Urgent Call for Change in Shipping Industry to Combat Wrongful Criminalization of Seafarers

The case of the Phoenician M and the unjust 30-year sentences given to crewmembers has sparked outrage among industry experts like Steven Jones, the founder of the Seafarers Happiness Index. Jones argues that the shipping industry lacks a proper system to address the criminalization of seafarers, calling for urgent changes to be made. He highlights the plight of Captain Bekavac and Chief Officer Ali Albokhari, who were wrongly convicted on drug charges in Turkey, reflecting a larger issue of seafarers being abandoned and forgotten in the face of unjust criminalization.

Jones emphasizes the need for collective action and guidance to address the moral dilemma of wrongful criminalization in the shipping industry. He stresses the importance of sharing the burden of criminalization and preventing its increasing prevalence. The industry’s failure to address this issue not only erodes trust but also hinders recruitment efforts, as the threat of unjust imprisonment looms over seafarers. Without a clear plan of action, the industry risks losing faith in its ability to combat this pervasive problem.

To combat the systemic rot within the industry, Jones calls for the establishment of a centralized advocacy body with the power and resources to effect change. He advocates for public campaigns to hold accountable those responsible for the unjust treatment of seafarers, such as flag States, port States, and owners who prioritize profit over justice. By amplifying individual cases into global causes and demanding transparency and accountability, the industry can work towards preventing and protecting seafarers proactively.

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