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 not only work but also live on board ships. Sometimes they do not receive basic necessities for decent living conditions and health and wellbeing, including regular and nutritious meals, drinking water, heating/cooling equipment, light, electricity, or internet to communicate with their
The Maritime Labour Convention requires shipowners to repatriate seafarers at the end of contract, at no cost to the seafarer. Some companies refuse – and when they do a seafarer may be classed as abandoned.
Operators fail to prepare visas or schedule replacement crew in time, often to avoid
Shipping is one of the few industries with an international minimum wage. The ILO sets a minimum monthly wage for able seafarers (certified, low ranking deck crew) through the Joint Maritime Commission, on which the ITF represents seafarers alongside shipowners and governments — giving companies a
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 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
These settings raise the risk of gross human rights abuses, and companies must apply heightened due
