Post-Deployment Welfare Assessment

To uphold a continuous standard of safety, well-being, and operational excellence, Tide Table Logistics Ltd requires all seafarers to undergo a structured exit interview or post-deployment welfare review upon completion of their assignment. This process serves as a vital mechanism for evaluating the effectiveness of welfare provisions and identifying areas for improvement.

The welfare assessment is designed to:

• Identify Health or Psychological Issues
  Capture any physical ailments, psychological stress, or fatigue that may have arisen during the deployment period. Where necessary, referrals may be made for follow-up medical or mental health support.

• Evaluate Onboard Safety and Welfare Conditions
  Solicit feedback regarding accommodations, food quality, medical care access, PPE availability, and compliance with maritime labour standards on board the vessel or offshore facility.

• Document Complaints and Suggestions
  Provide seafarers with a confidential platform to share grievances, suggest improvements, or highlight best practices experienced during their service.

All data and findings from the post-deployment review are:

• Formally Recorded in the seafarer’s personnel file.

• Reviewed by the Marine HR and Welfare Officer to identify recurring trends, compliance gaps, or urgent action points.

• Used for Internal Quality Assurance and Policy Development, ensuring that welfare strategies evolve in line with seafarer needs, regulatory obligations, and operational feedback.

By institutionalizing this post-deployment assessment, Tide Table Logistics Ltd reinforces its commitment to safeguarding crew welfare, enhancing job satisfaction, and minimizing risks across future maritime placements.

5. Compliance and Regulatory Alignment

5.1 Compliance with Regulatory Instruments

This policy is developed in strict accordance with internationally recognized maritime labour standards and national regulatory frameworks to ensure consistent and lawful protection of seafarers’ health, safety, and welfare. Tide Table Logistics Ltd affirms its commitment to full compliance with the following key instruments:

• Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006
  Guarantees fundamental rights and decent working and living conditions for all seafarers. The policy aligns with provisions related to medical care, accommodation, food, repatriation, and grievance mechanisms as stipulated under the MLC.

• Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)
  Ensures all personnel deployed at sea meet international minimum standards for safety, watchkeeping, and emergency preparedness, with due attention to health and fatigue management.

• International Maritime Organization (IMO) Conventions
  Incorporates IMO protocols regarding crew safety, maritime occupational health, environmental protection, and emergency readiness.

• Ghana Maritime Authority Regulations
  Aligns with national standards on recruitment, certification, and welfare of Ghanaian seafarers, including local medical screening and insurance mandates.

• Applicable Flag-State Laws
  Conforms to employment, crewing, and safety regulations of the flag state under which the vessel is registered, ensuring that all deployed crew operate within legally permissible conditions.

Failure to comply with these standards may result in corrective measures, penalties, or enforcement actions. Tide Table Logistics Ltd monitors ongoing legislative changes and updates this policy as necessary to reflect current legal and operational obligations.

• STCW Convention (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers)
  Ensures that only medically fit and professionally trained personnel are deployed to sea. Tide Table Logistics Ltd enforces compliance with STCW standards by verifying each seafarer’s certification, medical fitness, and operational competency before deployment, in alignment with international maritime safety expectations.

• ILO Guidelines on Seafarers’ Welfare
  Supports the establishment of welfare measures addressing the social, psychological, and occupational needs of seafarers. Tide Table Logistics Ltd adheres to these guidelines by facilitating access to mental health resources, onboard recreational provisions, shore-based welfare centers, and mechanisms for continuous well-being support before, during, and after deployment.

• Ghana Labour Law and Ghana Maritime Authority Regulations
  Provide comprehensive legal protections for Ghanaian seafarers, including employment rights, fair treatment, occupational safety, and access to grievance resolution. Tide Table Logistics Ltd ensures full compliance with these national laws and regulatory standards in all seafarer recruitment, deployment, and welfare practices, particularly for personnel sourced from or operating within Ghana.

