COPE° Webinar Recap: Addressing the Unjust Criminalization of Seafarers

Events, Featured News, News, Safety and Security in the Americas / hannah

COPE° Webinar Recap: Addressing the Unjust Criminalization of Seafarers

18 June 2026

On June 18, 2026, COPE° hosted the second session of its webinar, “Addressing the Unjust Criminalization of Seafarers,” led by COPE’s Working Group on Maritime Safety and Security. The session brought together maritime leaders, legal scholars, and industry representatives to examine the growing concern that seafarers are increasingly being drawn into criminal investigations and detention in foreign jurisdictions, often without clear access to due process, independent legal counsel, translation support, or family assistance.

The discussion centered on a critical question for the maritime industry: How can the international community ensure that legitimate law enforcement efforts are balanced with the fundamental rights and protections owed to seafarers?

Understanding the Global Context

The webinar opened with remarks from Hannah Dawicki, who framed the issue as one that sits at the intersection of maritime safety, global trade, human rights, and international law. Seafarers play an essential role in maintaining global commerce, yet when incidents occur at sea or in port, they may find themselves caught in unfamiliar legal systems far from home.

Lisbeth Laurie, Chairperson of COPE’s Working Group on Maritime Safety and Security, provided the global context for the discussion. She explained that as global trade expands, vessels become larger and more complex, and maritime operations rely increasingly on new technologies, seafarers may face greater exposure to criminal investigations involving drug trafficking, maritime accidents, pollution incidents, security breaches, and other operational events.

A key theme from her remarks was the need to balance enforcement with fairness. Strong maritime security and effective law enforcement are essential, but they must be accompanied by clear safeguards that protect the rights of those serving at sea.

Industry Data and Emerging Trends

Captain Kuba Szymanski, Secretary General of InterManager, presented data and case examples illustrating the scope and seriousness of seafarer criminalization. Drawing on information tracked by InterManager, he noted that cases have occurred across multiple regions, with Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa all represented.

He also highlighted examples of seafarers facing prosecution or severe penalties long after incidents occurred, or after reporting suspicious activity themselves. These cases underscored the vulnerability of seafarers who may be treated as suspects despite limited control over the circumstances that led to an investigation.

Captain Szymanski emphasized that masters, chief engineers, and senior officers are often among those most exposed, and that many seafarers lack the legal and institutional support available to professionals in other sectors.

Legal Gaps in Existing International Frameworks

Professor Dr. Kristina Siig examined the limitations of the current legal framework. She explained that while international instruments such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) provide important protections and obligations within maritime governance, they were not designed specifically to protect seafarers who become suspects, detainees, or defendants in criminal proceedings.

This gap creates uncertainty. Existing international law may address vessel operations, labor standards, flag-state responsibilities, and port-state jurisdiction, but it does not provide a comprehensive, binding framework for the treatment of seafarers during criminal investigations.

Her remarks reinforced the need to examine whether current guidelines and soft-law instruments are sufficient, or whether stronger legal mechanisms are needed.

Due Process and the Need for Binding Standards

Brian McNamara focused on what due process should look like for seafarers facing investigation or detention. He discussed the importance of timely access to independent legal counsel, interpretation and translation services, communication with family members and employers, and a fair process that recognizes the realities of maritime employment.

The panel discussed how seafarers are often placed in uniquely vulnerable positions. They may be far from their home country, unfamiliar with the legal system, unable to communicate effectively in the local language, and uncertain whether their employer, flag state, or other institutions will provide support.

A recurring point throughout the webinar was that guidance alone may not be enough. Panelists discussed the importance of developing enforceable standards that ensure seafarers are treated fairly while allowing authorities to carry out legitimate investigations.

A Proposed Path Forward: Treaty Development and a Maritime Observatory

Eric R. Dawicki discussed the need to move from problem identification toward practical reform. He proposed the development of a new international legal instrument focused specifically on the protection of seafarers facing criminalization, detention, or adverse legal conditions.

He also introduced the concept of a maritime observatory that could help track cases, identify patterns, improve transparency, and support evidence-based policymaking. Such an observatory could provide a more structured way to document incidents, monitor treatment of seafarers, and inform future legal and policy development.

