Delphine Estibeiro –
Despite decades of international conventions and regulatory frameworks aimed at protecting seafarers’ rights and welfare, abandonment remains one of the maritime industry’s most persistent humanitarian challenges. With reported cases reaching record levels globally, questions continue to be raised about how effectively existing support mechanisms serve seafarers when they find themselves stranded, unpaid, or without adequate assistance.
Against this backdrop, the World Maritime University (WMU) Seafarers’ Abandonment Policy Lab has launched a global survey titled “Seafarers’ Abandonment: Reporting Behaviour and Institutional Response.” The initiative seeks to move beyond policy frameworks and legal provisions to better understand the real-world experiences of seafarers affected by abandonment.
The survey aims to capture first-hand perspectives on how abandonment cases are reported, managed and ultimately resolved. Researchers hope to identify the factors that influence reporting behaviour, including why some seafarers seek external assistance while others choose to delay or avoid reporting their situation altogether.
A key area of focus will be trust in institutions and stakeholders involved in seafarer welfare. The study will assess which organisations are viewed as responsive, effective and accessible during abandonment incidents, generating insights that could help strengthen future support systems.
The research will also examine the impact of geopolitical tensions, conflict-prone regions, blocked ports and other high-risk operating environments that may increase the likelihood or severity of abandonment cases.
Participation is open to all current and former seafarers serving on commercial seagoing vessels, irrespective of rank, vessel type or employment status. The anonymous survey, available in English, requires approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete, with responses being accepted until 31 December 2026.
The findings are expected to provide valuable evidence for policymakers, regulators, welfare organisations and industry stakeholders seeking to enhance seafarer protection measures and improve institutional responses worldwide.
For an industry that increasingly recognises crew welfare as a cornerstone of safe and resilient shipping, the survey presents an important opportunity to identify gaps, highlight effective practices and ensure that the experiences of seafarers help shape future solutions.
Seafarers are encouraged to participate and make their voices heard by completing the survey at: https://wmuhq.questionpro.eu/t/AB3vET4ZB3wk6F.
Every response can help strengthen efforts to tackle one of shipping’s most pressing human-centred challenges.
Marex Media