Tag: abandonment of seafarers

New data from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) reveals abandonment of seafarers by ship-owners increased by 87% in 2024 from the previous year. 

According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), there are 1,145 abandonment incidents listed in joint IMO/ILO database since it was established in 2004, concerning 16,569 seafarers.

During its 111th session held in person from April 22 to 26, 2024, the IMO Legal Committee (LEG 111) covered various topics, including seafarer issues. Key discussions addressed the fair treatment of seafarers, and the establishment of a new Task Force to review the abandonment database.

Sixteen seafarers from Syria and India are stranded in the city of Hodeidah, Yemen, which came under attack from Israeli airstrikes over the weekend, with eight trapped on board the Captain Tarek. 

Cases of seafarers abandoned by shipowners without money, support, or the means to get home have reached alarming levels around the world, according to Stella Maris. 

IMO’s Legal Committee has finalized a new set of guidelines to ensure seafarers are protected against unfair treatment if detained in foreign jurisdictions on suspicion of committing a crime. 

The IMO Legal Committee meets in person for its 111th session (LEG 111) from 22 to 26 April 2024, where various legal matters will be discussed. 

In an exclusive interview to SAFETY4SEA, ITF's Inspectorate Coordinator, Steve Trowsdale, emphasizes that forced labor, human trafficking, and modern slavery remain under-addressed topics within the maritime sector. He suggests that these issues warrant more attention.

David Hammond, Executive Director of Human Rights at Sea International (HRASI), calls maritime stakeholders to incorporate the principles and terminology of human rights within maritime operations, and actively advocate for transparency and accountability.

India has submitted three papers to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in view of the upcoming 111th Session of the Legal Committee (LEG), asking the Organization to address current issues regarding the security and contracting terms of seafarers.