Facilitation Payments – Suez Canal

With many companies implementing zero facilitation payments or gifts  during the Suez Canal transit, it has become a matter of great concern for the Ship Masters. The Suez Pilots often threaten the master with dire consequences such as grounding or contact with the canal for not agreeing to their demands if cigarette cartons (Marlboro – and hence the term Marlboro Canal) are not given to them.

This often leads to a situation which no sailing master would like to get into.  The master cannot trust the pilot and the bridge team is not intact anymore.

With the managers sitting in the office giving you all kind of assurances of all their support does not actually relieve you of the situation. More phone calls and escalation only worsens the situation. As master your job somehow trickles down to get the ship out of the canal safely

Being a sailing master with a reputed company which has implemented zero facilitation payment, I can suggest following ways to avoid such situation to develop.

• Be well prepared and have everything in good order. Ensure that the duty officer is at the gangway to receive the pilot.
• Post anti-corruption notices near the gangway and at all the places where the pilot can read them.
•  Show the pilot some respect as it helps in pacifying the situation. If suitable, offer them refreshments as general hospitality.
• Make them understand the company policies and how you not agree with them. But being an employee you must comply and in no can give you any gifts.
• Always wear a uniform. Trust me, it helps.
• Ensure that all the conversation is being done close to a VDR (Voyage Data Recorder) mic.
• Keep a cool head. Be hospitable and assertive.
• Always have calm and polite discussions – your experience and social intelligence is needed to solve the situation in the best possible way.

You can escalate the issue further if the situation demands but you have to make a call between being a hero or transiting the Suez Canal safely without increasing your blood pressure.

Finally, as a master your primary job is safety of the vessel and its crew. As a master by all the laws in the world you can override any company procedure or policy for the safety of the vessel and its crew.

Do drop in your comments and your experiences.

Bon Voyage !