TO ALL NATIONAL MARITIME LAW ASSOCIATIONS

Dear President,

We are all aware of instances where Officers and crew of seagoing ships have been treated harshly by the authorities of States adjoining the scene of marine accidents. These include imprisonment, onerous bail conditions including surrender of passports, and excessive fines.

Attached are guidelines for the Fair Treatment of Seafarers in the event of a Marine Accident, which were approved by the IMO on April 27, 2006 and the ILO on June 12, 2006. The CMI's International Working Group on this subject was involved in their development and has been monitoring them ever since their approval.. It would appear that the guidelines are not well known and we would be very grateful if you would forward a copy to all of your members with a request that they assist us in the monitoring process.

We would particularly like to know details of any recent instances of unfair treatment in your country, and information on whether the guidelines have been used or are seen to be potentially useful. We would also appreciate any comments you may have on their likely effect and suggestions for enhancing their use and effectiveness.

Thank you very much for your assistance in this endeavour and we look forward to hearing from you by October 31, 2007 so that your replies may be reviewed by the Executive Council at a meeting scheduled for November 19, 2007.

Yours sincerely,

Nigel Frawley

Secretary General

Guidelines on fair treatment at of seafarers in the event of a maritime accident