The ITF highlights global barriers to seafarers' shore access, calling for better document checks and protection of their rights.
The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) announced that seafarers around the world face serious obstacles in exercising their right to go ashore at ports. Fabrizio Barcellona, Coordinator of the ITF Seafarers' Section, highlighted the need for improvements in document checks and more effective protection of seafarers' rights, drawing attention to the practices of port authorities.
Port authorities are one of the biggest obstacles facing seafarers.
While discussions continue regarding the working and living conditions of seafarers in the international maritime sector, the ITF has now brought attention to the issues surrounding shore leave permissions at ports.
According to a news report by TradeWinds dated November 3, 2026, Fabrizio Barcellona stated that the practices of port authorities make it difficult for seafarers to exercise their right to go ashore.
Barcellona emphasized the importance of improving the control processes related to seafarers' documents and protecting their existing rights.
According to the ITF, the practices that hinder seafarers' ability to go ashore affect not only their personal freedoms but also their opportunities to meet the rest and social needs of the ship's crew.
Research: One in four seafarers cannot go ashore at all.
A study prepared by the ITF Seafarers' Trust and the World Maritime University (WMU) reveals the extent of the problem.
According to the research, which involved 5,879 seafarers and was published in 2025:
More than a quarter of seafarers were unable to go ashore at all during their contract period.
About one-third could only go ashore once or twice during an average duty period of 6.6 months.
Of those who could go ashore, 47% spent less than three hours on land.
93.5% of participants spent less than six hours on land.
The study found that seafarers working on tankers and offshore support vessels had more limited opportunities to go ashore.
Bureaucracy, inspections, and security practices stand out.
Seafarers participating in the research indicated that bureaucratic procedures, lengthy inspections, and security restrictions were among the primary issues they faced at ports.
It was noted that in some ports, the preparation of shore leave documents was delayed, controls applied at port entries and exits shortened the duration of permits, and citizens of certain countries faced more restrictions.
Delays caused by port agents, high transportation costs, and the distance of ports from city centers were also cited as additional obstacles.
It was recorded that ship personnel were unable to find sufficient time for leave due to being occupied with cargo operations, maintenance work, refueling, and inspections at the port.
International convention protects seafarers' right to go ashore.
The International Labour Organization's 2006 Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) stipulates that seafarers should be able to use shore leave permissions in a manner consistent with the operational requirements of their duties to protect their health and welfare.
However, the ITF points out that this right enshrined in the convention is limited in practice due to various administrative, commercial, and security reasons.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) also stated in an announcement published in 2026 that the possibility of port state control inspections should not be used as a justification to delay or prevent seafarers from going ashore.
AMSA noted that the presence of some crew members on land during inspections would not, by itself, lead to negative actions against the ship.
Seafarers' right to rest also concerns maritime safety.
The ITF states that the prolonged absence of seafarers from social life, their inability to communicate with their families, and insufficient rest can adversely affect their physical and psychological health.
According to the federation, the effective implementation of the right to go ashore is important not only for the welfare of seafarers but also for reducing fatigue on ships and maintaining a safe working environment.
It is emphasized that port authorities, ship operators, agents, and other relevant organizations must work together to reduce unnecessary administrative barriers.
The issue raised by the ITF highlights the need to reassess the balance between operational efficiency in international maritime trade and the fundamental rights of seafarers.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
