The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted landmark new guidelines aimed at safeguarding seafarers from unfair treatment when detained in foreign jurisdictions concerning alleged maritime offences.
These crucial guidelines, endorsed by the IMO’s Legal Committee during its session in London from March 24th to 28th, are designed to uphold the rights of seafarers and ensure they are treated with fairness and dignity, regardless of their global location.
IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez underscored the urgency of the situation, stating: “Regrettably, instances of unjust treatment of seafarers are becoming increasingly frequent, posing a significant threat to the sustainability of the shipping industry. These situations not only erode seafarers’ morale but also deter prospective young individuals from pursuing careers at sea.”
He emphasized that these newly adopted guidelines “will be invaluable in addressing the challenges faced by seafarers and guaranteeing their equitable treatment.”
The core principles of the guidelines emphasize due process, protection against arbitrary detention, coercion, or intimidation, and the preservation of seafarers’ entitlements to wages, medical care, and repatriation throughout any legal proceedings. Furthermore, the guidelines seek to enhance collaboration among key stakeholders, including port States, flag States, coastal States, the seafarers’ national States, shipowners, and the seafarers themselves.
The foundation for these guidelines was laid in December 2024 through a collaborative effort by a Joint Tripartite Working Group involving the IMO and the International Labour Organization (ILO), which included representation from governments, shipowners, and seafarers.
Alarming Surge in Seafarer Abandonment Demands Urgent Action
In a parallel and pressing concern, the Legal Committee issued a strong call for immediate action to combat the alarming escalation of seafarer abandonment cases. This occurs when shipowners fail to fulfill their obligations to repatriate crew, pay owed wages, or provide essential provisions.
Data from the joint IMO/ILO database on seafarer abandonment reveals a disturbing trend, with 310 new cases reported in 2024 – more than double the 142 cases recorded in 2023. This upward trajectory continues into 2025, with 63 cases already documented in the first two months alone. The Committee implored Member States to proactively report abandonment incidents occurring within their ports or involving their flagged vessels and national seafarers, and to enhance the accuracy of their reporting.
Member States were also urged to update their national contact points for managing abandonment cases, implement existing Guidelines on addressing such situations, and raise awareness among seafarers regarding available financial security protections.
The Committee commended the ongoing work of the Task Force, coordinated by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), in reviewing and updating the ILO/IMO Joint abandonment database. Member States are encouraged to collaborate with the Task Force to further improve the database’s effectiveness.
Focus on Combating Substandard Shipping Practices
The Legal Committee also addressed the critical need to tackle the issue of substandard shipping, recognizing the increasing prevalence of unlawful operations that distort fair competition within the global maritime sector and elevate risks to safety, security, and the marine environment.
In response, the Committee approved a proposal to undertake a regulatory scoping exercise. This exercise will involve a comprehensive review of existing IMO conventions and other relevant instruments available to Member States, to develop concrete actions to prevent unlawful operations, including substandard shipping practices.
A correspondence group will be established to initiate work on this new output, pending the approval of its terms of reference by the IMO Council in July 2025.
Other Key Areas of Focus
Over the coming year, the Legal Committee will also be engaged in addressing three additional key areas:
- Developing guidelines or best practices for ship registration to enhance safety, protect the marine environment, and ensure the well-being of seafarers.
