A new report by Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and The Mission to Seafarers has revealed the extent of illegal recruitment fees being charged to seafarers, in violation of the Maritime Labour Convention.

The report, titled Survey on Fees and Charges for Seafarer Recruitment or Placement, sheds light on the issue of seafarers being forced to pay illegal fees and charges…

“This report confirms what seafarers have told us informally when it comes to the scourge of illegal fees and charges that so many of them are being coerced into paying in return for employment,” said Bailey [The Mission to Seafarer’s Director of Programme]. “Not only does the data shed new light on this phenomenon, the anecdotal feedback from seafarers also further reveals how widespread and damaging this problem is to individuals and their families.”…

“These practices can trap seafarers in debt bondage, compelling them to endure exploitative and abusive working conditions,” said Dr. Kontovas [LJMU report lead author].“What is truly disheartening though is that such practices tarnish the image of the maritime industry, leading to its perception as exploitative and unfair. This, in turn, has the potential to discourage aspiring seafarers from pursuing their dreams”…