The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Federal Transport Authority (FTA) agreed to work together to protect the rights of all seafarers operating in UAE waters.
The parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the matter at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London.
“This is a significant opportunity to work with our partners in the UAE to bring seafarers and workers’ safety to forefront of the conversation,” Stephen Cotton, ITF general secretary, said.
“This agreement is just the beginning and will hopefully pave the way for similar agreements in other territories. We are keen to work for greater cooperation, in all areas of transportation.”
This is the first agreement of its kind between a government authority and the ITF. The parties are committed to working closely together and sharing information to provide comprehensive and timely support to vessels and seafarers in need within UAE waters.
“This agreement allows us to consult, cooperate and coordinate jointly and continuously to find legal solutions regarding the abandonment of seafarers aboard ships, by ship owners and operators, and to work together to combat and prevent the occurrence of this phenomenon in the future,” Abdullah Belheif Al Nuaimi, minister of infrastructure development and chairman of the FTA board of directors, said.