Seafarers Urged to Participate in Enclosed-Space Safety Survey
Following the IMO’s newly tightened rules on enclosed-space entry, InterManager is urging all seafarers to participate in its global survey aimed at understanding why fatal incidents in enclosed spaces continue to occur, despite decades of safety campaigns and regulatory updates.The IMO’s recent amendments strengthen requirements for training, hazard identification, space-specific registers and rescue preparedness. Only trained and authorized personnel should enter or stand by during enclosed-space operations…
SRI Study Shows a Growing Number of Countries Implementing Cabotage Laws
A newly released study by Seafarers' Rights International (SRI) finds that cabotage laws now exist on 85% of the world’s coastlines, are growing in number at an unprecedented pace, and are increasingly essential to national security, economic stability and maritime resilience.The Cabotage Laws of the World (2025) report, commissioned by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), compares nations in their enforcement of cabotage laws, which restrict the waterborne transportation of goods or passengers between two points within the same country to domestic carriers.
MJTTF Launches Seafarer Training Frameworks for Ships Powered by Ammonia, Methanol, Hydrogen
The Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF) has released frameworks designed to facilitate the development of training programs for seafarers working on ships powered by ammonia, methanol and hydrogen.The training frameworks address the needs of seafarers in entry-level or operational roles and senior officers. They are accompanied by comprehensive instructor handbooks.All material is accessible at: mjttf.orgThe MJTTF will also release guidelines for general familiarization programs…
UKMTO Warns of Impact On Mariners From Increasing Middle Eastern Tensions
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said in an advisory note on Wednesday that it was aware of increased tensions in the Middle East which could lead to an escalation of military activity having a direct impact on mariners.The UKMTO advised vessels to use caution when passing through the Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and Straits of Hormuz.The UKMTO, which gathers reports on threats to shipping, did not specify the nature of the increase in tensions that prompted its alert.The United States and Iran are expected to hold a round of talks this week on Iran's nuclear programme.
Ocean Workers Must Be Recognized as Frontline Group in the Climate Crisis
A global safety charity is calling for ocean workers to be recognized as a frontline group when it comes to the impacts of climate change.According to Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s latest World Risk Poll Focus On report, Risk perceptions and experiences of ocean workers, ocean workers are among one of the most vulnerable demographics in the face of climate change, with 80% of them saying they are worried about being seriously harmed by severe weather.The report is based on new analysis of data from the 2024 World Risk Poll…
ITF Backs US Investigation into Flags of Convenience, Calls for Industry-Wide Accountability
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is backing the US Federal Maritime Commission’s (FMC) domestic investigation into vessel flagging laws, including the long-abused practice of ‘Flags of Convenience’ (FOCs).The FMC announced its probe last week, citing serious concerns that states operating FOCs are enabling a “race to the bottom” in global maritime regulations."The FMC is absolutely right in its assessment of Flags of Convenience and the permissive environments they create for unscrupulous shipowners and operators…
Seafarer Abandonment in 2025 Poised to Pass 2024 Record
By May this year, 158 cases of vessel abandonment had been recorded, up from 119 at the same point in 2024.These cases represent more than 1,501 seafarers who have reached out to the ITF for assistance, many of whom were left unpaid, without food, water or access to ports, often for months at a time.“Abandonment is a growing, systemic problem,” said Stephen Cotton, ITF General Secretary. “Behind every number is a human being who has been failed by the industry and the governments responsible for regulating it.
Hefring Marine Introduces IMAS as a Solution to Whole Body Vibrations at Sea
For maritime personnel operating high-speed vessels, crew transfer vehicles, and small working boats, whole body vibrations (WBV) are more than just an uncomfortable part of the job, they represent a significant occupational hazard with both immediate and long-term health implications. These vibrations, transmitted through the hull, deck, seat, or floor to the crew, can lead to chronic health issues, reduced performance, and compromised safety at sea.As maritime operations continue to evolve with faster vessels and more demanding schedules…
Seafarers Stranded Off Yemen After US-Houthi Ceasefire Deal
Some 200 seafarers aboard more than 15 ships stuck for weeks off Yemen's port of Ras Isa are preparing to offload cargoes and leave thanks to a ceasefire deal between Houthi militia and the U.S., maritime and labour union sources said on Thursday.Still, threat levels for shipping remained high given the Houthis' confirmation that Israeli-related assets remained open to attack and the attendant risks to broader shipping, maritime officials said. Ships with no connection to Israel had been targeted in the past with no certainty of safe passage.President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday the U.S.
INTERCARGO Welcomes ILO Recognition of Seafarers as Key Workers
The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) welcomes the recent decision at the International Labour Organization (ILO) to officially recognize seafarers as key workers under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).This outcome represents a significant step in ensuring fair treatment, safeguarding seafarers' rights, and strengthening their access to medical care, mobility, and legal protections.“This recognition of seafarers as key workers by the ILO is both…
ILO’s Maritime Labor Convention: Amendments to Improve Seafarer Working and Living Conditions
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) welcomes the series of landmark updates to ILO’s Maritime Labor Convention (MLC), following an intense week of negotiations at the International Labor Organization (ILO) headquarters in Geneva. Under ILO’s Special Tripartite Committee on the MLC, governments, shipowners, and unions met from April 7-11, 2025, to review and adopt crucial updates that reflect the evolving needs of seafarers and the maritime industry.Among the suite of amendments…
IMO: Protecting Seafarers’ Rights, Addressing Substandard Shipping
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted crucial new guidelines to protect seafarers from unfair treatment when detained in foreign jurisdictions in connection with alleged crimes committed at sea. The guidelines, adopted by the Legal Committee during its meeting in London from 24 to 28 March, aim to protect seafarers’ rights and ensure they are treated with fairness and dignity, no matter where they are in the world. Key aspects of the guidelines relate to due process…
