Tag: seafarer’s rights

Complaints about breaches against the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) on ships decreased in 2023, compared to the previous year, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s (AMSA) latest report on seafarer welfare shows.

The ILO has developed a brief questionnaire to support its implementation and the establishment of a global register on seafarer deaths.

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. 

Sixteen maritime industry associations and social partners (ASA, BIMCO, CLIA, ECSA, INTERCARGO, INTERMANAGER, INTERTANKO, IAPH, ICS, IFSMA, IMCA, IMEC, IPTA, ITF, FONASBA and WSC) have co-signed a letter calling for all member states to be formally reminded of their responsibilities under international law, and ask for the release the seafarers and to protect the safe transit of ships.

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.

The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) has received new funding to further the work of its Social Interaction Matters (SIM) Project.

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. 

Abdulgani Serang, Programme Development Manager at ITF Seafarers’ Trust, emphasizes the need to move beyond mere "attitude paralysis" and take tangible actions towards enhancing crew welfare. He advocates for regulatory updates that prioritize welfare as an inherent right for seafarers, underlining the crucial role of maritime organizations in implementing measures to create a supportive environment that addresses stress and fatigue.

The Seafarers’ International Union of Canada (SIU) have published a report on workplace harassment and bullying within the Canadian marine sector, which indicates that 46% of seafarers have experienced harassment or bullying at some point in their career as a seafarer.