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Although Seafarers make a very significant contribution to the systematic rhythm of our daily lives, they are a largely invisible workforce. Shipping transports over ninety percent of global trade; yet, often it comes to the attention of media, and consequently to the public, only when a serious accident or catastrophic incident occurs. The sea is a dangerous environment. Adding to the inherent challenges it brings, seafarers also must balance between international and port state laws, best practices and the owners’ constant pressures to reduce costs. Moreover, seafarers face another big challenge, namely, the threat of criminalization. Seafarers, especially master and senior officers of ships, are increasingly being investigated and charged when an accident happens, especially where environmental damage occurs. There is inevitably heightened political tension, given the anticipated public and media reaction to such events, and states are often very quick to blame, even before an investigation is conducted. The seriousness of this led to the adoption in 2006 of the Fair Treatment Guidelines in the Event of a Maritime Accident (the Guidelines) by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). Yet a survey conducted by the Seafarers’ Rights International (SRI) in 2012 strongly suggests that the rights of seafarers, as enshrined in the Guidelines, may often be subject to violation, and that there is widespread concern among seafarers.
