Tag: seafarer’s rights

Francesca Fairbairn, Oceans Programme Manager, Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB), raises the alarm over the criminalisation of seafarers—a growing and serious issue that ranks alongside crew abandonment as one of the most pressing challenges facing seafarers today.

Maritime health and welfare experts are calling on the shipping industry to recognize free, reliable internet access as a basic human right for seafarers. SAFETY4SEA was the first to champion this cause, launching a petition in January 2024 to classify internet connectivity as an essential need for seafarers.

 Stella Maris UK has called for urgent protections to stop seafarers being forced to choose between shore leave and adequate rest,

The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (Republic Act No. 12021) was enacted on October 11, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the protection and welfare of Filipino seafarers.

The 4th SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum successfully took place on Thursday 3rd of April 2025, at the Sheraton Manila Hotel, Philippines, where experts gathered to share insights on maritime safety. Throughout the event's discussions, it became clear that maritime safety is not optional but a fundamental necessity for advancing operations.

The Legal Committee (LEG) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) convened for its 112th session from 24 to 28 March 2025.

Seventeen industry organizations published a joint paper on upcoming maritime stratiegies and emphasize the workers’ perspective.

In his opening address at the 112th session of the Legal Committee, which takes place from 24 to 28 March 2025, IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, highlighted key issues to be addressed. 

During the 6th SAFETY4SEA Limassol Forum, Marinos Kokkinis, Managing Director, OneCare Group, delivered a presentation on the evolving landscape of seafarer health, crew welfare, and resilience.

BlueRights advocates for the protection of the right to life, liberty, and health for all people at sea, regardless of their status. A key priority of the project is to address a significant gap in international law—what Prof. Petrig describes as a "dual blind spot": the “human rights blindness” of the law of the sea and the “sea blindness” of human rights law.