Seafarers should leave a family contact pack before joining
A seafarer’s contact with family during a voyage depends on the vessel, company, contract, trading area and technical conditions on board. That is why communication should be clarified before joining, not only after contact has already stopped.
What to clarify before joining
MLC 2006 covers conditions of employment, living quarters, recreation, food and catering, healthcare, medical care, social and domestic services and social security for seafarers. In these areas, the convention sets responsibilities for states and shipowners so seafarers receive protection comparable to workers ashore.
Before joining, a seafarer should clarify in writing:
- vessel name, company, crewing agency, flag and expected trading area;
- contacts of the responsible company or crewing representative;
- whether internet, messengers or phone access are available on board;
- whether there are limits related to time, cost or technical reasons;
- how often family can expect a short update.
What to leave with family
Family should have more than the seafarer’s phone number. They should keep an organized set of details: a copy of the contract, seafarer documents, crewing contacts, vessel name, company, port or country of stay if known.
In its guidance on family unity, UNHCR advises people to keep family members informed about movement and location, keep documents proving identity and family links, and share digital copies with trusted persons. For a seafarer’s family, this is practical preparation in case contact with the vessel is interrupted.
If contact is lost
If a seafarer stops responding, the family should record the last message, time of contact, known vessel details and contact the crewing agency or company in writing. Messages, screenshots and replies should be kept so they can be passed to a union, lawyer or competent authority if needed.
If a Ukrainian citizen is detained or arrested abroad, they have the right to ask the police to inform the Ukrainian consul. At the citizen’s request, the consul may also contact the family.
A consul can help within their powers, but does not replace the shipowner, lawyer or investigative authorities. Precise details about the seafarer, vessel, company, port and country of stay help identify who should act next.