Shipping is one of the oldest and rather risky industries in the world, where the seafarers have distinctive problems, which are uncommon for most land-based professions. It has long been recognised that adopting international laws that are implemented by all shipping nations is the best way to improve maritime safety.

The International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) SUA treaties (which was adopted in 1988, and underwent a thorough revision in 2005) provide the international legal framework which ensures that appropriate action is taken against persons committing unlawful acts against ships (and fixed platforms on the continental shelf). The treaties include the following unlawful acts, viz, seizure of ships by force; acts of violence against persons on board ships; and the placing of devices on board a ship which are likely to destroy or damage it.

Condemning the recent attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea areas, IMO Secretary General, Mr Kitack Lim in his statement reiterated, “…the strong commitment of IMO to protect seafarers, ships, and cargoes, which is of the utmost importance to ensure the safety and security of global supply chains. Attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea area are not acceptable. Ships must be allowed to trade worldwide unhindered, in accordance with international maritime law.”

Changing trade routes of commercial shipping by several globally operating companies is a direct response to the current threat, which aims at protecting seafarers from harm and minimizing the potential economic impact on world trade, which is highly dependent on shipping.

However, the growing threats posed by pirates and armed robbers, as well as the risk of seafarers losing their lives while crossing the Red Sea, begs the question how effective are the international laws when unlawful acts constantly imperil seafarers’ safety?

As a maritime fraternity, it is surely time to improve current international laws and make them more stringent so that no innocent life is sacrificed at sea for political advantage.

Hopefully the self-proclaimed protectors and guardians of seafarers and their interests will, before it is late, look at providing teeth and muscle to the laws meant to work in favour of seafarers.

Marex Media