Marine Workforce Recruitment Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure the ethical, lawful, and efficient recruitment of qualified maritime professionals, including seafarers, marine engineers, rig workers, and FPSO crew, in strict compliance with international labor conventions, flag-state requirements, and national maritime regulations. Tide Table Logistics Ltd is committed to implementing fair and transparent hiring practices that promote safety at sea, legal compliance, and the protection of crew welfare.
This policy serves to minimize the risk of regulatory violations, improve workforce competency, and uphold the company’s reputation for integrity and professionalism in global maritime operations. By aligning with recognized international standards—such as the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 and the STCW Convention—Tide Table Logistics Ltd ensures that all marine recruitment processes meet the highest benchmarks of accountability, legality, and operational excellence.
2. Scope
This policy applies to the recruitment, selection, and deployment of all categories of marine personnel engaged directly by Tide Table Logistics Ltd or through third-party agents acting on its behalf. It encompasses the full spectrum of maritime professionals involved in the company’s operations, including but not limited to:
● Seafarers: Deck officers, engine crew, and general support personnel serving aboard vessels.
● Marine Engineers and Officers: Technical experts responsible for vessel propulsion, maintenance, and safety systems.
● Offshore Rig Workers: Personnel assigned to exploration and production platforms, including drillers, crane operators, and safety technicians.
● FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) Crew Members: Operational and support staff assigned to FPSO units engaged in offshore oil and gas production.
This policy applies across all operational jurisdictions in which Tide Table Logistics Ltd conducts business—including but not limited to the United Kingdom, Ghana, and international waters—and governs both internal recruitment procedures and those carried out by authorized recruitment agencies and partners.
Its application ensures that all recruitment-related activities are conducted consistently, legally, and ethically, regardless of geographic location or contractual arrangement, and that all personnel meet minimum competency, certification, and health standards required under applicable international conventions and flag-state laws.
3. Responsibilities
Marine HR Officer (Internal)
Candidate Screening and Credential Verification
The Marine HR Officer is responsible for conducting a thorough screening of all applicants to confirm that they meet the required qualifications, experience, and training standards. This process includes verifying the authenticity and current validity of all professional certifications in strict accordance with the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines, and applicable flag-state regulations.
Verification methods include cross-referencing candidate certificates with recognized official databases such as STCW verification portals, contacting issuing authorities or maritime training institutions directly, and liaising with embassies or flag-state representatives when necessary. The Marine HR Officer also ensures that certification expiration dates, required endorsements, and medical fitness declarations are up to date and valid as of the candidate’s proposed deployment date. This rigorous process safeguards compliance with international maritime standards and mitigates operational risks associated with deploying underqualified personnel.
● Candidate Screening and Credential Verification: Conducts comprehensive screening of applicants to ensure they possess the necessary qualifications, experience, and training. This includes verifying the authenticity and validity of certifications in accordance with the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards, and flag-state requirements.
● Pre-Deployment and Onboarding Procedures: Ensures that all mandatory pre-deployment processes are completed prior to personnel mobilization. This includes the collection and filing of medical fitness reports, background checks, contract execution, and orientation on company expectations and safety policies.
● Personnel Records Management: Maintains accurate, confidential, and up-to-date records of all marine personnel, including deployment history, contractual terms, certifications, health clearances, and disciplinary records. These records must be audit-ready and retained in accordance with applicable data protection and maritime regulatory standards.
Approved Recruitment Agents (Ghana & UK)
External recruitment agents officially appointed by Tide Table Logistics Ltd are responsible for facilitating the local sourcing and initial evaluation of marine personnel. Their responsibilities include:
● Liaison with Maritime Institutions and Candidate Pools: Serve as points of contact between Tide Table Logistics Ltd and local maritime academies, unions, crew pools, and vocational institutions to source qualified candidates in a timely and compliant manner.
● Support in Sourcing and Preliminary Assessment: Assist in identifying and screening potential recruits through preliminary interviews, document collection, and background verification, ensuring that all candidate profiles align with client-specific and international regulatory expectations.
● Coordination of Compliance Documentation: Facilitate the compilation and submission of required documentation—such as copies of certificates, medical assessments, and seafarer identification records—to support the onboarding and registration processes with relevant maritime authorities.
All parties involved in the recruitment process are expected to operate in full alignment with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, as well as the applicable legal frameworks of the jurisdictions in which recruitment activities are carried out.
4. Procedures
To ensure the lawful, transparent, and efficient recruitment of maritime personnel, the following standardized procedures must be strictly adhered to by Tide Table Logistics Ltd’s internal Human Resources team and all authorized recruitment agents. These procedures are designed to uphold international maritime employment standards, protect the rights and welfare of seafarers, and ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements in all operational jurisdictions.
