On the occasion of the Day of the Seafarer 2025, the maritime industry is being called upon to reaffirm its commitment to the protection and dignity of seafarers. With this year’s IMO-led theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship,” the focus has turned to safety and fairness at sea—not only in terms of working environment but also in legal treatment.
InterManager, the only association representing the ship management sector, has taken a strong stance against the criminalisation of seafarers without evidence, calling it a grave injustice that must end.
Criminalisation Without Proof: A Growing Concern
Capt Kuba Szymanski, Secretary General of InterManager, stated that it is “unacceptable” for seafarers to face criminal prosecution in the absence of evidence. He highlighted cases where crew members have been unfairly blamed for maritime incidents, including pollution, accidents, or illicit cargo, despite not being personally responsible.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) echoed this concern, stating that seafarers are often convicted and imprisoned unjustly, suffering the consequences of systemic flaws in maritime legal frameworks.
Harassment-Free Ships Require Enforcement, Not Just Promises
While the IMO’s 2025 campaign seeks to eliminate bullying and harassment at sea, InterManager argues that policies must be backed by enforcement. Capt Szymanski emphasized that harassment is a safety issue and must be treated with the same urgency as other life-threatening conditions at sea.
InterManager is pushing for real-world implementation, urging maritime regulators to go beyond slogans and ensure that rules protecting seafarers’ rights are strictly upheld across jurisdictions.
InterManager’s Broader Mission: Data-Driven Safety Advocacy
With NGO status at the IMO, InterManager is deeply involved in influencing international maritime safety standards. The organisation has collected crucial data on enclosed space fatalities, lifeboat safety, and seafarer criminalisation, helping to inform high-level decision-making.
Its advocacy is clear: seafarers should not pay with their freedom—or their lives—for global trade. The mental and physical health of maritime workers must be safeguarded through evidence-based policies, just treatment, and industry-wide collaboration.
As the world celebrates the invaluable service of seafarers, industry leaders like InterManager are pushing for a future where seafarers are protected from unjust legal action and workplace harm. True appreciation must go beyond words—through enforced regulation, shared responsibility, and unwavering commitment to fairness and safety at sea.
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Source: InterManager