This proposed path forward reflects COPE’s broader commitment to convening stakeholders, supporting legal and policy innovation, and helping the maritime community address complex global challenges through practical, collaborative solutions.

Key Takeaways

Several major themes emerged from the discussion:

Seafarers are essential to global trade but remain vulnerable when caught in criminal investigations far from home.
Existing international frameworks do not fully address the rights of seafarers as suspects, detainees, or defendants.
Access to legal counsel, translation, family communication, and procedural fairness must be treated as core protections.
Current guidelines should be evaluated to determine whether they need to be strengthened into binding international standards.
Better data collection and case tracking are necessary to understand the scale and patterns of seafarer criminalization.
A treaty-focused process and maritime observatory could provide a practical foundation for long-term reform.

Continuing the Conversation

The unjust criminalization of seafarers is not only a legal issue. It is also a human rights issue, a workforce issue, a maritime safety issue, and a matter of confidence in the global maritime system.

COPE° will continue working with its Fellows, partners, and stakeholders to advance research, dialogue, and policy development in this area. The webinar marked an important step in moving the conversation from awareness toward action, with a focus on building stronger protections for seafarers and greater accountability across the international maritime system.

To stay engaged with COPE°’s work on seafarer rights, maritime safety, and international legal reform, visit our Get Involved page or contact us to learn more about upcoming initiatives.

To stay engaged with COPE°’s work on seafarer rights, maritime safety, and international legal reform, visit our Get Involved page or Contact Us to learn more about upcoming initiatives.

For questions or comments about this paper, please email [email protected].

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COPE° Webinar: Addressing the Unjust Criminalization of Seafarers

Events, Featured News, Safety and Security in the Americas / hannah

COPE° Webinar: Addressing the Unjust Criminalization of Seafarers

A COPE° Maritime Safety & Security Working Group Webinar

Session 1: Tuesday, 16 June, 1:00–2:30 PM EST
Session 2: Thursday, 18 June, 9:00–10:30 AM EST

In order to expand accessibility, this webinar is FREE for all attendees.

Description

This COPE° Webinar will take a focused look at how investigations and enforcement are affecting seafarers around the world. Bringing together maritime law, policy, and industry perspectives, the discussion will examine the unjust criminalization of seafarers, gaps in current legal frameworks, and proposals to strengthen protections and promote fair treatment.

Registration Links

Join us for this important discussion on seafarers’ rights, maritime justice, and the need for stronger protections worldwide.

Dates & Times

Webinar: Session 1

Date: 16 June 2026
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 pm EST
Registration: Register for Session 1

Webinar: Session 2

Date: 18 June 2026
Time: 9:00 – 10:30 am EST
Registration: Register for Session 2

Maritime Safety and Security Working Group

Learn more about this working group, which is focused on strengthening maritime security, improving coordination across borders, and supporting the safe and efficient movement of trade.

Overview

Seafarers are essential to global trade, yet in many cases they face serious legal and personal consequences for incidents beyond their control. Around the world, investigations related to drugs, pollution, accidents, and other maritime events have increasingly placed seafarers at risk of prolonged detention, criminal prosecution, reputational harm, and separation from their families.

This webinar, hosted by the Center for Ocean Policy and Economics (COPE°) and its Maritime Safety & Security Working Group, will take a focused look at how and why this occurs, where existing legal and regulatory frameworks fall short, and what measures may be needed to ensure fair treatment and due process.

Drawing on COPE°’s white paper, Protecting the Human Rights of Seafarers Facing Adverse Conditions and Criminalization in the Maritime Industry, the webinar will bring together maritime lawyers, policy experts, and industry leaders to examine the issue from legal, operational, and human perspectives.

To make the discussion accessible to participants across regions, COPE° will host two live sessions of the same webinar at different times.

What the Webinar Will Cover

Participants can expect discussion on:

- How investigations and enforcement actions are affecting seafarers around the world
- The growing problem of unjust criminalization in the maritime sector
- Real-world cases and operational perspectives from industry and seafaring professionals
- Gaps in current international and national legal frameworks
- Due process, fair treatment, and the rights of seafarers during investigations and detention
- COPE°’s proposal for an international treaty focused on seafarer protections
- The concept of a maritime observatory to improve transparency, accountability, and reform

Why This Discussion Matters

Seafarers should not have to accept the risk of injustice as a condition of employment. As the individuals at the foundation of an industry that supports the movement of global trade, they are entitled to dignified treatment, due process, and meaningful legal protections.

