Shipping sanctions are aimed at owners and governments, but seafarers often pay the price through unpaid wages, closed ports and abandonment. This practical 2026 guide explains how sanctions work, the warning signs on board, your MLC 2006 rights and seven simple checks to make before you sign on.
The UK Department for Transport has laid new legislation requiring operators on ferry routes between the UK and France to pay seafarers at least the UK minimum wage for the whole voyage. The law also adds minimum rest periods and time off the ship for crews.
Black Sea shipping safety is a daily concern for crews in 2026 as drone attacks, drifting mines and GPS jamming hit merchant ships. Learn how war-risk zones and IBF rights affect you, plus seven practical steps to protect yourself and your shipmates on board before your next voyage.
Strait of Hormuz shipping risks are at a record high in 2026. Learn what is driving the attacks on ships, your rights in the IBF Warlike Operations Area, and nine practical steps every seafarer can take to stay safe before and during a Gulf transit.
Crew change problems are back in 2026, driven by the Gulf conflict, costly flights and strict travel rules. This practical guide explains what MLC 2006 says about time on board and repatriation, and gives seafarers seven clear steps to take, and where to get help, when their relief date keeps slipping.
Shore leave restrictions keep many seafarers on board for entire contracts. This practical 2026 guide explains your rights under MLC 2006 and the FAL Convention, why shore leave is still refused, recent changes such as India’s new SOP, and simple steps you can take when you are kept on board unfairly.
Hours of rest violations are common at sea but rarely reported. This practical guide explains the STCW and MLC rest rules, why breaches happen, how false records put seafarers at risk, what the IMO is reviewing in 2026, and simple steps to protect your rest and your rights.
Piracy has fallen worldwide, but attacks off Somalia are rising and turning deadly. A piracy survival guide for seafarers: precautions before you sail, what to do if attacked, hostage dos and don’ts, and your rights while held.
Increased attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea have put seafarers at growing risk. This guide explains your rights when sailing into war zones, including refusal options, extra pay, and protections under Indian law, IBF agreements, and the Maritime Labour Convention. Know your rights before you sail.
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