Seafarers’ rights to be treated fairly in all circumstances was the focus for an international workshop hosted at IMO (23 June). Addressing the Workshop on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers, organized by the International Transport Workers' Federation and Seafarers' Rights International, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim highlighted Guidelines on fair treatment of seafarers in the event of a maritime accident adopted by IMO in 2006. They were developed by a Joint Working Group with the International Labour Organization and apply to all instances where seafarers may be detained by public authorities in the event of a maritime accident. (click for Mr. Kitack Lim’s speech).
The Guidelines aim to ensure that seafarers are treated fairly following a maritime accident and during any investigation and detention by public authorities and that detention is for no longer than necessary. During the workshop, participants from more than 50 States discussed guidance on implementing the Guidelines on the fair treatment of seafarers into national laws and highlighted the need to mutually cooperate to ensure the fair treatment of seafarers at a time when they are most vulnerable. The morning session was chaired by IMO’s Fred Kenney. The afternoon session was chaired by Dr. Kofi Mbiah, Chair of the IMO Legal Committee.
The workshop came ahead of the Day of the Seafarer on 25 June, which focused on the theme #SeafarersMatter.