Landgang banned for Russian seafarers in Schleswig-Holstein!

Landgang banned for Russian seafarers in Schleswig-Holstein!

Lübeck, Deutschland - in Schleswig-Holstein, Russian seafarers are denied access to the ports. Despite their legal right to land, they are denied access. This emerges from reports of deacons of local sailor missions that have observed the Situation in the Häfen Lübeck, Kiel, Rendsburg and Brunsbüttel. Affected people report an alarming situation: In the past few months, an estimated 100 seafarers have not received a permit to go ashore.

The right to landgang is internationally recognized and was laid down in the Convention to facilitate international maritime traffic (FAL). Germany is among the 130 countries that have joined this agreement. An addition of 2018 obliges the local authorities to allow all seafarers to pass the country, regardless of their nationality, unless there are serious security concerns that require an individual case. In several cases, however, the federal police in Schleswig-Holstein rejected passports for Russian seafarers, which questions the applicability of these regulations. An example shows the contradictory handling: a Russian captain was denied access, while his crew members were allowed to go ashore.

human rights and maritime working conditions

Access to the ports is not only a legal, but also a human rights topic. On December 10th, the day of human rights, it becomes visible again and again how basic rights of seafarers worldwide are declining. At a forum of the international association of maritime employers in April 2023, the Faculty of Seaouars with dignity and rights was discussed. This takes place in an environment in which seafarers often have to work under extremely bad conditions. Although progress has been made, such as the MLC 2006 sea work, the reality shows that many of these regulations are weak and have gaps.

Schleswig-Holstein is no exception. The problems related to the country gear of seafarers can be observed worldwide. For various reasons, ports can refuse access or make bureaucratic hurdles difficult. Responsibility for this lies not only among the port authorities, but also with shipping companies and port states, all of which are required to ensure the well -being of the seafarers.

The role of international organizations

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) is intensively committed to the rights of seafarers. In this way, she calls for improvements in regulation and a stronger focus on safety and sustainability in shipping. Sailors, who secure 90 percent of global trade, are often exposed to the dangers of exploitation. The ITF is fighting cheap flags and striving for higher international standards to improve living and working conditions on board.

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

The topics related to the landing of seafarers bring the grievances in international maritime to light and show that there is still a lot to do to guarantee equality and rights on the high seas. This challenge requires rethinking in the shipping industry and in the political decision -making.

For more information on this topic, see also the reports of Jungewelt, Seemannsmission ​​and and and ITF.