ABSTRACT
Abandonment of seafarers is a problem that has arisen with the growth of the shipping industry. Furthermore, because of their lack of representation within the male-dominated maritime domain, legal protections for female seafarers are practically nonexistent. Female maritime workers are the target of the worst-paid and least-protected jobs, and they can be subject to discrimination and harassment including sexual abuse, unequal wages, unequal representation, and lack of access to the same facilities or equipment as male workers. Despite the existence of international legal protections and conventions, regulation authorities have not fully concentrated on female seafarers’ rights. The aim of this legal research paper is to highlight an applicable path for recognition and development of seafarers’ rights. Much of the basis for the current study comes through research and work with Human Rights at Sea (HRAS), an independent maritime human rights platform based in England. This study examines past and present cases of seafarer abandonment and international law relating to maritime labour and seafarer abandonment, with an eye toward examining the role of the female maritime worker.
I conclude that support for abandoned seafarers is lacking. We do not have common legislation or applicable law, or enough international bodies to apply or support human rights at sea. I propose the implementation of proper investigations into the human rights of abandoned seafarers, addressing any discovered problems through proper legislative procedure, human rights authorities, and lawyers or consultants supported by the UN or other charities and non-governmental organisations.