4.1 Certification Verification
● All candidates must present valid and current professional certifications as required under international maritime regulations prior to being considered for deployment or assignment. These certifications form the baseline for assessing competence, safety compliance, and regulatory alignment.
● All candidates must present valid and current professional certifications as required under international maritime regulations prior to consideration for deployment or assignment. These certifications establish the baseline for assessing competence, safety compliance, and regulatory alignment.
● Minimum certification standards include, but are not limited to, the following:
○ STCW Convention (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers): Ensures seafarers meet minimum training and competency standards for safe vessel operation and emergency response.
○ IMO Guidelines (International Maritime Organization): Provides frameworks and best practices for safety, security, and environmental stewardship at sea.
○ Flag-State Certification: Certifications and endorsements issued or recognized by the vessel’s flag state, confirming legal eligibility to serve under that flag.
● The Marine HR Officer is responsible for conducting a thorough verification process, which includes:
○ Cross-referencing certificates with official databases (e.g., STCW verification portals).
○ Contacting issuing authorities, training institutions, or maritime embassies to confirm authenticity.
○ Ensuring that expiration dates, training endorsements, and medical fitness declarations are current and valid as of the proposed deployment date.
● The Marine HR Officer is responsible for conducting a comprehensive verification process, which includes:
○ Cross-referencing certifications with recognized official databases (e.g., STCW verification portals) to confirm legitimacy and scope.
○ Contacting issuing authorities, accredited training institutions, or relevant maritime embassies to authenticate documentation and validate the credentials presented.
○ Reviewing expiration dates, mandatory endorsements, and accompanying medical fitness declarations to ensure all documents are current, valid, and compliant with the requirements of the vessel’s flag state at the time of deployment.
4.2 Candidate Evaluation
To ensure the recruitment of qualified, competent, and dependable maritime personnel, Tide Table Logistics Ltd employs a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process. This framework emphasizes technical proficiency, operational readiness, safety awareness, and suitability for the unique demands of maritime assignments.
Structured Interviews
Formal interviews shall be conducted by Marine HR personnel or designated technical assessors. These interviews are designed to evaluate each candidate against a defined set of criteria, including:
● Technical Competence and Certification Validity: Assessment of core skills, training records, and credentials relevant to the position, including engineering, deck operations, safety roles, or offshore responsibilities.
● Practical Sea-Going Experience: Review of previous assignments, vessel types served, offshore platform familiarity, and operational roles undertaken in comparable environments.
● Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Evaluation of verbal clarity, problem-solving capability, teamwork orientation, and ability to function within multicultural and multidisciplinary crews.
● Cultural and Operational Suitability: Consideration of the candidate’s adaptability to the working conditions, regional sensitivities, safety culture, and the specific operational standards of the client and flag-state authorities.
This interview process aims to identify individuals who not only fulfill technical and legal requirements but also exhibit the behavioral and professional maturity necessary for safe, collaborative, and efficient maritime operations.
Reference Checks
A thorough reference checking process is mandatory for all maritime personnel prior to deployment. Tide Table Logistics Ltd requires a minimum of two professional references for each candidate, obtained from previous employers, vessel operators, or crewing agencies with direct knowledge of the individual’s maritime service history.
These references serve to verify critical aspects of the candidate’s professional background and conduct. Specifically, the checks will focus on any past disciplinary actions, ensuring that the candidate has maintained a record free from serious violations or unresolved infractions. This is essential for upholding safety standards and maintaining the integrity of the workforce.
Reliability is another key factor under review. The references will confirm the candidate’s track record in consistently adhering to schedules, fulfilling duties responsibly, and complying fully with onboard safety and operational protocols. This includes punctuality, responsiveness in emergency situations, and a commitment to following all company and maritime regulations.
Additionally, referees will provide insight into the candidate’s work ethic, including their ability to integrate into maritime teams and adapt to the unique routines and challenges of life at sea. This encompasses interpersonal skills, cooperation, and resilience, which are vital for fostering a positive onboard environment and ensuring smooth operations.
All reference checks will be documented and assessed by the Marine HR Officer as part of the candidate’s overall suitability evaluation. Any concerns or inconsistencies identified during this process will be investigated further before final approval for deployment.
This rigorous referencing process helps guarantee that only trustworthy, competent, and well-suited individuals join Tide Table Logistics Ltd’s marine workforce.
