Our CEO, Namrata Nadkarni, moderated several thought-provoking sessions at the ‘Criminalisation of Seafarers’ event hosted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The sentiment from global maritime leaders on this issue was loud and clear📣: seafarers must be treated fairly with dignity and in full respect of their human rights, especially when facing legal proceedings in connection with their professional duties.
Unlike other transport sectors, seafarers are often presumed guilty until proven innocent. It was great to see such strong reception from senior maritime leaders to embrace the recently updated ‘Guidelines on Fair Treatment of Seafarers detained in connection with alleged crimes’, which provides a roadmap to make sure we treat our seafarers with dignity and have access to justice.
This was particularly evident across the leadership of the IMO, International Labour Organization, International Chamber of Shipping, and International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), who reaffirmed their commitment to a swift implementation of the Guidelines and a united, coordinated global response to the issue of seafarer criminalisation.
Other key takeaways:
– Air travel restrictions have resulted in a modal shift in narcotics trafficking, with narcotic seizures from ships surging by 600% over the past few years. Crews are suffering the consequences, even if they are the ones reporting the crime.
– There’s growing momentum for data sharing and even an independent investigation body to ensure fairness.
– Belgium’s legal innovation shows how a single sentence can anchor the new Guidelines in national law – a powerful example for others.
Unfair criminalisation doesn’t just harm individuals, it also undermines global trade and the credibility of the maritime industry.
As IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez put it, “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.”
Together, let’s drive real change.
To watch the event in full, click here.