The ITF fights passionately for better lives at sea. Representing over 1 million seafarers in over 200 seafarers’ unions across 106 countries, we campaign globally and locally to advance seafarers’ rights and secure decent and safe working conditions. We are fighting exploitation in an industry that for too long has been out of sight and out of mind, and navigating the shipping industry towards a sustainable future.
Seafarers move the world – connecting 90% of global trade and supply chains. Seafarers deliver the goods, food and commodities that fuel our economies and sustain our communities. Despite the critical role that seafarers play globally, they routinely face exploitation, which is exacerbated by the Flags of Convenience system. The ITF works tirelessly to advance and uphold seafarers’ rights through collective bargaining, strengthening international and national regulation, and a global inspectorate that monitors and enforces agreements and international law. We stand ready to hold any shipowner, government or company to account for any violation of our rights at sea.