The IMO Legal Committee met for its 102nd session between 14-16 April 2015 with further discussion undertaken on the issues of seafarer welfare, piracy and the current migrant crisis.

The Committee considered the issue of unsafe mixed migration by sea.

The Committee was informed of the analysis of replies from Member States to the survey circulated by Seafarers’ Rights International (SRI) on behalf of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the International Federation of Shipmasters' Associations (IFSMA) concerning the 2006 Guidelines. 

The Committee concluded that further consideration was needed regarding the progressive removal of legislation targeting seafarers and imposing criminal sanctions on them. It was also highlighted that seafarers should be given greater training and awareness of their rights. 

The Committee was updated on the current status of the Secretariat's counter-piracy initiatives in relation to piracy off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Guinea, and was informed that piracy would remain contained, as long as merchant ships continued to implement IMO guidance and best management practices.

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http://www.maritime-executive.com/         2015-04-17