This webinar is intended not only to raise awareness of the issue, but also to encourage informed discussion on practical reforms that can better protect seafarers, strengthen maritime governance, and improve accountability across the global maritime system.

Format and Participation

The webinar will feature short presentations from invited speakers, followed by brief question-and-answer segments after each major section. A longer Q&A will also be held at the end of the session.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

- Submit questions in advance during registration
- Ask questions during the webinar
- Receive follow-up materials after the event, including key takeaways and related resources

Speakers

Lisbeth Laurie

Lisbeth Laurie is Program Manager and expert in the design of initiatives aiming to improve maritime and port security, including promoting, designing, and implementing key capacity-building programs for north, central and south American countries; developing training content, best practices, and tabletop exercises related to port security; and implementing efforts related to supply-chain security.

In her role as a Program Manager of the Maritime and Port Security Program of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) of the Organization of American States (OAS), a multilateral organization covering the Americas, Ms. Laurie has led important initiatives: (1) the development of National Maritime Security Strategies for Guatemala, as well as for each of seven Eastern Caribbean countries and also creation of an Eastern Caribbean Regional Maritime Security Strategy; (2) an operational assessment of a key maritime port for the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; (3) publication of Maritime Cybersecurity in the Western Hemisphere Guidelines, and a Verification and Compliance Manual for Port Security Officials.

Ms. Laurie played a leading role in the substantive execution of a number capacity-building initiatives on supply chain security focused on Authorized Economic Operator Program in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Panama, Paraguay and Mexico, as well as in maritime and port security. This has included a number of comprehensive assessments of security-related capabilities at both the national and port levels in Belize, Costa Rica and Mexico; leading national level workshops on maritime security drills and exercises in Colombia, Guatemala, Jamaica, Panama and Uruguay (the latter in conjunction with the International Maritime Organization); and helping to facilitate a regional workshop and roundtable discussion among senior leadership responsible for maritime security in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In addition, Ms. Laurie conducted public outreach and have represented the OAS at numerous national and regional maritime security-related training courses, conferences and meetings of senior decision-makers with a view towards acting as a liaise with donors and prospective donors, and building partnerships with government bodies, stakeholders and other organizations.

At the General Secretariat of the OAS, Mrs. Laurie held a variety of managerial positions, primarily focused on promoting efficiency within the Organization by optimizing processes, resources and ensuring compliance with budgetary and financial rules and regulations of the General Secretariat, its subsidiary bodies, donors and other related entities. In 2010, Ms. Laurie was appointed by the OAS General Secretary as a board member of the OAS Medical Trust Fund.

Ms. Laurie holds degree as a Public Accountant (CPA) and a certification in Forensic Accounting from Georgetown University. As well as various graduated studies related to maritime security; including, Incident Command System; and Maritime and Port Security Official from the Navy University from Mexico; Dynamics of Maritime, River and Port Drug Trafficking from Navy School “Almirante Padilla” Colombia; and Development of National Security Strategies and Maritime Transport of Goods: Key elements, contracts and insurance from the International Maritime Business School from Spain. She is fluent in Spanish and English and has over twenty years of experience working for international organizations.

Dr. Brian McNamara

Dr. Kristina Siig

Capt. Kuba Szymanski

Captain Kuba Szymanski is the Secretary General for InterManager, the international trade association for the ship and crew management sector.

He began his sea career in 1985. Graduating from the Maritime University of Szczecin with a Master’s Degree, he became a deck officer with Dorchester Maritime Limited Isle of Man where he sailed gas/chemical/product tankers, reaching his first command as a Master in 1999. He continues to maintain his Captain’s Licence.

In order to support his managerial skills, he attended Lloyds Academy and obtained a Certificate in Ship Superintendence, before gaining an MBA at the International Business School, Isle of Man and John Moores University (JMU) Liverpool.

In his roles ashore, he worked as a Marine Superintendent, HSEQ Manager, Fleet Manager and General Manager. He was appointed Secretary General of InterManager in January 2010.

