IMO Finalizes Guidelines to Protect Seafarers from Unfair Treatment

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has finalized new guidelines to protect seafarers from unfair treatment if they are detained in a foreign jurisdiction on suspicion of committing a crime. These guidelines were established during the IMO Legal Committee’s 111th session in London, chaired by Gillian Grant of Canada. They aim to safeguard seafarers’ rights to due process during investigations and detention by public authorities when suspected of committing crimes while working on ships.

Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the importance of seafarers’ well-being and the need for fair treatment. The guidelines will address challenges faced by seafarers and ensure they are treated justly. The guidelines provide guidance for flag states, port states, coastal states, shipowners, and seafarers, with the final document to be submitted to the Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group for approval.

Furthermore, the legal committee established a task force to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the joint ILO/IMO abandonment database, which contains information on abandoned vessels and seafarers worldwide. This upgrade will improve data accuracy, monitoring, and the resolution of abandonment cases. The committee also made progress on addressing fraudulent ship registrations, autonomous shipping, and guidelines for insurance companies and certificates.

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