As the Day of the Seafarer 2025 is marked globally today (June 25), maritime leaders are sounding the alarm over rising cases of abuse, unfair criminalization, abandonment, and systemic neglect of seafarers—workers who are vital to the global supply chain.
At an event held at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Headquarters in London, industry stakeholders condemned the lack of judicial capacity, poor legal frameworks, and the failure of port authorities in protecting the rights and welfare of maritime professionals.
Key Concerns Raised:
- Criminalisation of seafarers during port stops and inspections
- Bullying, discrimination, and sexual harassment onboard ships
- Harassment of crew by port authorities in countries like Nigeria
- Seafarer abandonment and detention without due process
- Judicial ignorance of maritime law
What Maritime Leaders Are Saying
Prof. Alfred Oniye, President of the Merchant Seafarers Association of USA Inc. and Nigeria:
“These agencies must be called to order… Every authority interacting with maritime workers must uphold fairness, professionalism, and dignity of the human person.”
He specifically highlighted abuse by Nigeria Immigration Service, Port Health, Marine Police, and the NDLEA, calling on the federal government to address misconduct at Nigerian ports.
Stephen Cotton, General Secretary, International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF):
“The criminalisation of seafarers is a growing crisis. Governments must move beyond policy to implementation.”
Arsenio Dominguez, IMO Secretary-General:
“The well-being of seafarers must remain a global priority. We need stronger legal protections and shared responsibility.”
Corinne Vargha, Director, International Labour Standards Department, ILO:
“Ratifying and enforcing the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) is a critical step. Prosecutors and judges must be trained on the realities of seafarers’ work.”
Thomas Kazakos, Secretary General, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS):
“Strengthened cooperation is needed across the maritime industry to shield seafarers from unjust treatment.”
IMO/ILO Guidelines on Fair Treatment of Seafarers in Legal Proceedings, adopted in April 2025, now provide:
- Protection against arbitrary detention
- Safeguards for wages, healthcare, and repatriation
- Procedures to prevent coercion and intimidation
However, leaders caution that without enforcement, guidelines alone will not protect seafarers from legal limbo or abusive practices.
As nations celebrate maritime workers today, stakeholders insist it must go beyond lip service.
“Let June 25 be more than symbolic. Let it be the beginning of accountability, enforcement, and respect for those who keep global trade afloat.”
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