Make Criminal Background Checks a legal requirement to apply to all seafarers internationally. 

(PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU CHECK YOUR EMAILS AND CONFIRM YOUR SIGNATURE ONCE COMPLETED)

 
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has developed the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), which sets out the minimum training and certification requirements for seafarers worldwide. The STCW Convention has been ratified by over 160 countries, including the United States.

The STCW Convention includes requirements for medical fitness, which are outlined in the STCW Medical Examination and Assessment Guidelines. These guidelines require seafarers to undergo a medical examination to determine their fitness for duty at sea.

Additionally, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has developed the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), which sets out minimum standards for working conditions for seafarers. The MLC includes requirements related to crew recruitment, placement, and certification, as well as provisions related to health and safety, welfare, and social security.

However, neither the STCW Convention nor the MLC includes specific requirements for background checks. While many employers may choose to conduct background checks as part of their hiring process, there is currently no legal requirement to do so.

In the United States, the Coast Guard requires that seafarers undergo a criminal background check as part of the process of obtaining a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). However, this requirement applies only to individuals seeking a credential, and does not apply to all seafarers working on vessels in U.S. waters.

Overall, while there are existing regulations and guidelines related to working at sea, there are currently no universal provisions related to background checks for seafarers internationally.

To Whom It May Concern,

We, the undersigned, are petitioning for regular background checks to become a legal requirement for those working at sea. We believe that mandatory and ongoing background checks for seafarers would significantly improve safety and security in the maritime industry, protecting both crew members and passengers.

Currently, there are no universal regulations requiring regular background checks for seafarers. While many employers may choose to conduct background checks as part of their hiring process, there is no legal requirement to do so on a regular basis. We believe this lack of regulation poses a significant risk to safety and security in the maritime industry.

The safety and security of seafarers and passengers are paramount in the maritime industry. Yet, recent incidents have demonstrated that more needs to be done to ensure that those working at sea have been properly vetted and continue to maintain a clean record. In one case, a yacht crew member was charged with the murder of a fellow crew member, highlighting the potential risks of allowing individuals with unknown backgrounds to work in close quarters. In another incident, a captain's history of drug abuse and criminal behaviour was discovered only after a major accident occurred. Sexual assaults and other forms of misconduct have also been reported in the industry, underscoring the urgent need for regular and ongoing background checks as a legal requirement, in addition to the STCW and Medical Examination. These checks can help mitigate risks, protect lives, and ensure the safety and security of all who work and travel at sea.

These incidents demonstrate the potential risks of not conducting regular and ongoing background checks. By requiring mandatory and regular background checks for seafarers, we can ensure that those working at sea have a history free from criminal behaviour, drug abuse, and other issues that may impact their ability to work safely and effectively.

Moreover, we believe that mandatory and regular background checks would help to improve the reputation of the maritime industry and build trust with passengers, as well as existing and new crew. Regular background checks would provide assurance that crew members are properly screened and vetted before working on vessels, and would help to ensure that seafarers maintain a clean record throughout their careers, which would ultimately improve the overall safety and security of the industry.

In light of these concerns, we urge you to consider implementing mandatory and regular background checks for those working at sea. We believe that such regulations would have a significant impact on the safety and security of the maritime industry, and would help to protect crew members, passengers, and the reputation of the industry as a whole.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Jessie Frost
Director, Crewfolio Ltd.