Through his role with InterManager, Capt Szymanski has participated in many industry-wide projects, including the production of international shipping industry Key Performance Indicators (KPI), the Save Our Seafarers campaign, and the Martha Project which focussed on seafarer fatigue at sea. He currently chairs the Human Element Industry Group (HEIG) Enclosed Space Committee. During the Covid-19 pandemic Capt Szymanski represented InterManager on a number of key maritime panels, supporting the health and well-being of seafarers around the world and helping to ensure business continuity for the global supply chain.

In addition to being a member of the Maritime Professional Council of the UK, Capt Szymanski is a fellow of the Nautical Institute and a member of its Executive Board. In 2011 he joined the TK Foundation, which supports non-profit maritime and youth programs, and he currently chairs its HR and Renumeration Committee.

Capt Szymanski is a familiar face on the international maritime conference circuit and also lectures on ship management at the International Business School, Isle of Man. In July 2018 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Solent Southampton University in recognition of his contribution to the maritime industry.

In April 2022 Capt Szymanski took up the additional role of Chair of the Board of the 200-year-old Seafarers Hospital Society (SHS), the UK’s oldest maritime charity. SHS provides a range of health and welfare services to UK-based seafarers and their dependants.

In his leisure time, Kuba is a keen yachtsman and races sails his Beneteau First 40.7 competitively around Europe, mostly double or single handed. He is married with a son who is also a seafarer.

Eric R. Dawicki

Eric R. Dawicki is an internationally respected maritime expert who has demonstrated leadership and industry-wide successes in the areas of maritime transportation, safety, security, and regulatory affairs, while also leading global advancements in maritime policy, education and training, and economic development.

A Master of Public Administration recipient with Concentrations in Public Affairs from American University in Washington, D.C., President Dawicki has led a distinguished career. With more than 33 years of experience in the maritime industry, his background combines policy and practical expertise with both theoretical policy development and real-world experience. This includes serving in the United States Coast Guard Reserve and the United States Merchant Marine, holding various shipboard positions, ship management specializing in LNG tanker operations, and providing consultancy to private shipping companies, port facilities and governments around the world on domestic and international regulatory instrument compliance.

Presently serving as President of Northeast Maritime Institute (NMI), Dawicki has developed it into the first private maritime college in the history of the United States, offering Maritime Science degrees and continuing education and comprehensive digital learning programs. This includes the development of innovative online learning simulators, training and certification platforms for mariners on a global scale. NMI also serves as a direct support to entities worldwide through the Center for Ocean Policy and Economics (COPE). In addition, Mr. Dawicki concurrently serves as Co-Founder, President and CEO of the Commonwealth of Dominica Maritime Registry, which has an international network of 28 regional offices and close to 400 vessels, many of which operate across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Asian and Black Sea.

President Dawicki’s additional accomplishments include membership to the United States National Maritime Security Advisory Committee during the Obama and Bush Administrations and has served as the Lead Delegate to the United Nations' International Maritime Organization representing both the United States and the Commonwealth of Dominica and was both on the Board of Governors and Executive Governor to the UN’s World Maritime University, chairing it’s thirty-year sustainability plan, which is now successfully operating.

Moderator

Hannah Dawicki

Webinar Questions & Answers

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Life at Sea: A Professional Mariner’s Perspective on the Human Element of Ocean Policy

News, Publications / hannah

Life at Sea: A Professional Mariner’s Perspective on the Human Element of Ocean Policy

PAPER BY:

Captain James Foong, MBA, FNI

29 January 2026

I have spent much of my professional life at sea. Like many mariners, I entered the industry drawn by the promise of responsibility, challenge, and a career that connects nations through trade. Over time, I learned that life as a professional mariner is not defined by romance or adventure alone, but by resilience, discipline, and the often-overlooked human cost behind global maritime operations.

From a policy perspective, professional mariners are central to the functioning of the global ocean economy. More than 80 percent of world trade moves by sea, and every vessel depends on trained seafarers to operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with international regulations. Onboard, decisions are made daily that affect safety of life, environmental protection, and supply chain continuity. These responsibilities cultivate strong leadership, risk awareness, and problem-solving capabilities that few other professions demand at the same scale.

