The maritime industry is facing a concerning increase in the criminalization of seafarers, particularly senior officers and ship captains. InterManager, an international ship management trade association, has launched a campaign to address this growing crisis and advocate for the rights of seafarers. The organization is actively participating in industry discussions to understand the extent of the problem and support those affected.
Ship captains are the most vulnerable, accounting for 63% of all criminalization cases. The analysis indicates that tanker crews are at the highest risk, followed by bulk carriers and general cargo vessels. InterManager’s General Secretary, Captain Kuba Szymanski, highlights the unjust detention of sailors when authorities find issues on their ships, such as drugs. Senior officers are frequently detained, with crew members often held without charge or legal support for extended periods.
One poignant example is the case of Polish captain Andrzej Lasota, who spent 592 days in custody in Mexico after reporting cocaine found in his ship’s cargo. Despite proper protocols, he was possibly charged with drug trafficking and sentenced to 20 years in prison. His release only came after extensive campaigning by his family and maritime organizations. To combat this alarming trend, InterManager is gathering data on criminalization incidents to present to the International Maritime Organization and industry stakeholders. The organization documented 118 cases globally between 1989 and 2024, with a significant increase in 2023 and 2024. This issue is widespread but most concentrated in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, emphasizing the need for urgent action at the highest levels to protect seafarers’ rights.
