London: The International Bargaining Forum (IBF), the joint negotiating body that brings together maritime unions and employers, has agreed to extend the piracy risk area off Somalia. The wider zone stretches 400 nautical miles (741km from the coast), in recognition of the increasing areas pirates are using.
Crews on ships with IBF and ITF (International Transport Workers' Federation) agreements within this area receive double pay and a doubling of death and disability compensations. If on vessels inside the zone but outside the International Recommended Transit Corridor they have the right to refuse to sail and to be repatriated at the employers' expense. The ITF had requested the extension of the zone. [01/05/09]
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