Seafaring is a highly demanding profession and seafarers continue to be exposed to various hazards during their tour of duty. These could be broadly classified into physical and environmental hazards, ergonomic and biological hazards, cargo related hazards, Psychological and emotional strain, stress and fatigue, exploitation, lack of advanced onboard medical facilities, security and geopolitical threats.
The theme of this year’s celebration aptly describes the critical role played by seafarers in carrying International trade in the backdrop of the ongoing geo-political crisis and resulting threats to shipping in the Persian Gulf Region which has left hundreds of ships and thousands of seafarers stranded indefinitely in troubled waters.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by US and Iranian forces since March and targeted military strikes against merchant shipping has crippled international trade through the world’s busiest shipping route, while putting the lives of seafarers at stake. Despite the most recent peace agreement signed by US and Iran, it could be months before shipping returns to normal operations through the Strait of Hormuz.
Over the past few weeks, several heartbreaking incidents involving Indian seafarers have been reported from the war zone.
Between June 8 and 11, three oil tanker vessels were attacked by the US navy accusing them of violating the US blockade on Iranian ports, as follows:
On June 8, MT Marivex with 24 Indian seafarers onboard. All were rescued by the Omani Navy.
On June 10, MT Settebello with 24 Indian seafarers. Three lost their lives, including a 23-year old deck cadet Aditya Sharma.
On June 11, MT Jalveer with 20 Indian crew members. All crew were safely rescued.
In another heart-breaking incident, on June 11, a 35-year old 2nd Officer Nishanth Uirthanathan died onboard MT Celestial from medical complications, while the ship was proceeding towards Duqm port, Oman. Reportedly he was critically ill onboard for two days and despite best efforts of the crew to contact authorities ashore, he did not get timely medical attention attributed to restrictions from the ongoing crisis in the region.
On June 13 chemical tanker Bochem Marengo was attacked near strait of Hormuz by unmanned aerial vehicle. Although the vessel suffered severe structural damage, luckily all the Indian crew members survived the attack.
On this Day of the Seafarer it will be apt to bow our heads in respect for the brave hearts who endured the worst, and the lost souls of our innocent brothers who succumbed to the treacherous naval strikes and apathy.
Article 19 of UN Convention on Law of the Sea guarantees ships of all states right to innocent passage subject to adherence to specific rules, limitations and state powers.
However, the recent blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran and US, denied the merchant shipping this right.
On the other hand, regulation 4.1 of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC 2006) guarantees seafarers the right to medical care onboard ship and ashore. Member States are required to facilitate the prompt disembarkation of seafarers who need immediate medical care from ships in it’s territory, and access to medical facilities ashore for provision of appropriate treatment.
However, 2nd Officer Nishanth from MT Celestial was unfortunately denied this right resulting in loss of his life.
There are lessons to learn from the above tragic incidents. Seafarers are a harmless breed who do not harbor any vicious agenda. They leave their home and families to make an honest living out of their hard work onboard their assigned vessels. They generally do not have much knowledge about the shoreside transactions or any shady interests behind high-profile closed-door commercial deals. They honestly perform their duties towards their immediate employers in good faith.
On the other hand, merchant ships are unarmed and they do not stand any chance against the lethal power of naval strikes.
In the event that a State suspects the movement or intention of any merchant vessel near it’s territory, it can exercise more humane means to neutralise the vessel rather than unleash lethal power upon the unarmed crew risking their lives at sea.
During medical emergencies onboard there is a need to respect the rights of Seafarers which are granted by the International Convention MLC 2006, through a clearly defined framework between member states especially during such geopolitical crisis.
As has been rightly highlighted by our PM Narendra Modi during the G7 summit, all countries must ensure that maritime routes remain secure and that seafarers can perform their duties without fear. There is an urgent need for the world’s nations to take a collective responsibility for ensuring safe passage of merchant shipping and seafarers through key maritime corridors, due to growing regional conflicts.
Disruption to maritime trade due to blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s busiest shipping route, has severely affected world economy and caused loss of innocent lives and property.
There is no doubt seafarers and merchant shipping are the backbone of world economy. Seafarers’ safety and security should be a global responsibility. Their lives should not be put to unnecessary risks from regional conflicts. On this Day of The Seafarer, may better sense prevail.
(The author is a Master Mariner with Sailing experience of 32 years)