There are undeniable advantages to a maritime career. The profession offers structured progression, international exposure, and, for many, financial stability through rotational employment. Mariners develop adaptability and cultural intelligence by working in multinational crews under demanding conditions. For those who commit long-term, the sea can provide not only a livelihood but a strong professional identity rooted in accountability and service.

Yet the costs of this career are significant and deserve greater recognition in policy discussions. Extended separation from family remains one of the most challenging realities of seafaring. Contracts lasting several months often mean missing critical life events and carrying emotional burdens that cannot be fully alleviated by modern communication technologies. The psychological impact of prolonged absence is real and cumulative.

Operationally, mariners face long working hours, irregular sleep patterns, and persistent fatigue driven by watchkeeping systems and port turnaround pressures. While international conventions address rest hours and safety, practical implementation onboard does not always reflect regulatory intent. Fatigue and mental strain are not abstract concerns; they directly affect navigational safety, environmental protection, and operational decision-making.

Another growing challenge is the expanding administrative and compliance burden placed on seafarers. While regulatory frameworks are essential, excessive documentation and inspections can divert attention from core seamanship and safety tasks. Effective ocean policy must strike a balance between oversight and operational practicality, ensuring that regulations support—not undermine—the human operators tasked with enforcing them at sea.

From my experience, sustainable ocean policy cannot be separated from the wellbeing of professional mariners. Human-centred approaches to maritime governance—covering crew welfare, fatigue management, mental health, and realistic compliance expectations—are essential to achieving broader economic and environmental objectives.

If global ocean governance is to succeed, policymakers and industry leaders must listen more closely to those who live and work at sea. The future of maritime sustainability depends not only on technology and regulation, but on the people who navigate ships across the world’s oceans every day.

About the Author

Capt. James Foong is a Malaysian mariner with extensive operational experience at sea. He holds a Master Mariner qualification from the New Zealand Maritime School and an MBA in Shipping and Logistics from Middlesex University London. He is a Fellow of The Nautical Institute and Center for Ocean Policy and Economics. Beyond shipboard operations, he actively contributes to discussions on life at sea, leadership, safety, and the human element in shipping, sharing practical insights with a global professional audience of over 40,000 followers on LinkedIn.

About the Author

For questions or comments about this paper, please email [email protected].

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A Strategic Partnership for the Arctic Future: Why the United States Would Be a Stronger Long-Term Partner for Greenland’s Citizens

Featured News, News, Publications / hannah

A Strategic Partnership for the Arctic Future: Why the United States Would Be a Stronger Long-Term Partner for Greenland’s Citizens

PAPER BY:

Eric R. Dawick, MPA

11 January 2026

For questions or comments about this paper, please email [email protected].

A Strategic Partnership for the Arctic Future: Why the United States Would Be a Stronger Long-Term Partner for Greenland’s Citizens Read More »

How IMO’s Proposed “Net-Zero Framework” (NZF) Would Create Inflation for Small Island and Developing States

Featured News, News, Publications / hannah

How IMO’s Proposed “Net-Zero Framework” (NZF) Would Create Inflation for Small Island and Developing States

DEVELOPED BY:

The Center for Ocean Policy and Economics (COPE°)

16 October 2025

For questions or comments about this paper, please email [email protected].

How IMO’s Proposed “Net-Zero Framework” (NZF) Would Create Inflation for Small Island and Developing States Read More »

White Paper: Protecting the Human Rights of Seafarers Facing Adverse Conditions and Criminalization in the Maritime Industry

Featured News, News, Publications, Safety and Security in the Americas / hannah

White Paper: Protecting the Human Rights of Seafarers Facing Adverse Conditions and Criminalization in the Maritime Industry

DEVELOPED BY:

The Center for Ocean Policy and Economics (COPE°) Working Group on Maritime Safety and Security

Lisbeth Laurie (Chairperson), Brian McNamara (Co-Chair), Kristina Siig (Co-Chair), Capt. Kuba Szymanski, Eric R. Dawicki, Carol Keeling, Javier Franco, Hannah Dawicki (Facilitator)

June 2025

Members of the COPE° Working Group on Maritime Safety and Security have developed a white paper, titled: Protecting the Human Rights of Seafarers Facing Adverse Conditions and Criminalization in the Maritime Industry.

