ITF Seafarers
Seafarers move the world, sustaining our economies and communities – but they routinely face exploitation. The ITF fights for seafarers’ rights.
What can we help you with?
Resource
ILO Minimum Wage Jan 2021 -Consolidate Interpretation
Using Joint ITF/ISF Interpretation of the ILO Recommended Minimum Wage for an AB - extrapolated on basis of
Rates applicable from 1st January 2021
Factsheet
The IMO
The IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping.
Factsheet
If your wages have not been paid
Situations are easier to resolve if you have not been paid for two months than if you have not been paid for nine months, do not delay.
Resource
Seafarers' Bulletin 2020
The magazine to help the community of seafarers, fishers and dockers be more aware of your labour rights and where to turn for help when you’re in trouble.
Factsheet
Cruise ship recruitment scams (Facebook)
There are various types of cruise fraud, but they almost all depend on the offer of jobs that require no qualifications, but which will pay high wages or attract large tips.
Factsheet
Recruitment scams
There are various types of cruise fraud, but they almost all depend on the offer of jobs that require no qualifications, but which will pay high wages or attract large tips.
Factsheet
Crewing agents
In countries where the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 has been ratified, crewing agencies offering recruitment services must not charge you for finding you work.
Explore
YOUR RIGHTS
As a seafarer you have rights - employment rights, legal rights, trade union rights and human rights. Ensure you know your rights and what to do when things go wrong.
WOMEN AT SEA
Women have proven that working at sea can be a positive and rewarding career. Find out more about women-centred sources of support and information
MANNING AGENTS
Let us guide you through the recruitment process. Advice on finding an agent, avoiding scams and ensuring you have the right contract.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Stay healthy and happy at sea. Learn about wellbeing illness and disease.
Find the nearest welfare centre to your port.
DIRECTORIES
Indexing those who violate the fair treatment of seafarers.
ABANDONMENT LIST
Every year, the ITF and its affiliates deal with a number of cases of ‘abandonment’, where a shipowner ‘abandons’ their responsibilities for the ship and its crew. View the current reported cases.
CRIMINALISATION LIST
Criminalisation is one of the most serious problems facing seafarers today. When there has been a maritime accident seafarers have often been detained and denied access to normal rules of fair play and justice.
BREACH OF RIGHTS INDEX
Shipowners, ship managers, flag states or other parties, which warrant inclusion on the ITF Seafarers’ Breach of Rights Index.
RED LISTED RECRUITMENT AGENCIES
The ITFShipBeSure website provides advice on finding a manning agent, avoiding recruitment scams and ensuring you have the right contract.
SEAFARERS’ WELFARE CENTRE INDEX
Find out if there is a seafarer centre in the port. Seafarers’ centres can provide advice, someone to talk to, facilities to contact home and a place where you can relax away from the ship.
LATEST MARITIME NEWS
The latest news on the issues affecting us all, and the actions we’re taking to improve our workers' lives and futures.
News
23 January 2025
2024 worst year on record for seafarer abandonment, says ITF
New data from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) reveals abandonment of seafarers by ship-owners increased by 87% in 2024 from the previous year.
News
22 January 2025
Galaxy Leader crew released after 14 months in captivity
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) welcomes news of the release of the Galaxy Leader crew, after being held captive for more than a year.
News
20 January 2025
ITF calls on Houthis to halt all attacks in Red Sea, release kidnapped seafarers, warns shipping industry against risking lives
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) calls on Yemen’s Houthis to halt attacks all on commercial ships in the Red Sea, to de-escalate threats to shipping and rele