As the maritime industry continues to evolve, so too do the challenges faced by the people at the heart of it—seafarers. One organization, Stella Maris UK, is raising its voice on behalf of these workers, urging the International Labour Organization (ILO) to strengthen protections for one of the most basic human needs: rest.
The Growing Crisis of Shore Leave Denial
For many seafarers, shore leave—a brief escape from the ship to rest and reconnect with the world—is becoming increasingly difficult to access. Some are denied the opportunity outright on vague “operational grounds.” Others are simply too exhausted to leave the ship when the chance finally arises.
Stella Maris UK, a maritime welfare charity that supports seafarers globally, has called attention to this troubling trend. The organization reports numerous cases where crew members, despite working long shifts, are required to stay onboard for deliveries, inspections, or repair work, leaving them with no time or energy to step ashore.
Rest vs. Shore Leave: An Unacceptable Choice
According to Stella Maris, seafarers are being forced into an impossible situation: choosing between essential rest and the mental and emotional relief that comes from shore leave. The charity argues that this should never be a trade-off. Both rest and the right to go ashore are critical for maintaining the mental health, safety, and overall well-being of crew members.
Industry Impact and Human Consequences
While many ship operators strive to look after their crews, the overall decline in access to rest and shore leave is starting to take a toll. Reports of extreme fatigue, low morale, and burnout are becoming more common. Stella Maris warns that without meaningful regulatory enforcement, substandard working conditions could become the norm across the industry.
A Call for Stronger Protections
Stella Maris is urging the ILO to take decisive action during its upcoming discussions on amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention. The organization wants to see stronger protections enshrined in global maritime law—ensuring that seafarers are not left to choose between their physical rest and their mental health.
The call to action is simple but vital: Shore leave and rest are not luxuries—they are necessities. And it’s time the global maritime community treats them as such.