This paper addresses the growing issue of unjust detention and criminalization of seafarers around the world. It outlines how existing international frameworks fall short in protecting seafarers’ rights and proposes the development of a global treaty to ensure due process, legal safeguards, and basic human dignity for mariners. 

The paper is intended to support dialogue among international organizations, governments, industry, and civil society to help advance fair and effective protections for those working at sea.

For questions or comments about the paper, please email [email protected].

COPE° Working Group on Maritime Safety and Security

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The symposium on criminalisation of the seafarer

Featured News, News, Safety and Security in the Americas / hannah

The Symposium on Criminalisation of the Seafarer

by Capt. Kuba Szymanski

18 June 2025

The symposium on criminalisation of the seafarer was hosted in the plenary of the International Maritime Organisation on the 16th June 2025 from 1000 until 1730.

The symposium on the criminalisation of seafarers was introduced by the moderator and followed by a interview by Reuters of the secretary generals of IMO, Arsenio Dominguez, and ILO who outlined in general the issues and the tools available to assist in this area. The SG IMO stated that although the IMO will not be involved in individual cases, but, through its instruments and guidelines will support seafarers in their place of work and in the specific area of criminalisation. The main effort of the IMO will be through its FAL subcommittee. The SG of the IMO reiterated his commitment to seafarers and stated they were the key to safe and environmentally sustainable maritime transport globally.

The IMO have produced draft guidelines, in co-operation with the International Chamber of Shipping, ICS) the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), in November 2024, outlining how seafarers accused of crimes should be treated entitled “Fair treatment of seafarers detained in connection of alleged crimes.” It was primarily these guidelines that the symposium was centered around.

The symposium was split into three distinct parts:

examples of criminalisation of seafarers,
the current legislation, guidelines and insurers views, and
what to do next.

The Seafarers and Company View

Two examples of criminalisation of seafarers were presented.

An interview with the relief maser of the MT Reia

MT Reia criminalisation experience, the vessel was initially detained for 30 days then the majority of the crew were released but the senior officers were detained by the Iranians for nearly 4 years whilst transiting the straits of Hormuz 13 July 2019.
On ocean passage the tanker was intercepted by the IRNG and detained for the illegal transportation of oil. A fine of $1.2 million was imposed, it was at this stage that the management company withdrew all support and severed ties with the ship. 49 months later the maser, c/e and relief master were released, a fee of $12,000 for legal fees was required to be paid.

MV Pacific Basin Detention

MV Pacific Basin detention for 19 kg of cocaine in Honduras, in the cargo of grain the vessel was flagged in Panama but de-flagged during the incident. The Chinese Master was incarnated for 2 years before his release. This was in part facilitated by the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Honduras.
Following the incident the owner has set up a security desk to enable a more robust and secure port entry in high-risk ports. Likewise the owners have taken a huge number of additional security measures to protect the ships and crews from the impact of smuggling onboard their ships.

When asked what more can be done in criminalisation of seafarers, the answer was that the industry should speak with a single voice, the IMO ILO guidelines should be more than guidelines, probably mandatory. The industry should work as one, information should be shared and data likewise should be shared and should be freely available for use. Finally unified reporting and unified action should be utilised.

The Ports and Terminal’s View

Further presentations were given by the ports and terminals organisation IAPH and world shipping council. Both organisations comment that only 2 to 3 percent of containers were inspected or scanned or inspect. It was stated that it is not cost effective or time practical to scan or inspect every container, the inference being “let the seafarer take the wrap for any illicit goods as its far to difficult and time consuming for us to be bothered with”!!. What is achievable and useful is intelligence led targeted actions.

The X Press pearl, incident, fire on container ship following leaking container which had been Sri Lanka requested to be landed ashore in two different ports. The Master is still held in the country. The incident occurred in 2021 May.

A video from the Master of the X press pearl was shown to the delegates

Legal P&I and flag state views

The afternoon session opened with the presentation of The Guidelines on the fair treatment of seafarers, being presented by the head of legal for the IMO secretariat, outlining the background of the guidelines of fair treatment and the component parts that make up the full guideline document. The discussion of the origin of many parts of the guidelines, existing law or legislation was noted.

