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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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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