Protecting seafarers against criminalization: what more can be done?
The well-being of seafarers and their protection against criminalization is a critical issue within the maritime industry. IMO and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have been working jointly on the Guidelines on Fair Treatment of Seafarers detained in connection with alleged crimes.
This event will bring together key stakeholders from the maritime sector to address the criminalization of seafarers and
the need for their fair treatment. The event is organized by IMO and ILO in collaboration with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF).
Date: 16 June 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Location: IMO Headquarters, London, and live-streamed on IMO's YouTube channel.
Please find more details about the event: Circular Letter No.4985.
Programme
A detailed
programme of the event will be issued in due course.
Participation and Registration
In-person attendance will be limited to
representatives from Member States, observer organizations (both intergovernmental and
non-governmental) and the United Nations and its specialized agencies.
Delegates intending to participate are kindly requested to register via the
Online Meeting Registration System (OMRS) by Monday, 15 June 2025.
More information about how to register here.
IMO/ILO work on seafarer issues
The rights of seafarers have been a top priority for IMO and the International Labour Organization (ILO) for many decades.
To address this issue, IMO has established joint working groups with the International Labour Organization (ILO). The Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group (JTWG) was established in 2022 to Identify and Address Seafarers' Issues and the Human Element (JTWG).
The Joint ILO–IMO Tripartite Working Group met in Geneva (26–28 Nov 2024) and adopted Guidelines on Fair Treatment of Seafarers detained for alleged crimes. These will now be submitted for adoption to the IMO Legal Committee (24 March 2025) and the ILO Governing Body.
The objective of these Guidelines is to ensure that the human rights and legitimate interests of seafarers involved in alleged crimes are recognized, that seafarers detained in connection with alleged crimes are treated fairly by public authorities, and that investigation or detention is for no longer than necessary, in accordance with the laws of the port or coastal States. The Guidelines contain guidance for port States, flag States, coastal States, States of which the seafarer is a national, shipowners and seafarers.
Other Guidelines developed by ILO/IMO
Guidelines for port State and flag State authorities on how to deal with seafarer abandonment cases (Adopted in 2022/2023)
Guidelines on fair treatment of seafarers in the event of a maritime accident (Adopted in 2006)
Guidelines on Shipowners' Responsibilities in Respect of Contractual Claims for Personal Injury to or Death of Seafarers (Adopted in 2001). (See also the 2014 amendments to the ILO MLC Convention.)
Guidelines on Provision of Financial Security in Case of Abandonment of Seafarers (Adopted in 2001).
More information about IMO/ILO work on seafarer issues here.