Factsheet
HIV/AIDS
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that damages a person’s immune system and weakens their ability to fight everyday infections and diseases.
ITF Seafarers
Seafarers move the world, sustaining our economies and communities – but they routinely face exploitation. The ITF fights for seafarers’ rights.
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Factsheet
Malaria
If Malaria is diagnosed and treated promptly with anti-Malarial drugs, virtually everyone will make a full recovery
Factsheet
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
More than one million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide.
Factsheet
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is curable and preventable disease, which mainly spreads from person to person through the air.
Factsheet
Zika
If you’re travelling to a country affected by the current outbreak of the Zika virus, this advice will help you and other crew members protect yourselves.
Resource
BMP West Africa
The first edition of Best Management Practices to deter piracy and enhance maritime security off the coast of West Africa including the Gulf of Guinea (BMP WA), developed by industry partners and supported by governments and military organisations, is available. This publication provides information on specific threats in the regions and ship protection measures for maritime professionals to detect, deter and prevail external threats to their safety and security.
Factsheet
Criminalisation toolkit
Criminalisation is one of the most serious problems facing seafarers today. When there has been a maritime accident, or a pollution infringement, seafarers have often been detained and denied access to normal rules of fair play and justice with which to defend themselves against criminal charges.
Resource
STCW Convention and Code
The STCW Convention and Code is continually being updated and amended to suit the changing requirements of the maritime industry. The ITF have produced previous guidance for seafarers under STCW 95 and the 2010 Manila amendments that reflect the necessary qualifications and experience of a seafarer dependent on their role and type of ship they are employed on.
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