How to Solve the Problem of Abandoned Seafarers

How to Solve the Problem of Abandoned Seafarers

International Standards, Legal Mechanisms, and Crew ProtectionThe issue of abandoned seafarers is one of the most serious challenges in modern maritime labor.
Each year, hundreds of crew members are left stranded on ships—without wages, fuel, food, or means of returning home.
Shipowners disappear, companies go bankrupt, and seafarers are left behind, isolated and helpless far from their families and legal support.

1. Definition of Abandonment

According to the IMO/ILO Resolution and MLC 2006 Regulation 2.5,
a seafarer is considered abandoned when the shipowner:

• fails to pay wages for at least two months;

• does not provide food, water, fuel, medical care, or repatriation;

• leaves the vessel without proper notice or replacement by flag authorities.

As of 2024, the IMO–ILO database has recorded over 1,300 confirmed cases of abandonment worldwide.

2. Causes of Abandonment

The main causes are financial insolvency or negligence by shipowners, but deeper systemic issues include:

• open-registry (“flags of convenience”) systems with weak oversight;

• shell companies with hidden ownership;

• lack of awareness of P&I coverage among crew;

• poor flag-state and port-state supervision;

• lengthy bureaucracy in wage recovery and repatriation.

3. International Protection Framework

a) The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006)

Under Standard A2.5.2, each shipowner must maintain financial security to cover:

• unpaid wages (up to 4 months);

• food, water, fuel, and medical care;

• repatriation to the seafarer’s home country;

• return of personal belongings.

This is evidenced by a Financial Security Certificate issued by a P&I Club and must be carried onboard.

b) IMO and ILO Mechanisms

Both agencies maintain a global abandonment database and coordinate joint responses through the Tripartite Working Group on Abandonment of Seafarers, ensuring rapid assistance and policy improvement.

c) ITF Role

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) provides direct support via its inspectors in ports, offering legal aid, food, repatriation, and recovery of wages through the ITF Seafarers’ Trust Fund.

4. Immediate Actions for Abandoned Crews

When abandonment occurs, the crew should:

1. Contact the nearest ITF inspector or report online via itfseafarers.org;

2. Notify the flag state and port state authority;

3. Present the Financial Security Certificate to claim coverage;

4. Document all evidence (photos, logbook, crew statements);

5. Remain onboard until proper legal consultation, to preserve rights.

5. Shipowners’ Responsibilities

Shipowners must:

• maintain valid financial-security certificates under MLC 2006;

• sign clear Seafarers’ Employment Agreements (SEA);

• provide food, water, safety, and communications onboard;

• cooperate promptly with the P&I Club in emergency cases.

Failure leads to detention, fines, flag withdrawal, and loss of reputation.

6. Preventive Measures

To avoid abandonment, seafarers and managers should:

• verify shipowner reputation and MLC certificates;

• work only through licensed crewing agencies;

• keep digital copies of contracts and documents;

• request a copy of the financial-security certificate before joining;

• stay connected with a seafarers’ union or ITF contact.

7. Shared Responsibility

The solution requires joint effort:

• Flag states — respond promptly to crew complaints;

• Port states — detain vessels in proven abandonment cases;

• Shipowners — maintain transparent wage-payment systems;

• ITF and IMO — strengthen the global emergency-relief fund for seafarers.

8. Conclusion

The abandonment of seafarers is not just a legal breach — it is a moral failure of the maritime industry.
True reform demands transparency, strict MLC enforcement, and solidarity between owners, unions, and governments.
Every seafarer must be certain: their work, dignity, and life at sea will never be abandoned.