Rights

Abandonment happens when shipowners refuse to accept their responsibilities to support the crews on their vessels.

ITF advice on your contract to work at sea, recruitment scams and crewing agents

ITF Agreements are only those that are approved by the ITF and only apply to ships flying a Flag of Convenience (FOC)*

The ILO sets international labour standards through key international agreements.

The MLC covers all vessels and applies to all seafarers. But you must be at least 16 and have a medical certificate to work on a ship.

Your wage rates will depend on whether you are serving on a national flag vessel or a ship covered by an ITF agreement. 

Being a member of trade union can mean the difference between getting the medical help you need when you break a bone or suffering for a lifetime without proper treatment.

Warlike and High-Risk areas are parts of the world where it is considered that there is a high level of exposure to safety and life risks due to a war, military tension, hostilities, pirate activity and other circumstances causing immediate danger to visiting vessels and their crews. 

Unpaid wages are the most common complaint which the ITF receives from seafarers

The IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping.