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Help for seafarers

Practical support for people working at sea. If you work at sea and your vessel is unsafe or in a substandard condition, your wages haven’t been paid or your employer is ignoring your rights, ITF can help.

Which unions are affiliated to the ITF?

As a seafarer, be it on a cruise ship or fishing vessel, it’s a smart choice to join the union best able to advise you and represent your interests. And do this before you actually need urgent help. Find out which unions are affiliated to the ITF

Check conditions on a ship

Make sure your vessel has an agreement that guarantees safe working conditions before you sign up, and contact the union that signed it. Check conditions on a ship

Find an inspector or a union

When you are far from home, ITF inspectors can represent you and stand up for your rights.

The ITF seafarers’ section and inspectors work at an international level to help seafarers and their families.

Find an inspector or an union

We have campaigned against flags of convenience and helped seafarers in need of urgent assistance for 60 years.

Help is available to all seafarers ­­– but by joining a union you benefit from our collective agreements, resources and the solidarity of other seafarers.

See our dedicated website for seafarers

You can also contact us by emailing the Seafarers Support team at seafsupport@itf.org.uk