Russian sailors banned from shore leave in Schleswig-Holstein!

Russian sailors banned from shore leave in Schleswig-Holstein!

In Schleswig-Holstein, Russian sailors are denied access to the ports. Despite their legal right to shore leave, they are denied access. This emerges from reports from deacons of local seamen's missions who observed the situation in the ports of Lübeck, Kiel, Rendsburg and Brunsbüttel. Those affected report an alarming situation: in the past few months, an estimated 100 seafarers have not received permission to go ashore.

The right to shore leave is internationally recognized and has been enshrined in the Convention for the Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL). Germany is among the 130 countries that have joined this agreement. A 2018 amendment requires local authorities to allow all seafarers, regardless of nationality, to go ashore unless there are serious safety concerns that require a case-by-case assessment. However, the federal police in Schleswig-Holstein have rejected passes for Russian sailors in several cases, calling into question the applicability of these regulations. One example shows the contradictory handling: a Russian captain was denied access, while his crew members were allowed to go ashore without any problems.

Human rights and maritime working conditions

Access to ports is not only a legal issue, but also a human rights issue. On December 10th, Human Rights Day, it becomes clear again and again how basic rights of seafarers around the world are being violated. At a forum held by the International Association of Maritime Employers in April 2023, the seafarers' faculty of people with dignity and rights was discussed. This takes place in an environment where seafarers often have to work in extremely poor conditions. Although progress has been made, such as the Maritime Labor Convention MLC 2006, the reality shows that many of these regulations are weak in enforcement and have gaps.

Schleswig-Holstein is no exception. The problems surrounding seafarers' shore leave can be observed worldwide. Ports can refuse access for a variety of reasons or make it difficult through bureaucratic hurdles. The responsibility for this lies not only with the port authorities, but also with shipowners and port states, all of whom are required to ensure the well-being of seafarers.

The role of international organizations

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) campaigns intensively for the rights of seafarers. It calls for improvements in regulation and a stronger focus on safety and sustainability in shipping. Seafarers, who secure 90 percent of global trade, often face the risks of exploitation. The ITF fights against flags of convenience and strives for higher international standards to improve living and working conditions on board.

The current developments in Schleswig-Holstein are therefore part of a larger problem that affects many countries. It is becoming increasingly urgent that all stakeholders – from port authorities to shipping companies – take responsibility to protect human rights at sea. The reports show that this need for action is essential in order to do justice to the reality on board ships and to protect the rights of seafarers. It remains to be seen whether and how the situation will develop in the coming months.

The issues surrounding seafarers' shore leave bring to light the abuses in international maritime transport and show that there is still much to be done to guarantee equality and rights on the high seas. This challenge requires a rethink in the shipping industry and in political decision-making.

For further information on this topic, see also the reports from jungewelt, Seemannsmission and ITF.