Medical Fitness Assessment
Each candidate must undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation conducted by an accredited maritime medical practitioner prior to deployment. This assessment is critical to ensure that maritime personnel are physically and mentally fit to safely perform their duties in often challenging and isolated environments.
The medical examination will assess physical fitness, confirming the candidate’s ability to undertake strenuous tasks such as emergency response, heavy manual labor, and prolonged periods at sea under varying environmental conditions. Cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal integrity, vision, hearing, and respiratory function will be thoroughly evaluated to ensure candidates can safely perform their required duties without undue risk to themselves or others.
In addition to physical health, mental wellness is a key component of the evaluation. Candidates will be assessed for their psychological resilience, stress tolerance, and overall mental fitness to cope with the demanding and sometimes high-pressure conditions of maritime operations. This includes the ability to maintain focus, make sound decisions, and collaborate effectively in team settings. For high-risk roles, such as offshore rig workers or FPSO crew leaders, psychological screening may be supplemented with specialized evaluations to confirm emotional stability and crisis management capabilities.
The assessment also ensures candidates are free from communicable diseases or chronic health conditions that could impair their job performance or pose a risk to others on board. Medical clearance must be valid at the time of deployment and compliant with international maritime health standards, including those outlined in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 and STCW guidelines.
This rigorous medical fitness process protects the safety, welfare, and operational effectiveness of both individual crew members and the wider marine workforce.
4.2.1 Psychological Screening
For high-risk, remote, or leadership roles—such as offshore rig workers, marine engineers operating in hazardous environments, and FPSO crew leaders—Tide Table Logistics Ltd may require candidates to undergo formal psychological evaluations as part of the recruitment process.
These assessments are conducted by accredited professionals and are designed to evaluate critical behavioral and cognitive competencies essential for demanding maritime roles. The focus areas include:
● Emotional Stability: The candidate’s capacity to remain calm, resilient, and emotionally balanced under conditions of stress, isolation, or extended duty at sea.
● Decision-Making Capacity: Assessment of cognitive judgment, problem-solving ability, and ethical reasoning in both routine and high-pressure scenarios.
● Crisis Management Readiness: Evaluation of the candidate’s preparedness to respond effectively to emergencies, including leadership under duress, rapid situational assessment, and execution of contingency protocols.
These psychological evaluations are mandatory for designated high-risk or leadership assignments and form a key component of Tide Table Logistics Ltd’s commitment to operational safety, workforce reliability, and risk mitigation.
This psychological screening serves as a vital complement to the technical and medical assessments, ensuring that selected personnel possess the mental resilience, emotional intelligence, and leadership acumen necessary to operate safely and effectively in high-pressure maritime environments. By incorporating this additional layer of evaluation, Tide Table Logistics Ltd strengthens its commitment to crew well-being, operational reliability, client satisfaction, and the prevention of incidents across all deployments.
4.3 Contract Issuance
To ensure legal clarity, worker protection, and alignment with international maritime labor standards, Tide Table Logistics Ltd requires that all deployments are governed by a formal employment contract. This contract must be:
● Issued in advance of deployment and reviewed thoroughly by both parties.
● Clearly worded and comprehensive, containing the following essential elements:
○ Job title and a detailed description of onboard duties and responsibilities
○ Base wages, overtime provisions, payment frequency, and method of disbursement
○ Contract duration, including the expected rotation cycle or relief schedule
○ Leave entitlements, shore leave policies, and repatriation obligations upon contract completion or early termination
● Compliance
All contracts must comply fully with:
○ The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006
○ Applicable flag-state labor regulations
○ Any specific client contractual obligations or host country requirements
● Execution and Recordkeeping
○ Each contract must be signed by both the seafarer and an authorized representative of Tide Table Logistics Ltd
○ Signed copies must be retained by both parties, with the company maintaining a secure, auditable copy in the seafarer’s personnel file
This contractual transparency ensures mutual understanding of terms, enhances legal enforceability, and reinforces Tide Table Logistics Ltd’s commitment to ethical labor practices in the global maritime sector.
4.4 Maritime Authority Registration
To ensure legal deployment and seamless port clearance, all seafarers recruited by or through Tide Table Logistics Ltd must be properly registered with the relevant maritime and immigration authorities prior to embarking.
Registration Requirements:
● The Marine HR Officer or an authorized recruitment agent shall be responsible for registering each crew member with the appropriate flag-state maritime authority, including but not limited to:
○ Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA)
○ UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
○ Any additional maritime authority governing the flag state of the assigned vessel
● The following documentation must be prepared, verified, and submitted as part of the registration process:
○ Certified copies of valid seafarer certifications (e.g., STCW endorsements, medical reports)
○ Signed employment contracts
○ Proof of flag-state endorsement, where required
Immigration & Port Clearance:
● All necessary visa applications, work permits, and immigration clearances must be obtained in compliance with the laws of the country where the vessel is registered or docked.
