Source: pomorac.hr
Ahead of the International Seafarers’ Day on June 25, the umbrella organization for ship management – InterManager – has issued a strong appeal against the criminalization of seafarers around the world.
“The threat of criminal prosecution should not exist if there is no concrete evidence against a seafarer,” says Captain Kuba Szymanski, Secretary General of InterManager. He points out that it is unacceptable for seafarers to be prosecuted even when they are not personally responsible for a maritime incident, according to gCaptain.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has been warning for years that seafarers are often unfairly accused after accidents, marine pollution, or when illegal cargo is found on board. In some cases, seafarers have ended up in prison – without any real evidence.
InterManager warns that such practices demotivate young people from entering the maritime profession in the first place, further exacerbating the global shortage of seafarers.
In addition to criminalization, InterManager advocates concrete measures against harassment and abuse on ships. “Abuse is a security problem. We can’t be satisfied with regulations alone – actual enforcement of regulations is needed,” Captain Szymanski points out.
As a recognized advisor to the IMO, InterManager actively participates in international discussions on maritime safety. The organization has been collecting data on deaths in confined spaces, lifeboat accidents and cases of criminalization of seafarers for years – all with the aim of improving safety standards.
“Seafarers drive world trade. We must not let them pay for it with their lives or their freedom,” Szymanski concludes.
As Seafarers’ Day approaches, InterManager calls on all maritime stakeholders to take concrete steps, in addition to solemn words, to protect those who contribute the most to the global economy – seafarers.
