Page 62 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - SEPT 2025

Maritime workforce

The last few years have seen an increase in the Recruitment and retention: A looming
criminalisation and unfair treatment of seafarers. shortage
Accidents, pollution incidents, and security crises All of these challenges feed into the most
have impacted seafarers, sometimes even with years pressing long-term threat facing the
of imprisonment in foreign jurisdictions without maritime industry: the recruitment and
due process. The tragic irony is that seafarers are retention of skilled seafarers. The Drewry
frequently the ones who act heroically, preventing Manning Report for 2025-2026 already
disaster or saving lives – yet they are rewarded predicts a shortfall of tens of thousands
with suspicion and blame. of officers in the coming years. Young
people are understandably hesitant to
pursue a career at sea when the pro-
fession’s realities include abandon-
ment, criminalisation, and such grave,
life-threatening risks.
While global trade grows ever more reli-
ant on shipping, the maritime industry
must focus on investing in the people
who make it possible. To attract the next
generation, we need to transform the
conditions of work at sea. That means
reliable contracts, fair wages, pathways
protecting crews transiting through war- ship may enjoy robust protections, while for career development, and, above all,
like and high-risk zones? At a minimum, a colleague on a similar vessel under respect for seafarers as professionals
they must ensure that vessels under their a different flag is left effectively on their and ‘key workers’.
flags are adequately risk-assessed, that own. Such inconsistency not only under-
crews are consulted before transits, and mines workers’ rights but also creates unfair A call to action
that seafarers have, and are able to mean- competition among shipowners. Compa- The maritime industry is the backbone
ingfully enact, their right to refuse dangerous nies that cut corners benefit financially while of our economies and communities. It
voyages without fear of being blacklisted or responsible operators face higher costs. must focus on developing a workforce
losing their job. that enjoys safety, feels motivated, and
These protections must not exist only The need for stronger international is fairly treated. This is not only good for
on paper. Flag states, particularly those coordination the workers themselves but it will also
operating open registries, have a duty To break this cycle, we need stronger allow for economic development and
of care that they cannot outsource. If international coordination. The Inter- security in global supply chains.
a flag is willing to collect registration fees national Maritime Organisation (IMO), Governments must step up the
from shipowners, it must also shoulder the the International Labour Organisation enforcement of existing international
responsibility of safeguarding crews in vol- (ILO), and all states within the wider conventions, close loopholes in the
atile waters. States must work with industry UN system must work more closely FOC system, and guarantee seafar-
and unions alike to ensure seafarers are not with industry and maritime unions to ers the same protections any worker
exposed to unacceptable levels of risk with- ensure consistent standards and robust ashore would expect. Flag adminis-
out their informed consent. enforcement mechanisms. trations must take responsibility for
Greater coordination would also help the safety of the crews whose labour
Uneven enforcement: A patchwork close loopholes exploited by unscrupu- sustains their registries. And finally,
of protections lous shipowners. Shared protocols for the international community must do
The ITF’s global work reveals stark dis- handling seafarers caught in conflict more to ensure that no matter where
parities in how states enforce seafarer zones would ensure that no crew is left a ship is registered, seafarers receive
rights and safety protocols. Some nations without protection because of where equal protection, fairness, and respect.
take their responsibilities seriously, con- their ship is registered. At the ITF, we will continue to fight
ducting inspections, intervening quickly Above all, international coordina- on every front: assisting abandoned
in abandonment cases, and provid- tion must put seafarers at the centre crews, pushing back against unfair
ing legal assistance when seafarers are of decision-making. Too often, policies criminalisation, challenging the
unfairly detained. Others, particularly are made in conference rooms without exploitative FOC system, and demand-
those operating FOCs, lack either the will the voices of those most affected. The ITF ing real safety and security for seafar-
or the infrastructure to enforce even and our affiliates will continue to push ers. Seafarers are not invisible – they
the most basic international standards. for a seat at the table to ensure that the are the heart of shipping. By protecting
This uneven enforcement creates a dan- lived realities of seafarers shape the rules them, we protect the lifeblood of the
gerous two-tier system. A seafarer on one that govern them. world economy.

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