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Seafarer working and living rights

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Additional dangers

Seafarers may face additional dangers when living onboard ships.

Petrol generators

Ships that use petrol generators must have a risk assessment carried out to make sure they provide:

  • sufficient power for accommodation and lighting
  • adequate ventilation
  • adequate alarms - for example, carbon monoxide alarms

Fumigating cargo spaces

If pesticides are on board a ship, employers must make sure:

  • adequate breathing aids are provided for seafarers checking fumigated cargo bulks
  • the ship’s destination port is told 24 hours in advance of receiving this cargo
  • properly trained personnel check the relevant cargo bulks at port

Illegal drugs

The unauthorised presence of drugs on board a ship can have serious legal implications for seafarers and employers, potentially resulting in:

  • heavy fines
  • detention of a ship
  • imprisonment
  • the death penalty