THE International Maritime
Organization (IMO)'s Legal Committee recently approved new guidelines to
safeguard seafarers from unfair treatment if detained overseas on suspicion of
a crime. This initiative reflects IMO's
ongoing commitment to seafarer well-being.
The guidelines apply to situations
where seafarers, working aboard ships, are detained by authorities in a country
other than their own. They ensure these seafarers receive due process during
investigations and detention
The
well-being of seafarers is paramount," emphasized IMO Secretary-General Arsenio
Dominguez. "These guidelines are a significant step in addressing the
challenges they face and guaranteeing fair treatment," he added
Following finalization, the guidelines
will be submitted to the Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group (JTWG) for further
refinement. After the JTWG review, the guidelines will be presented for
endorsement by the IMO Legal Committee and the ILO Governing Bodies.
The committee also established a task
force to review and potentially revamp the joint ILO/IMO database on seafarer
abandonment. This upgrade aims to improve data accuracy and efficiency in
tracking incidents.
Seafarer
abandonment occurs when shipowners fail to meet their obligations to their
crew, such as timely repatriation, wage payment, or providing necessities. A more robust database will facilitate
faster resolution of these cases and support the implementation of existing
guidelines on addressing seafarer abandonment.
The task force will submit its report to
the JTWG for final review and endorsement by the ILO Governing Body and the IMO
Legal Committee.