From the Mission to Seafarers

Global industry leaders in the welfare of seafarers, marine law and insurance met on 10 September to discuss recent developments in abandonment cases for London International Shipping Week.

Willis convened a two hour round-table of experts, chaired by journalist Michael Grey (BIMCO correspondent), and included the Revd Canon Ken Peters, director of justice and welfare for The Mission to Seafarers and Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry (LL.B, LL.M, Ph.D International Law), director of the International Labour Standards Department of the International Labour Office in Geneva, Switzerland.

The experience of abandonment is one of the most distressing for crews all around the world, with the International Labour Organization reporting a total of 184 cases still unresolved. Abandonment of the vessel is now clearly identified under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC 2006) as the ultimate responsibility of Flag States who must guarantee making good financial costs attached to abandonment cases.

Willis and The Mission to Seafarers have recently signed a joint partnership agreement and launched a new and innovative insurance product entitled FLIER, which will give Flag States protection in the event of abandonment.

Canon Peters said:

"On the issue of abandonment, the responsibility placed on Flag States to repatriate abandoned crews will mean that the industry will no longer depend on charitable monies to send people home to their loved ones. Practically, however, it will still be up to The Mission to Seafarers to deliver food, water and fuel to ships, and to assist with the many details of supporting crews stranded for months and sometimes years on ‘dead’ abandoned vessels. We then can help send seafarers home by arranging transport, securing visas and immigration clearance, and to help provide a vital lifeline to anxious families overseas.

"The Mission to Seafarers is at the forefront of assisting crews that have been abandoned, and provides extensive welfare support services in the UK and in 260 ports worldwide; this will remain the case following MLC 2006. However, MLC 2006 requires Flag States to ensure that crews are repatriated quickly and that all associated costs are covered. All Flags that have ratified MLC 2006 must do this and Willis’s new FLIER product provides the financial security required, so we hope that the take up will be high. It is in the interest of the Flag States to insure against the risk of abandonment as they do for other aspects of shipping. If you insure the ship, then why not insure the people?"