Problems of protecting the rights of seamen in the conditions of the armed conflict in Ukraine: Ukrainian seamen are key workers

Abstract

Ukraine is a recognized supplier of highly qualified maritime personnel in the international arena: every 20th officer in the merchant fleet in the world is from Ukraine. Therefore, protection of the rights of seafarers during the armed conflict in Ukraine and in emergency situations of various nature in general is an urgent problem today.
 With the introduction of martial law in Ukraine, a general mobilization was announced and the departure of men aged 18 to 60 from the territory of Ukraine abroad was restricted. However, the rule prohibiting travel abroad limits or even makes impossible the seafarer's right to work due to the peculiarities of his profession. While the recognition of Ukrainian sailors as key workers will provide an opportunity to overcome administrative restrictions and ensure the stability of maritime supply chains.
 The issue of working out the latest aspects of seafarers' labor standards in modern conditions indicates the need to ensure the rights of seafarers who, due to military operations, cannot update their qualification documents, as well as the extension of the terms of employment contracts of seafarers who are on ships, taking into account the peculiarities of the repatriation of seafarers, as well as provision of passage and visa support for seafarers for their passage on ships. Flag states should ensure the implementation of a number of measures to guarantee the right of seafarers to continue active work on ships and simplify as much as possible all visa restrictions for seafarers to start work on ships and use the seafarer's identity card as the main travel (transit) document for seafarers.