Global maritime leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to the fair treatment, due process, and protection of seafarers’ rights, following a joint event at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Headquarters in London.
Senior representatives from the IMO, International Labour Organization (ILO), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) stressed that seafarers detained in connection with their professional duties must be treated fairly and with dignity, with full respect for their human rights.
Participants highlighted that the unfair criminalisation of seafarers remains a significant concern, undermining both industry confidence and the well-being of crew members.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stated: “Global trade depends on the people – the seafarers – who are onboard ships day in, day out. The well-being of seafarers must remain a shared global priority. Stronger legal protections, increased awareness, and continued collaboration across the maritime community are essential.”
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Corinne Vargha, ILO Director, International Labour Standards Department, added: “Ratification and enforcement of the MLC are crucial to protect seafarers against criminalisation.
“Let’s continue to join forces to ensure that good practices on the implementation of the IMO/ILO guidelines are shared and prosecutors and judges are made aware of the particularities of the work of seafarers, essential to ensure their fair treatment.”
The event also featured case studies from seafarers, ports, supply chain representatives, and shipowners, illustrating the real-world impact of seafarer criminalisation.
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The IMO and ILO, with industry partners, have adopted Guidelines on Fair Treatment of Seafarers Detained in Connection with Alleged Crimes, approved by the IMO Legal Committee in April. These guidelines address due process, protection from arbitrary detention, and the safeguarding of wages, medical care, and repatriation rights during legal proceedings.
Future actions discussed included robust policies, targeted training, enhanced enforcement, and stronger industry coordination.
Participants also called for greater support from insurers and logistics companies, and emphasised that seafarers must not bear the burden of legal uncertainty or abandonment.
