Seafarers Abandoned On Bahrain Registered Vessels Owned By Saudi Company

Seafarers on board eight vessels owned by the Saudi Arabian company Hadi H Al Hamman Establishment, registered in Bahrain, suffer extremely difficult conditions. In some instances, there have been complaints of pay withholding that extends beyond five months.

The scenario has alarmed the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the international trade union federation of transport workers unions expressing concerns about the highly scarce fuel, food, and water supplies.

Steve Trowsdale, the Inspectorate Coordinator for the ITF, expressed deep concern about the situation of these seafarers, highlighting how such actions are both financially reckless and morally unacceptable.

The seriousness of the problem across the 35 ships owned by the company has been made clear by the ITF’s action, which involves adding the Hadi H Al Hamman Establishment to its Seafarers’ Breach of Rights Index.

The Bahraini maritime authorities have received multiple reports and notifications, but not much has been done to punish the corporation responsible. Bahrain’s inactivity has drawn criticism from Mohamed Arrachedi, the ITF Flags of Convenience Network Coordinator for the Arab World and Iran. He brought attention to Bahrain’s refusal to ratify the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), which eliminates seafarers of fundamental rights.

Additionally, to provide financial support for the impacted seafarers, the ITF has contacted Gard, the insurer for these vessels. Arrachedi claims that the ITF will pursue activating the financial security associated with the vessels in the unlikely scenario that the corporation neglects to meet its responsibilities. The circumstances highlight the critical need for action to protect seafarers’ rights and welfare as they continue to face difficulties in the face of unresolved conflicts.

The ITF’s endeavours to tackle these obstacles serve as an important reminder of the essential need to maintain adherence to international maritime standards and safeguard the means of livelihood for maritime workers.

Reference: ITF

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Source: Maritime Shipping News