IBF Framework — International Bargaining Forum

The International Bargaining Forum (IBF) is the world's principal collective-bargaining table for international-trade seafarer wages + conditions. It brings together the ITF (as bargaining agent for seafarer unions globally) with the JNG (Joint Negotiating Group, representing the shipowner side) to negotiate a common CBA framework applicable to ~250,000 seafarers on ~10,000 vessels. The IBF Framework Agreement is the reference benchmark that many flag-of-convenience vessel CBAs anchor to, and shapes the effective wage floor for a substantial share of the global merchant marine.

Parties + representation

ITF Seafarers. Coordinates on behalf of ITF-affiliated seafarer unions globally — see /maritime-unions. Represents the seafarer + officer + ratings interest.
JNG (Joint Negotiating Group). Coordinates on behalf of the shipowner side. Constituent parts:
- IMEC (International Maritime Employers' Council) — ~250 shipping-company + management-company members
- KSA (Korean Shipowners' Association) — Korean-controlled fleet
- JSA (Japanese Shipowners' Association) — Japanese-controlled fleet
- ISOA (International Shipowners' Association) — historically German, now smaller
Observers. IBF meetings include observer participation from major flag-state administrations + INTERTANKO + BIMCO + OCIMF.

IBF Framework Agreement structure

The IBF Framework Agreement is renewed on a rolling multi-year cycle (typically 4 years) with wage-schedule annual adjustments negotiated within the cycle. Core components:

Rank-by-rank wage schedule. Master, Chief Officer, 2nd Officer, 3rd Officer, Chief Engineer, 2nd Engineer, 3rd Engineer, ETO, Bosun, ratings, catering — each with monthly consolidated wage benchmarks. Different tables for different vessel types (dry-cargo vs. tanker vs. cruise).
Overtime hours framework. Standard-hours + overtime differential + fixed vs. hourly overtime models.
Leave + rotation. Contract duration + paid-leave accrual + rotation-home provisions.
Welfare + benefits. Sick pay, injury compensation, death benefit (typically $60,000+ for principal), pension + repatriation entitlements.
Special risk allowances. High-Risk Area (HRA) piracy transit bonus, war-zone service, chemical-hazard cargo allowances.

Coverage + implementation

The IBF Framework is not automatically binding — individual shipping companies + management companies become bound by SIGNING an IBF-compliant CBA with their crew's union representatives. Coverage:

~10,000 vessels operate under IBF-derived agreements — approximately 10% of the world merchant fleet by vessel count but ~25% by tonnage (concentrated in the mid-to-large-size fleet segment).
~250,000 seafarers are on IBF-CBA-covered berths.
Vessel types. Predominantly ULCVs + Post-Panamax containers + VLCCs + Suezmax + Aframax + LNG. Bulk-carrier coverage lower.
Flag distribution. Heavy weighting toward Marshall Islands, Liberia, Panama, Bahamas, Singapore — the modern FoC flags.

Relationship with ITF Uniform TCC

The ITF Uniform TCC (Total Crew Cost) is a separate ITF benchmark that acts as a fallback wage floor for FoC vessels NOT covered by an IBF-derived agreement. TCC-only vessels operate under lower wage schedules than IBF-covered vessels. TCC is set unilaterally by ITF; IBF is jointly negotiated. When ITF inspectors board a FoC vessel with no CBA, they typically require the shipowner to sign the ITF Uniform TCC as minimum. Where the shipowner is IMEC-member or in the JNG orbit, the IBF Framework applies instead.

Wage cycle + example schedule

The 2024-2028 IBF Framework Agreement was concluded 2024 with annual wage-schedule updates. Indicative monthly consolidated wages (USD, 2024 Base + inflation-linked adjustments):

Rank	IBF 2024 (~USD/month)	Notes
Master	10,500 – 14,000	Higher for ULCV + VLCC + LNG
Chief Officer	7,500 – 10,000	Tanker premium ~+15%
2nd Officer	5,000 – 6,500
Chief Engineer	10,500 – 14,000	LNG + specialised propulsion premium
2nd Engineer	7,500 – 10,000
ETO	5,500 – 7,500	Increasingly demanded for LNG dual-fuel + electric systems
Bosun	2,800 – 3,500
AB	2,200 – 2,700
OS	1,500 – 1,900

These are illustrative bands; actual figures vary by vessel type + operator + specific CBA. See the ITF Seafarers site for authoritative current schedules.