Are seafarers' rights sufficiently protected under international law?

Abstract

With ninety percent of the world’s trade dependent on shipping, the global economy is highly reliant on the work done by seafarers operating ships which are engaged in both domestic and international trade. Notwithstanding the fundamental role that seafarers have within the maritime industry, such workers are often overlooked and exploited. Unfortunately, shipowners are often more concerned with the business and financial benefits of shipping rather than the health, and welfare of seafarers. This is exemplified by the numerous cases of ship abandonment over the years, the various situations of unpaid wages which arise, and the poor working and living conditions of seafarers on board ships. This thesis provides an examination of the key international legal instruments in place which are relevant to seafarers’ rights. This analysis strives to determine whether such international instruments are sufficient to guarantee the protection of seafarers, in light of the modern-day challenges which seafarers are facing whilst working and living on board vessels. The main focus of this study is the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, also termed the ‘Seafarer’s Bill of Rights,’ as the chief instrument in place to secure decent working and living conditions for seafarers on board ships. In conclusion, this study has found that while the international community has significantly increased its efforts to promote and enforce the well-being of seafarers, there is still a long process ahead before the living conditions, working conditions and rights of seafarers can be considered on par with those of onshore workers.