When Filipino seafarers are abandoned at sea

Summary

The video highlights the struggles of Filipino seafarers, focusing on cases of abandonment at sea. It narrates the story of Jack, a young seaman stranded in Fiji for two years without pay or a way to return home. Despite working multiple side jobs, he faced numerous challenges, from poor maintenance of ships to exploitation by ship owners. The video emphasizes the need for stronger government action and better regulations to protect seafarers from abandonment, and highlights the difficulties seafarers face, including unsafe conditions, financial hardship, and the emotional toll of being away from their families.

Takeaways

• 😀 Filipino seafarers are known for their positive and resilient attitude, but they often face hardships like abandonment and unpaid wages while working overseas.
• 😀 Jack, a Filipino seafarer, was abandoned in Fiji after his shipowner delayed payment, resulting in him being stranded for two years without salary or ticket money.
• 😀 Seafarers may be classified as 'abandoned' if they experience unpaid wages for two months, lack maintenance for the ship, or if the shipowner refuses to arrange return tickets.
• 😀 In 2024, the Philippines ranked in the top 4 countries with the highest number of seafarer abandonments, and this issue has persisted for the last five years.
• 😀 The 'flag of convenience' system allows shipowners to register their vessels in countries with looser regulations, making it easier to abandon seafarers without consequences.
• 😀 Jack resorted to side jobs like installing showers and welding in Fiji to survive while waiting to return to the Philippines, showcasing the resourcefulness of Filipino seafarers.
• 😀 Many shipowners take advantage of the lack of clear legal jurisdiction in seafaring, leading to challenges in punishing companies that abandon their crews.
• 😀 Seafarers like Anel Brito were stranded in the UAE during the pandemic, facing similar challenges like lack of clean drinking water and being unable to return home due to financial constraints.
• 😀 The abandonment issue has led to calls for stronger actions from the Philippine government, including mandatory assistance within a month for abandoned seafarers and stricter enforcement on shipping agencies.
• 😀 The emotional toll of abandonment is significant for seafarers, as it not only affects their financial stability but also creates long-lasting psychological and familial hardships.

Q & A

What challenges do Filipino seafarers face when working on foreign vessels?

Filipino seafarers often face abandonment at sea, delayed wages, lack of support from ship owners, and unsafe working conditions. They may be left stranded in foreign countries without resources or a way to return home, and the companies or authorities rarely provide adequate assistance.

How does the 'flag of convenience' affect the abandonment of ships?

The 'flag of convenience' allows ship owners to register their vessels in countries with looser regulations, making it easier for them to avoid legal accountability. This creates difficulties in holding owners responsible for abandoning crew members, as laws vary depending on the vessel's registration country.

What is the Maritime Labor Convention and how does it protect seafarers?

The Maritime Labor Convention outlines minimum working conditions for seafarers, including timely payment of wages and proper maintenance of the ship. If an owner fails to meet these standards, the crew can be considered abandoned, and the ship owner is legally responsible for their welfare.

How did Jack's situation illustrate the challenges faced by seafarers in abandoned ships?

Jack's experience on a stranded ship in Fiji highlights the isolation, lack of pay, and absence of support. Despite working on the ship, he faced months without a salary, no means to return home, and had to rely on locals for help just to survive.

What role did community and fellow Filipinos play in Jack's survival during his abandonment?

Jack was helped by his fellow Filipinos in Fiji, who took him in and taught him various skills like installing showers and welding to earn money while stranded. They also supported him emotionally, as he could not return home or receive his wages.

Why is it difficult for seafarers to receive compensation or assistance when abandoned?

The complexities of international maritime law, differing regulations between countries, and the 'flag of convenience' system make it challenging for authorities to intervene effectively. Ship owners can easily escape their obligations, and the seafarers often have no legal recourse or support from their home countries.

How do the legal and jurisdictional issues contribute to the abandonment problem?

Legal complications arise from the overlapping jurisdictions of the countries involved—those of the ship owner, the crew's nationality, and the country where the ship is abandoned. This fragmentation makes it hard to prosecute the owners or demand accountability, leaving seafarers in limbo.

What could be a potential solution to prevent ship abandonment and ensure seafarers' rights are protected?

Implementing a global database listing abandoned ships and their owners, as well as ensuring faster government intervention when abandonment occurs, could help address the issue. Stronger enforcement of international laws and better cooperation among countries are also key to improving the situation.

What happened to Anel Brito and how did his experience reflect the larger issue of abandonment?

Anel Brito's story illustrates the severity of abandonment, as he and his crew were stranded in the UAE during the pandemic. Despite the danger of becoming a 'dead vessel,' Anel faced months of uncertainty, dealing with a lack of basic necessities like water and food, and the challenge of getting home without sufficient funds.

How can the Philippines government better support abandoned seafarers?

The Philippine government could take more proactive measures, such as mandating that agencies take action within a month when abandonment cases arise. Immediate financial support for stranded seafarers, along with better coordination between authorities, would help mitigate the struggles faced by seafarers in such situations.