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To mark their commitment to the fair treatment of seafarers, government representatives, non-governmental organizations and professionals from over 50 states have met at the IMO headquarters. 

Organized by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and Seafarers’ Righ[ds_preview]ts International (SRI), this was the first international workshop to promote the Guidelines on fair treatment of seafarers in the event of a maritime accident and to discuss guidance on the implementation of those Guidelines.

Masters and seafarers and welfare agencies were also present to evidence their deep concern about criminalization of seafarers and to explain the consequences when seafarers are not treated fairly. In on of the sessions, a panel of three judges, an emeritus professor of maritime law, a casualty investigator, a prosecutor and an IMO member state lead auditor discussed guidance on implementing the Guidelines on the fair treatment of seafarers into national laws.

81 % feel treated unfairly

Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the ITF said: »This international workshop is yet another important step in the work that ITF is doing to ensure the fair treatment of seafarers.  A survey was carried out in 2012 that showed that 81 % of seafarers did not think they had been treated fairly in investigations.«

He added: »That is a situation that I am determined to change for the better. The extremely positive results of this international workshop and overwhelming political support from the leading labour supply countries will be very carefully considered by the ITF.  I will ensure that the momentum from this workshop is carried forward by even more initiatives.«

»Bring together all those who can mutually cooperate«

Jacqueline Smith, Maritime Coordinator of the ITF emphasized her commitment to provide an immediate response and practical assistance to seafarers on the ground when they are facing an investigation. She set out her vision to bring together all those who can mutually cooperate to ensure the fair treatment of seafarers at a time when they are most vulnerable.

She said: »The ITF wants to encourage cooperation and open dialogue as much as possible. There are no acceptable arguments against the fair treatment of seafarers and we consider it is the moral and legal obligation of all members of the industry to support our work to ensure the fair treatment of seafarers. Seafarers deserve nothing less.«

The international workshop in the run up to the annual Day of the Seafarer on 25 June was opened by Deirdre Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of Seafarers’ Rights International and opening addresses were delivered by Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the ITF, Kitack Lim, Secretary General of the IMO, Corinne Vargha, Director of Labour Standards of the ILO and Jacqueline Smith, Maritime Coordinator of the ITF.