5.2 UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) Welfare Guidelines

These guidelines apply to seafarers who are recruited from, deployed to, or serve on vessels operating under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom. They outline essential standards for seafarer welfare, including provisions for safe working environments, access to medical care, repatriation rights, and grievance mechanisms. Tide Table Logistics Ltd complies fully with MCA welfare standards to ensure that UK-based and UK-flagged crew receive consistent and lawful protection in alignment with international maritime obligations.

Tide Table Logistics Ltd also adheres to applicable flag-state laws, including minimum rest hours, access to medical care, and repatriation obligations.

5.3 Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

5.3.1 Policy Review

This policy shall undergo an annual review by the Marine HR and Compliance Team to ensure ongoing alignment with applicable legal requirements, operational procedures, and evolving industry standards. Revisions will be made as necessary to incorporate regulatory changes, feedback from seafarers, and insights gained from internal audits or post-deployment evaluations.

5.3.2 Continuous Improvement

Results from welfare assessments, seafarer complaints, and exit interviews will be systematically analyzed by the Marine HR and Compliance Team. These findings will guide continuous enhancements to recruitment processes, onboard welfare support, and post-deployment care, thereby fostering ongoing improvements in the health, safety, and overall welfare of all personnel deployed.

5.3.3 Enforcement and Partner Accountability

In instances of repeated or serious violations of safety or welfare standards by shipping partners, vessel operators, or recruitment agents, Tide Table Logistics Ltd will undertake corrective measures. These may include issuing formal warnings, conducting compliance audits, suspending new placements, or terminating service agreements. Such actions reflect the company’s unwavering commitment to seafarer protection and compliance with all relevant legal and ethical obligations.

5.3.4 Policy Breaches and Enforcement

Failure to comply with this policy by internal personnel, recruitment agents, or third-party vessel operators may lead to serious consequences, including but not limited to:

5.3.4.1 Disciplinary Actions

Non-compliance by any internal staff member, recruitment agent, or third-party vessel operator will be addressed with the utmost seriousness. Tide Table Logistics Ltd reserves the right to initiate disciplinary procedures that may range from formal warnings and performance improvement plans to more severe consequences. In cases of serious or repeated violations, disciplinary action may culminate in dismissal from employment or termination of contractual agreements. These measures are essential to uphold the company’s unwavering commitment to health, safety, and welfare standards, safeguard seafarer rights, and ensure compliance with relevant maritime regulations. All disciplinary processes will be conducted fairly and transparently, in accordance with applicable labor laws and contractual provisions, guaranteeing due process for all parties involved.

5.3.4.2 Suspension, Revocation, or Non-Renewal of Partnerships and Agreements

Tide Table Logistics Ltd enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy toward partners, recruitment agencies, or service providers who fail to comply with this policy. Upon identification of breaches—whether concerning safety, welfare, ethical conduct, or legal obligations—the company may impose sanctions including suspension of ongoing collaborations, revocation of existing contracts, or refusal to renew agreements upon their expiration. Such actions are vital to preserve operational integrity, protect seafarer welfare, and maintain regulatory compliance. Affected parties will be formally notified and may be given the opportunity to implement corrective action plans; however, persistent or egregious violations will lead to the definitive termination of business relationships. This approach is critical to safeguarding Tide Table Logistics Ltd’s reputation and adherence to international maritime labor standards.

5.3.4.3 Legal Proceedings, Financial Penalties, and Reputational Impact

Non-compliance with this policy exposes individuals and organizations—including internal staff, recruitment agents, and vessel operators—to potential legal actions initiated by regulatory authorities or affected stakeholders. Tide Table Logistics Ltd may also face or seek enforcement measures such as financial penalties, fines, or other sanctions imposed by maritime authorities and government agencies. Beyond regulatory consequences, violations risk inflicting substantial reputational damage on both the company and its partners, undermining stakeholder confidence and kindizing future business opportunities. Consequently, strict compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards is imperative to mitigate these risks and uphold the company’s standing as a responsible, ethical, and compliant maritime service provider.