Abandonment
Under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC), shipowners must have insurance to assist the seafarers on board vessels if they are abandoned.
All ships to which the convention applies, whose flag states have ratified the MLC, must have the insurance certificate on board and on show in English (you can check who has ratified here).
If you think that you are in danger of abandonment, do not wait. If your ship owner does not respond, contact the insurance company (check the insurance policy – some helpline numbers are listed below).
Abandonment occurs when the ship owner:
- fails to cover the cost of the seafarer’s repatriation; or
- has left the seafarer without the necessary maintenance and support; or
- has otherwise unilaterally severed their ties with the seafarer including failure to pay contractual wages for a period of at least two months
The International Group (IG) of P&I Clubs have set up 24-hour emergency helplines. The details will be on the insurance certificate that must be publicly visible. Check it now. If you think it isn’t real or you feel you are in danger of being abandoned, use the helpline number now.
IG of P&I Clubs:Â
- The Swedish Club: [email protected] / 00 46 31 151 328Â
- UK P&I Club: [email protected] / 00 44 20 7283 4646
- Skuld: [email protected] / 00 47 952 92 200Â
- Britannia: [email protected] / 00 44 203 280 2473Â
- Steamship Mutual: [email protected] / 00 44 7831 784051Â
- Gard: [email protected] / 00 47 905 24 100Â
- The London P&I Club: [email protected] / 00 44 20 7772 8000Â
- West of England: [email protected] / 00 44 7795 116602Â
- NorthStandard: [email protected] / 00 44 1912 325221Â
- Shipowners: [email protected] / 00 44 203 829 5858
- The Standard: [email protected] / 00 44 7932 113573Â
- The American Club: [email protected] / 00 1 212 847 4590
- The Japan Ship Owners’ Mutual Protection & Indemnity Association: [email protected] / 00 81 3 3662 7221
Visit the ITF Seafarers website for further information about abandonment or contact SeafarerHelp at any time.
