Seafarer's Employment Agreement Terms and Conditions (21)
Loss of Life During Work at Sea
International Standards, Shipowners’ Responsibility, and the Protection of Seafarers’ RightsWork at sea is a symbol of courage, discipline, and dedication. Yet it remains one of the most dangerous professions in the world. Every year, hundreds of seafarers lose their lives while performing their duties, and each such tragedy demands not only compassion but also a clear legal, financial, and moral response.
International Legal Framework
The cornerstone of maritime labor protection is the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006), adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO). This global instrument defines the shipowner’s obligations in the event of illness, injury, or death of a seafarer during work at sea. Under the MLC, shipowners must:
provide financial security for compensation in case of death or long-term disability;
cover medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation;
pay for funeral and repatriation expenses;
notify authorities and the seafarer’s family about the incident.
These standards are reinforced by collective agreements and national maritime laws across most seafaring nations, making them binding for every employer engaged in work at sea.
Shipowners’ Liability
Every shipowner operating in international trade must maintain valid insurance covering liability toward the crew. In the event of a seafarer’s death during work at sea, the insurance policy must ensure immediate compensation to the legal beneficiaries.Shipowners bear responsibility not only for deaths caused by accidents on board but also for fatalities resulting from overwork, medical neglect, stress, or technical failures. In several jurisdictions, maritime courts recognize the concept of wrongful death at sea, when negligence, poor maintenance, or violation of safety regulations are proven.Companies engaged in work at sea are also required to conduct internal investigations for every fatal case and submit detailed reports to the flag state and relevant unions.
The Role of Trade Unions and Collective Bargaining Agreements
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and national seafarers’ unions play a central role in defending the rights of those who work at sea. Standard collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) signed with shipowners define:
compensation amounts in case of death or permanent disability;
procedures for repatriation and family support;
participation of union representatives in the investigation process.
In international practice, the minimum contractual compensation for loss of life during work at sea can reach tens of thousands of U.S. dollars, depending on rank, nationality, and flag of the vessel. Unions also monitor compliance with insurance and safety requirements, assist families of deceased seafarers, and represent them in legal proceedings. Their consistent work ensures that thousands of seafarers working at sea are protected both legally and socially.
Practical Challenges and Systemic Gaps
Despite the strong legal framework, practical enforcement remains inconsistent:
many deaths at sea are not properly investigated or reported;
insurance companies and employers sometimes avoid payments, citing “lack of causal connection”;
contracts on vessels under “flags of convenience” may contain vague or unfavorable terms;
families are often left uninformed about the causes and documentation of the incident.
Work at sea inherently carries high risk, which means the system of protection and compensation must function transparently and efficiently, not just formally.
Rights of the Seafarer’s Family
In the event of death during work at sea, the family is entitled to:
Contractual and insurance compensation;
Full information about the cause and investigation of death;
Legal and union representation;
Repatriation of the body and coverage of funeral expenses.
These rights are internationally recognized and must be enforced through flag states, unions, or competent maritime authorities.
Recommendations for Shipowners and Seafarers
Shipowners should:
maintain valid financial security covering death and disability risks;
ensure regular safety training and medical preparedness on board;
document all incidents and report them promptly;
provide psychological assistance to crews after tragic events.
Seafarers choosing work at sea should:
carefully review employment contracts (SEA) and collective agreements (CBA);
verify that the employer is registered with a recognized union;
keep copies of all employment and insurance documents;
contact ITF or national maritime unions for advice and protection if needed.
Conclusion
The loss of life during work at sea is not only a human tragedy but a vital test of integrity for the entire maritime industry. Shipowners’ responsibility, union oversight, transparent investigations, and fair compensation are the foundation of trust in maritime employment.Work at sea must not only provide income but also guarantee safety, dignity, and legal protection for every seafarer. Only through full compliance with international standards and solidarity among maritime professionals can the sea remain a place of honorable and secure work — where every life is valued and protected.
