Iceland and Ethiopia have become the latest member states of the International Labour Organization (ILO) to ratify the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC 2006), which sets out minimum international working and living conditions for seafarers on board vessels.
Armed robbers and pirates continue to pose a threat to seafarers in many waters and ports. West Africa has been a particular hotspot, but incidents also take place in other regions.
The European Union (EU) has suspended its search-and-rescue sea patrols that have helped to rescue thousands of refugees and migrants attempting the dangerous Mediterranean crossing into European waters, often in overcrowded and unseaworthy boats.
The US Coast Guard has issued a new rule on seafarers’ access to maritime facilities. The move comes after a longstanding effort by the US Seafarers International Union (SIU) to improve access to shore leave and facilities.
The Australian authorities have detained a German-owned bulk carrier after the ITF raised the crew’s concerns about conditions on board.
In the latest attack on shipping off West Africa, reported by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) worldwide 24-hour Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC), pirates kidnapped five crew members from an offshore supply vessel around 32 nautical miles off Brass, Nigeria on 9 March.
The United Kingdom authorities detained nine foreign-flagged vessels during January for breaches of safety and other deficiencies. Four of the vessels were new detentions.
The waters off West Africa continue to pose seafarers with threats of piracy and armed robbery. The most recent incidents reported to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) worldwide 24-hour Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) indicate the dangers.
The master of a Russian oil tanker has paid a fine of GBP25,762 for breaches of safety regulations in the UK, to avoid seizure of the vessel.
All sides of the shipping industry came together at a conference in Geneva, Switzerland to discuss the promotion of seafaring jobs to women and young people.
