Greek maritime inspections reveal labor and safety concerns

Joint inspections conducted by the Panhellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO) and the Port Authority have identified labor law violations and safety risks regarding vessels in the Saronic Gulf.

During an inspection of the passenger-vehicle ferry ‘Poseidon’, investigators found that the operating company arbitrarily reduced overtime pay by 60 hours per crew member for the month of September. Additionally, the inspection highlighted an outdated regulatory framework for crew compositions. Based on a ministerial decision from 1985, the ‘Poseidon’ operates with a crew of only 16 sailors despite having an approved passenger capacity of 1,300. The PNO has characterized this discrepancy as a serious threat to maritime safety and human life, particularly for vessels operating more than 30 nautical miles from shore.

Inspections are ongoing for other vessels in the region. The ferry ‘Phoebus’ is scheduled to be inspected last due to announced industrial actions. Labor unions PEMEN and STEFENSON have declared a 24-hour strike on the ‘Phoebus’ for Tuesday, October 13, citing unpaid wages for September.