This was followed by the member state Belgium, explaining on how they have implemented the fair treatment of seafarers in practice. Belgium has one sentence in its marine code which says “these guidelines shall be taken into account.” Belgium has worked in decriminalisation of seafarers, removing small prison sentences and introducing small fines and shifting the focus upon the company and responsibility rather than the individual seafarer.

SKUD gave the view of the P&I clubs in relation to the fair treatment of seafarers, segregating the assistance being provided before, [risk prevention and preparation] during [immediate response & support] and after an incident [recovery and reform]. P&I’s main role is where a seafarer has acted in “Good Faith” and cases will be assessed on a “case by case basis.” The expression “on a case by case basis” was used extensively during the SKUD presentation.

UN office on organised crime and border control [UNODC] provided a brief update on their role and specifically the global maritime crime brane which has provided assistance in 4 cases to date. A common factor was in all four cases there was a lack of due process being displayed by the local /national authorities We, the UNODC, seek to raise awareness of the guidelines and promote the guidelines with IMO member states.

It was explained that the guidelines reflect existing legislation on the human treatment of seafarers much of which is already enshrined within national law.

France asked what insurance cover was available for the seafarer, and the reply from SKUD was very much centered around each event will be considered on a “case by case” basis. Tanzania asked if there was the possibility of capacity building for developing states in the implementation of these guidelines.

Conclusion

The final session of the day was a summary of improvements led by the SG of the IMO in conjunction with SG ILO standards department, Guy Patton and S Cotton. The establishment of a common database of criminalisation events was suggested as well as the sharing of good practice, as demonstrated by Belgium.

The SG IMO stated that he does not want to move into the blame game but rather the preventative area of management of criminalisation of the seafarer. Likewise the impact upon recruitment and retention of the criminalisation of seafarers is an area he is deeply concerned with and the industry as a whole need to address the issue.
A request from the floor was for the IMO and OLO to work closer with the UNOCD and the SG of the IMO stated that they already do

The meeting concluded at 1730 and was followed by a reception.

Capt. Kuba Szymanski

Accident Reporting & Investigations

Maritime Safety & Security

Captain Kuba Szymanski is the Secretary General for InterManager, the international trade association for the ship and crew management sector.

In his roles ashore, he worked as a Marine Superintendent, HSEQ Manager, Fleet Manager and General Manager. He was appointed Secretary General of InterManager in January 2010.

In his leisure time, Kuba is a keen yachtsman and races sails his Beneteau First 40.7 competitively around Europe, mostly double or single handed. He is married with a son who is also a seafarer.

Maritime Trade & Commerce

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Peace through Prosperity: Normalizing Peace and Security through Economic Development

Featured News, News, Publications, Safety and Security in the Americas / hannah

Peace through Prosperity: Normalizing Peace and Security through Economic Development

by Eric R. Dawicki, MPA

Peace through Prosperity: Normalizing Peace and Security through Economic Development Read More »

COPE° Webinar – Risks at sea during navigation: Safety vs. security and challenges in the Americas

Featured News, News, Projects, Safety and Security in the Americas / hannah

COPE° WEBINAR

Risks at sea during navigation: Safety vs. security and challenges in the Americas

THURSDAY, 27 JUNE 2024 | 9:00 AM EST

COPE° held a virtual webinar titled “Risks at sea during navigation: Safety vs. security and challenges in the Americas” on 27 June 2024. The topics that were covered are as follows:

Peace Through Prosperity: Normalizing peace and security through economic development
Main situations affecting safe navigation in the Americas
Pirates and terrorist attacks in the red sea: implications beyond Europe
Estrategias de Protección Marítima en la región latinoamericana
Aspectos técnicos relevantes para mejorar la seguridad marítima en el caribe
Buenas prácticas, contratos y optimización de la seguridad marítima

Participants

Javier Franco

Director, Logistics and Supply Chain Observatory Universidad Externado / Franco & Abogados / COPE° Fellow

Eric R. Dawicki

President and CEO, Northeast Maritime Institute

Jakob P. Larsen

BIMCO / COPE° Fellow

Kristina Siig

Scandinavian Institute of Maritime Law

Lisbeth Laurie

Organization of American States CICTE

Mauricio Ochoa

Maritime Expert

Webinar Recording

Webinar Q&A

Do you think there could be any link between Houthi- and Somali-based piracy, and why do you think piracy is now experiencing a surge?

