Tag: abandonment of seafarers

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. 

New data from the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) shows that there was a concerning uptick in the number of abandoned seafarers in 2023.

ITF (International Transport Workers' Federation) has secured the freedom for 13 abandoned Filipino seafarers stuck in Singapore for five months and has won $1 million back for crews.

During IMO Legal Committee, 110th session, that took place 21-26 March, 2023, the IMO adopted resolution (LEG.6(110)) to provide Guidelines for port State and flag State authorities on how to deal with seafarer abandonment cases. 

The IMO Legal Committee (LEG), 110th Session is taking place this week with a view to focus on the abandonment of seafarers, fundraising appeal after the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria and the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

The remaining crew members of a cattle carrier ship that was abandoned off the coast of Australia last year have been compensated by the new owner and sent back home.

Palau International Ship Registry (PISR) has issued a statement in response to ITF's claims that were published last week and placed Palau's registry flag amongst the four worst in the world.