Seafarers are routinely exposed to hazardous substances and biological risks as an inherent part of maritime operations. Work on board vesselships involves handling fuels, chemicals, cargo residues, cleaning agents and other potentially harmful substances, often in confined or poorly ventilated environments. Without adequate controls, this exposure can lead to acute illness, long-term health conditions and increased safety risks.
The maritime industry is currently exploring ways to adapt to alternative fuels and new technologies in attempt to decarbonise the industry. Seafarers are at the heart of efforts to shift to cleaner fuels as part of a true ‘just transition’, which, at present, include significant health and environmental risks, e.g., the toxicity of ammonia or the high flammability of ammonia. In 2025, the ITF – as part of the Maritime Just Transition Task Force, alongside the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) – released industry-first training frameworks designed to facilitate the development of training programmes for seafarers for working on ships powered by ammonia, methanol and hydrogen.
The Maritime Labour Convention establishes requirements for safe working environments, including access to protective equipment and medical care. However, under Flags of Convenience and fragmented supply chains, enforcement of these standards can be inconsistent. Seafarers may lack adequate training, personal protective equipment – including gender-appropriate equipment – or information about the substances they are handling, increasing their vulnerability.
Biological risks and communicable diseases are also significant concerns, particularly given the global and mobile nature of maritime work. Seafarers frequently operate across multiple jurisdictions and interact with port workers, passengers and crew from diverse regions, increasing exposure to infectious diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the severity of these risks, with many seafarers facing limited access to healthcare, shore leave or repatriation.
Effective risk management requires recognising these hazards as systemic, ensuring consistent protection across vesselships and supply chains, and addressing gaps in enforcement, training and access to healthcare.