● The Marine HR Officer must ensure that accurate and complete crew lists are submitted to port authorities in advance of vessel arrival or departure.
● All documentation must align with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations and applicable Port State Control (PSC) frameworks.
Failure to complete proper registration or to comply with immigration and port clearance procedures may result in fines, detention, or denial of port access, and shall be treated as a serious breach of compliance protocols.
4.5 Recordkeeping and Documentation
To maintain accountability, traceability, and regulatory compliance, Tide Table Logistics Ltd shall establish and manage detailed personnel records for every marine recruit throughout the recruitment and deployment lifecycle.
Personnel File Contents:
Each personnel file shall securely contain:
● Verified copies of all relevant certifications and training records, including STCW endorsements, flag-state qualifications, and any specialized qualifications.
● Signed employment contracts, deployment checklists, and any amendments or addenda related to contractual terms.
● Comprehensive medical assessments, including fitness-for-duty reports and any applicable psychological screening results.
● Visa, work permit documentation, and maritime authority registration confirmations.
● Sea service records, performance evaluations, and reference reports, when applicable to the role or as required by client contracts.
Storage and Retention:
● All personnel files shall be stored in a secure, access-controlled digital or physical record management system to prevent unauthorized access or data loss.
● Records must be retained for a minimum of five (5) years post-deployment, or longer if mandated by local or international maritime regulations or data retention laws.
Data Protection Compliance:
● Tide Table Logistics Ltd is committed to strict adherence to data privacy laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Ghana Data Protection Act, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and lawful processing of personal data.
● Access to personnel records will be limited to authorized personnel only, and data handling procedures will be periodically reviewed and updated to align with evolving legal and technological standards.
5. Compliance
This Marine Workforce Recruitment Policy is developed and maintained in full alignment with internationally recognized maritime standards and the statutory requirements of relevant jurisdictions. All recruitment activities undertaken by Tide Table Logistics Ltd—either directly or through authorized agents—must comply with the following regulatory frameworks and industry conventions:
Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006
The MLC, 2006 serves as the international benchmark for the rights and welfare of seafarers. It ensures that all maritime personnel are employed under fair and transparent conditions, regardless of their nationality or flag of the vessel. Tide Table Logistics Ltd adheres strictly to the following MLC principles:
Contractual Transparency: Every seafarer must receive a written employment agreement, clearly outlining wages, working hours, duties, and entitlements.
Repatriation Rights: Seafarers are entitled to timely and cost-covered repatriation upon the expiration or termination of their contract, or in cases of illness, injury, or abandonment.
Occupational Health and Safety: Employers must ensure a safe and hygienic working environment, free from harassment, with access to medical care onboard and ashore.
Social Protection and Welfare: Adequate rest periods, access to recreational facilities, and shore-based welfare services must be provided in line with MLC standards.
Recruitment and Placement: Recruitment processes must be free of fees or charges to the seafarer, and managed by certified entities that uphold ethical and legal standards.
Through compliance with the MLC, 2006, Tide Table Logistics Ltd reaffirms its commitment to protecting the dignity, safety, and rights of all maritime professionals in its network.
Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW)
The STCW Convention, established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), sets the global baseline for the qualifications and operational readiness of seafarers. Tide Table Logistics Ltd upholds full compliance with STCW regulations to ensure that only trained and certified personnel are recruited and deployed. Key requirements include:
Training Standards: All seafarers must complete mandatory training courses relevant to their duties, including basic safety training, firefighting, survival techniques, and role-specific competencies (e.g., engine room operations, bridge navigation, tanker safety).
Certification Requirements: Candidates must hold valid STCW-compliant certificates issued or endorsed by recognized maritime administrations. This includes Certificates of Competency (CoC), proficiency endorsements, and any specialized qualifications required by the vessel type or operational environment.
Watchkeeping Regulations: The company ensures compliance with STCW provisions related to watch schedules, rest periods, and duty rotations, thereby reducing fatigue and enhancing onboard safety.
Continuous Professional Development: Where required, seafarers must undergo periodic refresher training and re-certification to maintain competence and remain current with evolving maritime technologies and standards.
By aligning with STCW standards, Tide Table Logistics Ltd ensures that all crew members are adequately equipped to perform their duties safely, legally, and efficiently under international maritime law.
International Maritime Organization (IMO) Regulations
Tide Table Logistics Ltd adheres strictly to the regulatory framework set forth by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the specialized United Nations agency responsible for setting global standards for the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping.
