On 12 October 2021, the Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI) launched the Seafarers Code of Conduct, developed together with the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) to help protect the human rights and welfare of the world’s nearly two million seafarers. To accompany the Code, RightShip launched an online self-assessment tool to provide shipowners and operators with guidance on how to adopt the Code of Conduct as well as how to track progress.

However, the NGO Human Rights at Sea has strongly criticised the self-assessment tool, alleging it fails to meet basic standards for public transparency and accountability due to a lack of independent oversight, or provide pathways to effective remedy for victims.

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited SSI, IHRB and RightShip to respond to the allegations. All 3 organisations responded, highlighting that the self-assessment tool is only one tool in an arsenal of resources and reiterating their commitment to strengthening the protection of seafarers' rights; their full responses are available below.