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Working with the ITF on HREDD in maritime shipping follows four stages, each building on the last. 

It begins with establishing what standards apply and which ships actually carry your goods, moves to an evidence-based assessment of the risks aboard them, opens a structured dialogue on what those

Shipping faces a recruitment and retention crisis, concentrated in officer ranks, that poses significant risks to both seafarers and global supply chains. 

BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping report a current shortage of over 39,000 certified officers, and project the industry will need

Access to shore leave is a fundamental right under the Maritime Labour Convention, and is essential for safeguarding seafarers’ health, wellbeing and dignity.

In practice it is frequently restricted due to commercial pressures, port security requirements, visa restrictions and immigration barriers

Seafarers often work long and irregular hours. The Maritime Labour Convention sets limits on maximum hours of work and minimum hours of rest. 

But shipping companies undermine them routinely – circumventing minimum safe manning standards, overworking crew beyond maximum overtime levels, and relying

Seafarers are directly exposed to climate and weather. High temperatures in engine rooms and enclosed workspaces can cause dehydration, heat stress and fatigue, while cold environments bring risks of hypothermia and reduced physical function. Both impair concentration and increase the likelihood of

Seafarers are routinely exposed to hazardous substances and biological risks while handling fuels, chemicals, cargo residues, cleaning agents and other harmful substances, often in confined or poorly ventilated environments. 

Without adequate controls, this can lead to acute illness, long-term health

Mental health and psychosocial risks are widespread in maritime shipping and are closely linked to the systemic conditions of seafaring. Seafarers work in isolated, confined environments for extended periods, separated from family and support networks. 

This is combined with a non-caring work culture

The Flag of Convenience (FOC) system is a systemic driver of human and labour rights risk in maritime transport. 

The FOC system enables shipowners to choose the country to flag a ship, with little or no connection to where the ship is owned or operated, in order to reduce regulatory oversight and

Responsible companies have processes in place to review decisions to operate, source or continue business activities in conflict zones, post-conflict areas or otherwise high-risk areas or countries. 

These settings raise the risk of gross human rights abuses, and companies must apply heightened due

Seafarer abandonment is an intentional human and labour rights abuse, and is a spiralling, systemic problem. 

In 2025, ship abandonment figures reached record levels for the sixth year in a row, up 31% on 2024. 

A ship is classed as abandoned under international law if a shipowner fails to pay wages