A new survey by seafarers union Nautilus International has found that criminalisation of crews is a major worry for them.
Nearly 90% of 500 seafarers said they were concerned over the prospects of prosecution while doing their jobs.
About 70% of respondents suggested the threat has a direct impact on their desire to remain at sea and identified a resulting impact on recruitment and retention within the industry.
More than one in ten of those surveyed reported they had been directly involved in legal action, opening them up to persecution and requiring union support.
Of these, a third of cases involved civil action and a fifth involved maritime administrative action or criminal action.
The survey results come as a US P&O Cruises master is on trial in France for alleged pollution from his vessel.
He faces jail time and a hefty fine if convicted.
The union’s head of strategy, Debbie Cavaldoro, said: “The criminalisation of seafarers not only has a damaging impact on individuals who can suffer as scapegoats, but also on the economy, as skilled workers will be put off from entering the industry that we rely so much upon.
“Sadly, the example in France this week highlights the injustice seafarers face following incidents at sea. As a result, our fair treatment campaign aims to present these issues to the industry and government alike, whilst providing practical support to ensure members’ rights are protected at sea as they would be on land”.
Any members facing troubled with criminalisation are encouraged to speak with the Nautilus 24/7 helpline, the union said.
