An interesting article about FOC vessels with low paid Foreign Crews engaged in the European Domestic Trade found on Martin's Twitter Feed

Will the recently signed The Canada - European Union Free Trade Agreement open the door for a similar end run around the Canadian industry?

http://maritime-executive.com/editorial ... oesnt-work

I hate to say it, but I think I was wrong. Ive been saying now for the last five years that FOC will fly on BC Ferries, and other cabotage vessels, within ten years. The way things are going, I think it will be before then. With Transport Canada asleep at the wheel, and all the levels of government tripping over each other to suck up to "business". Europe is just a preview, it will be far worst for Canada - because there is no meaningful oversight - because there is no talent pool left in Canada.

Shipowners want 3rd wold crews, they are much cheaper, it's a race to the bottom.

I'm sure there are few old sailors kicking around thinking that what is needed is Canada's Sweetheart of the Shipping Industry Hal Banks resurrected.

When money is the wolrd's priority status symbol and enabler of power, then exploitation will run rampant as it does. We need to be putting humanity back on top of priorities.