A joint report submitted by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) highlights a troubling trend: seafarers are increasingly facing prolonged imprisonment and separation from their families—sometimes for years—while authorities investigate alleged crimes despite a lack of reliable evidence.

Bridging the Administrative Gap

A primary concern raised in the report is the "critical gap" between national governments and their local judicial systems. While many Member States express support for IMO/ILO Guidelines on fair treatment, the report notes that local prosecutors and judiciaries often disregard these standards, likely due to a lack of awareness.

To combat this, the ICS and ITF have established the Industry Standing Forum on the Criminalization of Seafarers. This new body provides:

• A Collective Voice: Engaging with a representative industry front in active detention cases.
• Knowledge Sharing: Distributing expertise to ensure the 2025 ILO/IMO Guidelines are applied during maritime accidents or criminal investigations.

• Direct Advocacy: The Forum has already met three times and made joint representations to assist detained seafarers in several specific cases.

Combating the Narcotics Risk

The report also addresses the "unwitting" role commercial shipping plays in the global drug trade. With UNODC data showing that most global cocaine trade occurs via sea, crews are often caught in the crosshairs of smuggling operations they know nothing about.

The Path Forward

The industry is calling for a unified commitment to due process. As the Standing Forum prepares for future campaigns, the message to global maritime administrations is clear: fair treatment is not just a guideline; it is a necessity for maintaining industry confidence and protecting the human rights of the global seafaring workforce.