As seafarers in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman face escalating risks to their lives, maritime unions and employers worldwide stand ready to offer protection and support
Seafarers, you are not alone: the maritime industry stands with you – that is the joint message to seafarers from maritime unions and employers from around the world.
Attacks on merchant ships have intensified in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. At least six cargo vessels were hit by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz within the last 48 hours, with a container ship also hit off the coast of the UAE.
The International Bargaining Forum (IBF) – which brings together the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and the international maritime employers that make up the Joint Negotiating Group – acted decisively last week to designate the Persian Gulf as a ‘Warlike Operations Area’, activating protections for seafarers on ships with IBF agreements, including the right to refuse to sail in the area, enhanced pay and compensation, alongside a strong recommendation for employers to enhance security arrangements.
Today, the IBF agreed to extend protections for seafarers by demarcating the area extending 12 miles off the coast of Israel in the eastern Mediterranean, including ports and anchorage areas, an ‘Extended Risk Zone’. This means that seafarers are entitled to additional protections, including a bonus equal to their basic wage payable if their vessel is attacked and doubled compensation for death or disability.
Every day since the start of the war, the ITF has received requests for advice and assistance from seafarers in the region, including on repatriation and their right to refuse to sail. Despite severe operational difficulties due to attacks on wider transport infrastructure and the closure of international airspace across the region, some shipping companies have managed to repatriate seafarers back home to safety.
Simon Spacey, Chairman of the International Maritime Employers' Council (IMEC) said: “The world’s dependence on maritime trade and in particular on the seafarers that keep that trade moving smoothly has never been clearer than it is now, as the impact that this war is having on the global economy starts to fully reveal itself. There are many reasons for, and justifications given, in times of such conflict – but what is unacceptable is that once again innocent seafarers find themselves trapped inside an area of conflict not of their making where they face genuine danger.
“We therefore call on everyone, everywhere to recognise the very real danger our seafarers are facing and to do whatever can be done to protect and support them. On a positive note, we know that our seafarers are a tough and hardy bunch and that responsible employers are working around the clock with our trade union partners to ensure that seafarers receive every protection and, where possible, compliance with the repatriation rights we offer them. But right now, the reality is that this is an extremely dangerous environment, safe travel opportunities are severely limited, and therefore our advice is for employers and seafarers to stay away from this area where possible.”
ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair David Heindel said: “Civilian seafarers have already lost their lives, while many thousands of seafarers who are trapped in the region are spending every waking moment living in fear that their vessel could be the next target – this cannot go on.
“To flag states, we demand that you step up and do more to fulfil your obligations to protect those on your ships, this is your responsibility. To every seafarer in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, know this: we stand shoulder to shoulder with you, and we are on hand to do everything we can. If you need help, reach out to your ITF-affiliated union, to the ITF itself, an ITF inspector, or your employer, and we will do what we can to protect and support you.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor
- See here for a list of designated risk areas and applicable benefits for seafarers.
Image credit: Reuters