ITF Calls for Warlike Zone Status In Hormuz, Gulf Of Oman, And Israeli Ports

By
Mfame Editor
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24

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has urged the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) to classify the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and Israeli ports as Warlike Operations Areas (WOAs) due to escalating military threats.

This move would empower seafarers with the right to refuse passage, request repatriation, and access risk compensation.

Mounting Security Concerns in a Militarised Zone

  • ITF highlighted the surge in drone strikes, vessel seizures, and armed encounters, warning that such incidents are no longer rare.

  • Naval buildups by multiple countries in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz indicate rising instability.

  • Leading maritime insurers have already declared these waters as war-risk zones, underscoring the growing danger.

Seafarers Caught in Crossfire

  • “Merchant ships are becoming targets,” said Neven Melven of the Croatian Seafarers’ Union.

  • The use of drones and missiles near Israeli ports exposes civilian crews to unpredictable and asymmetric conflict.

  • Seafarers are operating under threat in conflicts they did not choose to be part of.

Protections Sought Under WOA Designation

If designated as Warlike Operations Areas, seafarers would gain:

  • The right to refuse assignments in dangerous waters

  • Risk pay and emergency support

  • Safe, penalty-free repatriation

Mark Dickinson (ITF) emphasized: “If insurers recognise the threat, shipowners must too. Ongoing military convoys are proof of the danger.”

Call for Urgent Action and Shared Responsibility

  • The ITF reiterated its commitment to dialogue but insisted on immediate safety measures.

  • “No seafarer should be forced to sail into danger without choice,” said Dickinson.

  • The union urged shipowners to act in “the spirit of shared responsibility” and prioritise crew welfare.

The ITF’s call to designate the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and Israeli ports as Warlike Operations Areas reflects the urgent need to safeguard seafarers operating in increasingly volatile regions.

With rising military tensions, insurer risk classifications, and direct threats to merchant ships, the demand for stronger protections is both justified and necessary. Declaring these areas as WOAs would not only uphold seafarers’ rights to safety and choice but also send a clear message that their lives and well-being cannot be compromised for commercial interest.

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Source: INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT WORKERS FEDERATION