Key areas of compliance include:
Vessel and Crew Safety: Implementation of IMO safety conventions such as the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention, ensuring all assigned personnel are familiar with emergency procedures, safety drills, and onboard risk mitigation protocols.
Environmental Protection: Compliance with MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) requirements, including protocols for oil spill prevention, waste management, emissions control, and ballast water treatment to minimize ecological impact.
Maritime Security: Adherence to the ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) Code, mandating security awareness training, access control measures, and emergency communication systems to protect crew, cargo, and vessels from potential threats, including piracy and terrorism.
Operational Standards: Following IMO guidelines on ship management, manning levels, fatigue prevention, and reporting requirements to promote efficient and safe operations.
By aligning recruitment, deployment, and operational procedures with IMO regulations, Tide Table Logistics Ltd reinforces its commitment to international maritime best practices, sustainability, and the long-term safety of its personnel and assets.
Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) Regulations
Tide Table Logistics Ltd complies fully with the regulatory framework established by the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), which governs the recruitment, certification, deployment, and welfare of Ghanaian maritime professionals.
Key areas of regulatory compliance include:
Registration and Licensing: Ensuring the company and its appointed recruitment agents are duly registered and licensed by the GMA to carry out seafarer placement and marine workforce management activities within Ghana’s jurisdiction.
Certification and Endorsement: Verifying that all Ghanaian seafarers hold valid, GMA-recognized certifications in accordance with the STCW Convention and any additional flag-state endorsement requirements prior to deployment.
Seafarer Welfare and Rights: Upholding statutory requirements related to employment conditions, health and safety standards, repatriation procedures, and grievance mechanisms in line with the GMA’s interpretation of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006.
Deployment Reporting: Submitting timely and accurate reports to the GMA on crew assignments, vessel deployments, and employment contracts to maintain operational transparency and facilitate maritime labor oversight.
Inspections and Audits: Cooperating with GMA-led audits and inspections to ensure adherence to national regulations and to promote continual improvement in the recruitment and management of seafarers.
By adhering to GMA regulations, Tide Table Logistics Ltd demonstrates its commitment to ethical labor practices, national compliance, and the protection of Ghanaian maritime personnel throughout their service life cycle.
Applicable Flag-State Laws
Tide Table Logistics Ltd acknowledges and complies with the employment and crewing regulations stipulated by the flag state under which each vessel is registered. These laws form a critical part of the legal framework governing maritime labor practices and are essential for maintaining vessel operability and safeguarding seafarer rights.
Key compliance areas include:
Employment Standards: Ensuring all crew contracts, conditions of service, and labor practices meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the vessel’s flag state, including wages, working hours, leave entitlements, and dispute resolution processes.
Crew Certification and Manning Requirements: Verifying that each crew member’s qualifications, training, and certification align with the specific requirements of the flag state, including manning levels and position-specific standards.
Medical and Welfare Provisions: Adhering to flag-state mandates concerning crew medical fitness, insurance, access to medical care, and onboard welfare facilities.
Reporting and Documentation: Maintaining accurate crew lists, deployment records, and contract documentation in compliance with the administrative and recordkeeping standards set by the flag authority.
Inspections and Enforcement: Cooperating with flag-state inspections and audits, and promptly addressing any findings or corrective actions required to remain in good legal and operational standing.
Compliance with flag-state laws ensures the legitimacy of vessel operations, promotes international recognition, and reinforces Tide Table Logistics Ltd’s commitment to responsible and lawful maritime employment practices.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with this Marine Workforce Recruitment Policy may lead to significant consequences, including but not limited to:
Termination of Employment or Contractual Engagements: Internal staff found to be in breach of policy requirements—whether through negligence, misconduct, or willful non-compliance—may face disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or termination of contract, in accordance with applicable employment laws and company procedures.
Suspension or Cancellation of Agreements: External recruitment agents or third-party service providers who fail to uphold the standards and procedures outlined in this policy may have their service agreements suspended or permanently revoked. Repeat or serious violations may result in blacklisting from future engagements.
Legal and Financial Liability: Breaches of international maritime conventions, flag-state laws, or data protection regulations may expose the company and individuals involved to civil or criminal liability, regulatory sanctions, and financial penalties.
Reputational Damage: Non-compliance can undermine client trust, operational safety, and Tide Table Logistics Ltd’s standing within the maritime industry, potentially affecting future business opportunities.
All personnel, whether internal or external, are expected to act in full alignment with this policy to protect legal integrity, workforce welfare, and operational excellence.