Seafarers gain protection from unfair detention in foreign ports

THE International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s Legal Committee recently approved new guidelines to safeguard seafarers from unfair treatment if detained overseas on suspicion of a crime. This initiative reflects IMO's ongoing commitment to seafarer well-being.

The guidelines apply to situations where seafarers, working aboard ships, are detained by authorities in a country other than their own. They ensure these seafarers receive due process during investigations and detention

 The well-being of seafarers is paramount," emphasized IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez. "These guidelines are a significant step in addressing the challenges they face and guaranteeing fair treatment," he added

Following finalization, the guidelines will be submitted to the Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group (JTWG) for further refinement. After the JTWG review, the guidelines will be presented for endorsement by the IMO Legal Committee and the ILO Governing Bodies.

The committee also established a task force to review and potentially revamp the joint ILO/IMO database on seafarer abandonment. This upgrade aims to improve data accuracy and efficiency in tracking incidents.

Seafarer abandonment occurs when shipowners fail to meet their obligations to their crew, such as timely repatriation, wage payment, or providing necessities. A more robust database will facilitate faster resolution of these cases and support the implementation of existing guidelines on addressing seafarer abandonment.

The task force will submit its report to the JTWG for final review and endorsement by the ILO Governing Body and the IMO Legal Committee.