Seafarers faced with piracy & armed robbery
Master Thesis
Author
Ταταράκη, Χρυσάνθη
Tataraki, Chrysanthi
Date
2020-10Advisor
Παντουβάκης, ΆγγελοςView/ Open
Keywords
Maritime piracy ; Armed robbery against ships ; Legal framework ; Seafarer’s rights ; Ship-owner ; ReleaseAbstract
Maritime piracy and armed robbery against ship are the one of the contemporary challenges of the maritime industry. These two phenomena have a global impact on maritime trade and security. The possibility of a pirate attack is also a constant fear amongst seafarers and their families. Ships transiting at high risk areas are in peril of being hijacked and their crew abducted for ransom. From internal water to the high seas of the Gulf of Guinea, seafarers are vulnerable to such attacks.
The first part of the research paper analyzes the piracy and armed robbery against ships as a global phenomenon, the national legislation models of piracy and starts probe in case of seafarers being hijacked. In responding to the threat of piracy, or a seafarer becoming a victim of piracy and armed robbery, the seafarers play an important role. This research paper provides guidance on ways that seafarers can be supported by their families and their company itself. As far as the company is concerned, it cannot be emphasized enough how good preparation will help a company and, ultimately, seafarers during a crisis period. Hence, good practice guidance on how to help seafarers in such situations is equally important and companies are encouraged in this manner to help cope during the crisis.
Though there has been much discussion on policies of maritime piracy & armed robbery, we should not ignore the rights of the affected seafarers and their early release. In this respect, the second part of this dissertation focuses on the impact of piracy on seafarers’ rights as a largely unexplored fragment of law. Emphasis is placed on evolution of right and security of their release. Although there is interplay of various factors in the issue, the discussion is limited to the role of the ship-owner and his contractual agreement with the seafarer. In this regard, the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) has laid down guidelines stressing the role of ship-owners in repatriating their seafaring crew.
Keywords: Maritime piracy, armed robbery against ships, legal framework, seafarer’s rights, ship-owner, release.