Kristina Siig:
I will have to underscore that I do not have certain information/primary data on this. However, it seems that the general understanding of this in the scientific community is that it is most likely due to operations such as Operation Prosperity Guardian, which has pulled resources out of the Gulf of Aden, where Somali-based piracy has normally occurred, and further North into the Red Sea.

In this way, the naval presence in the Gulf of Aden has decreased, resulting in a sort of “vacuum” that has been exploited by the pirates. However, whether this is the only reason or whether there is also a new situation on land in Somalia that has allowed for this re-surge, I do not know.

COPE° Project – Coasties: Thriving Together

January 26, 2024

The COPE° project Coasties Thriving Together functions as an independent action team comprised of volunteer Coast Guard veterans and serving survivors of military sexual and physical trauma. This project provides a platform for resource and information sharing and third-party external recommendations. This community of compassionate allies is dedicated to thriving, not just surviving. With core values of honor, respect, and devotion to thriving, the action team has created a vision to shape policy, identify gaps in governance and resources, call for accountability, and recommend innovation and inclusive solutions to help our own thrive after experiencing trauma.

The formation of this safe and secure platform for this community of survivors comes after CNN exposed a secret investigation into alleged sexual abuse at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy that uncovered a history of rapes, assault and other serious misconduct being ignored and, at times, covered up by high-ranking officials in June of 2023. Completed in June 2019, the probe’s findings, “Operation Fouled Anchor,” had been kept confidential by Coast Guard senior leadership as the findings focused on reports of sexual assault at the Academy between 1992 to 2006. Operations Fouled Anchor was launched in 2014 when an academy graduate claimed her allegations of rape from years earlier had never been investigated. While looking into the woman’s case, agents determined her allegations, and more than two dozen other reports of misconduct had essentially been buried by academy leaders. As they continued digging, they unearthed more than 90 potential assaults from the late 1980s to 2006.

What is the most concerning is the apparent lack of interest or desire in looking at any sexual assaults prior to 1992. The Leadership Team unequivocally knows sexual assault, once women entered the Academy in 1976, has been occurring, yet no one in a leadership position is willing to acknowledge the historic significance of this. It is also possible that male survivors of harassment and assault live in the shadows from the shame long before 1976 and in the years since. Furthermore, no leaders have defined this as a systematic problem. With this in mind, the team stands Always Ready to shape policy, identify gaps in governance and resources, call for accountability, and recommend innovative and inclusive solutions to help our own thrive after experiencing trauma. The Independent Action Team questions the trustworthiness and credibility of the Coast Guard, and Coast Guard Academy in fully caring for survivors of military sexual and physical trauma.

The Action Plan for Coasties will consist of four phases. Phase One consists of the team’s top interest of providing a safe, secure, and trusted site to communicate about a charged topic – sexual assault and sexual harassment, with the intentions to expand access to the site in phases, monitoring the success along the way. This phase will consist of Coast Guard Academy women and men survivors and those previously identified friends. As progress and success is monitored of Phase One, the site will be opened to others in the Coast Guard with the Team’s ultimate goal to make the site available to all Coast Guard women and men, officers and enlisted.

Phase Two currently consists of opening the actions of Phase One to current and former members of the Coast Guard. Phase Three will begin with reviewing standing minutes, reports, and other relevant documents. Interviews will be conducted as appropriate as well as identifying gaps in data, policy, resources, and inequities so that recommendations can be provided to interested parties. Phase Four works to document the historical implications and lessons learned from what is discovered during the effort. With consent, oral or written histories will be provided to be included in scholarly academic research efforts. Additionally, non-attributional statements and other important historical documents will be preserved to not lose all aspects of the important historical nature of this time in Coast Guard History.

Currently in Phase One, the Action Team is continuing to build its community of survivors. While building the community, the team is also involved in an active Congressional outreach and letter writing campaign on issues paramount to survivors. This group currently consists of officers and enlisted members from varying accession sources.

More information about this team may be found on the Coasties Thriving Together page, which includes a form for those looking to request membership. Any questions, concerns, or comments may also be submitted to COPE° through our website.

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