Seafarer Criminalisation occurs when Ship Masters or other crew members face criminal charges following a maritime incident or for alleged crimes onboard a vessel.
The criminalisation aspect is fuelled by other factors that can lead to Ship Masters or other crew members becoming scapegoats. In these situations, the Ship Master or crew member can receive unfair treatment & denial of due process that can lead to detention & prosecution.
Organizations like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have established guidelines to promote the fair treatment of seafarers in such situations.
IFSMA stands alongside Ship Masters when they are facing unjust criminalisation and will use our global influence to promote the use of due & fair process.