BIMCO examines criminalization of seafarers

BIMCO examines criminalization of seafarers    BIMCO, the Denmark-based association of ocean carriers that provides shipping documents and reports of industry trends, has conducted a study of recent cases involving the international practice of using criminal sanctions against seafarers.
   Out of 44 cases researched by BIMCO, nine involved the detainment of seafarers in prison prior to them being found guilty of committing a deliberate act of negligence. The seamen in these cases served on several wrecked vessels made famous by the media, including the 'Prestige,' 'Tasman Spirit,' and the 'Erika.'
   An additional 28 cases involved detainment or punishment of seafarers after the allegations had been proven. The remaining seven cases did not lead to detainment or punishment.
   The study expressed 'great concern' for those cases 'in which seafarers are detained before any wrongdoing has been proven,' BIMCO said in a statement.
   'These cases illustrate the pressures borne by seafarers detained far from home for lengthy periods of time, which can range from months to years. One case involved an attempted suicide, and another tragically resulted with a suicide,' BIMCO said.
   The study, which also identified several initiatives aimed at protecting seafarers' rights, concluded that while most of the applicable laws are fair, they are at times applied in an unfair manner.
   BIMCO's board of directors, meeting in Singapore on March 2, voted to adopt the study and to establish a BIMCO coordination group for the protection of seafarers' rights.
   The study will soon be released to the public. Reports of continuing abuse may be sent to BIMCO's Security and International Affairs Department, international@bimco.org.