War Zones and High-Risk Areas: Rules, Compensation, and Seafarers’ Rights

1. What Is a War Risk Area and Why It Matters in a Seafarer’s Contract

A War Risk Area (WRA) or High-Risk Zone refers to any maritime or coastal region where there is a heightened threat of armed conflict, piracy, terrorism, or political instability.
Such designations are made by international insurance bodies (like Lloyd’s Joint War Committee), maritime unions (ITF, Nautilus International), and shipping associations.When a vessel operates in a declared war or high-risk area, special contractual and safety conditions apply — including additional pay, insurance coverage, and the seafarer’s right to consent or refuse to sail there.

2. Regulatory Framework: MLC 2006, ILO, and ITF Standards

MLC 2006 – Safety and Crew Protection

According to Standard A4.3 of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006), shipowners must ensure a safe working environment and minimize all occupational risks, including those related to armed conflict.
A seafarer cannot be forced to work in a war zone without written consent, unless such deployment was clearly stated in their original employment agreement.

ILO – Labour Standards and Compensation

The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines that:

• Seafarers have the right to refuse to work in conditions where life or safety is at serious risk, without being penalized.

• Work performed in war zones or high-risk areas must be compensated at not less than double the basic daily wage (Double Pay).

• Shipowners are required to provide enhanced insurance coverage for life and health during the vessel’s stay in the risk area.

ITF and IBF Agreements

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and International Bargaining Forum (IBF) jointly maintain and update an official list of designated war risk and high-risk areas.
As of 2024, this list includes parts of the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Black Sea (around Crimea and Odesa), the Gulf of Guinea, Yemen, and the Horn of Africa region.ITF collective agreements require that:

• Crew be notified at least 7 days in advance before entering such zones.

• Seafarers have the right to refuse without disciplinary consequences.

• If they agree to continue, they must receive Double Pay and war risk insurance coverage (usually up to USD 208,000 in case of death due to war actions).

3. Compensation for Work in War and High-Risk Zones

A seafarer’s compensation while serving in such regions normally includes several components:

1. Double Pay – the daily wage rate doubled for each day the vessel remains within the declared coordinates.

2. War Risk Bonus – an additional lump-sum payment (typically 5–10% of monthly basic wage).

3. War Risk Insurance – enhanced personal and vessel insurance for the duration of exposure.

4. Evacuation and Repatriation Costs – fully covered by the company if the crew must be withdrawn due to hostilities.

4. Implementation in Practice

In practical terms, before entering a high-risk area, the shipowner must:

• Notify all crew members in advance about the intended route and potential risk;

• Offer a choice — to accept the voyage with extra pay or be replaced before entry;

• Sign a War Risk Clause (an addendum to the Seafarer’s Employment Agreement) specifying the coordinates, risk level, and financial terms.

If a vessel unexpectedly enters a conflict area due to sudden escalation, the company is obliged to immediately inform the crew, flag administration, and insurers, ensuring all seafarers retain their rights to full compensation.

5. The Right to Refuse and Responsibilities of Both Parties

Under MLC 2006 (Standards A4.3 and A2.1) and ITF regulations, a seafarer has the right to refuse to enter a war zone if it was not included in the original contract.
This refusal:

• is not considered insubordination;

• obliges the company to arrange safe repatriation or reassignment;

• does not affect the seafarer’s employment record.

If consent is given, the shipowner must document it formally and pay all agreed bonuses and allowances.

6. Oversight and Enforcement

Compliance is supervised by:

• ITF inspectors — verifying contracts, payroll, and insurance documentation;

• Flag and Port State Control authorities;

• National seafarers’ unions (e.g., AMOSUP, SEKO, NUMAST, PRMTU, KORSEA, etc.).

Seafarers have the right to:

• request a copy of the War Risk Agreement before sailing;

• report non-compliance or non-payment to ITF or local unions;

• pursue post-contract claims if the company fails to meet its obligations.

7. Modern Developments: Expansion of Risk Zones

Since 2022, the number of designated war and high-risk zones has more than doubled.
The most critical areas in 2024–2025 include:

• The Black Sea region (Ukraine, Russia);

• The Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait (Yemen, Eritrea, Sudan);

• The Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz;

• The Gulf of Guinea, due to piracy and armed robbery.

The IBF High Risk Area List is updated twice a year to reflect real-time geopolitical developments.
Additionally, temporary risk zones may be declared with limited validity, where Double Pay applies only within specific coordinates and timeframes.

8. Conclusion

Working in a war or high-risk zone is not an ordinary duty — it is a special form of maritime service involving exceptional responsibility and courage.
International conventions, unions, and insurers seek to balance operational necessity with crew safety and fair compensation.The guiding principle remains clear:

No seafarer should be exposed to war risks without informed consent and adequate remuneration.

Through MLC, ILO, and ITF frameworks, the maritime industry continues to ensure that those who keep global trade moving — even through the world’s most dangerous waters — receive the respect, protection, and pay they truly deserve.