ITF Sounds the Alarm on Escalating Threats to Maritime Safety in the Strait of Hormuz and Israeli Waters
According to a recent publication by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF),there are growing concerns about the safety of seafarers operating in the Strait of Hormuz,Gulf of Oman,adn Israeli ports. The ITF has urged the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) to classify these regions as Warlike Operations Areas (WOA). This designation woudl empower seafarers to refuse entry into these perilous zones and ensure their safe return home without facing penalties.David Heindel, Chair of ITF Seafarers’ Section, emphasized that “seafarers are being asked to navigate through one of the most volatile and militarized areas on earth.” He highlighted that their primary aim is straightforward: ensuring that crew members are aware of potential dangers, recieve adequate protection, and have the autonomy to safeguard themselves.
Heindel pointed out a troubling trend: “Military presence is undeniably escalating.” The Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz have witnessed an increasing deployment of naval forces from various nations. Incidents involving drone strikes,ship seizures,and armed confrontations with commercial vessels have become alarmingly frequent—no longer isolated occurrences but part of a broader pattern indicating heightened risk.
The ITF identified several reasons for its alarm. Not only has military activity surged in this region, but major maritime insurers have also categorized these waters as war-risk zones—a clear indication that threats are vrey real.
Neven Melven, President of the Seafarers’ Union in Croatia, shared insights from both crew members and shipping companies: “Merchant vessels are increasingly becoming targets.” He noted how missile launches and drone operations near Israeli ports along vital shipping routes exemplify modern asymmetric warfare—putting civilian mariners at notable risk.
If designated as WOAs, seafarers would gain essential protections such as refusing passage without repercussions; access to hazard pay; emergency assistance; and crucially—the right to be safely repatriated.
Mark Dickinson, Vice Chair at ITF Seafarers’ Section remarked on how telling it is indeed that leading maritime insurers already label these waters as war-risk zones based on security intelligence rather than mere conjecture.”If insurers recognize this threat,” he stated candidly,” shipowners should take heed too. Let’s face it: if this region were truly safe, we wouldn’t see such a heavy military presence or armed naval convoys.”
While reaffirming its commitment to ongoing discussions with stakeholders about safety measures for seafarers’ rights during turbulent times like these remains paramount for the ITF. Dickinson concluded by saying: “Designating these areas as Warlike Operations Areas—or at least High-Risk Zones—would allow seafarers to say ‘no’ without fear. We hope employers will rethink their stance in light of shared duty.” In essence, he stressed that no individual should be compelled into life-threatening situations without options available for their safety.
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