The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) is a global union body representing millions of transport workers worldwide. Maritime workers, their unions and the shipping industry know the ITF for its groundbreaking work to eliminate the exploitation of seafarers and for its flags of convenience (FOC) campaign. The mirror campaign, ports of convenience (POC), aims to protect rights.
Criminalisation is one of the most serious problems facing seafarers today. When there has been a maritime accident, or a pollution infringement, seafarers have often been detained and denied access
This guidance focuses on the human rights risks in company supply chains for seafarers on merchant vessels. This is distinct from fishers and dockers, who are covered by different international