Amendments to FAL Convention, Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, has further strengthened the right to shore leave for seafarers. 90% of world’s cargo moves by sea and seafarers often spend long weeks out a sea sometimes in adverse weather conditions.

The amendment to the international standard on shore leave adds a new provision, on top of the requirement to allow crew ashore while the ship on which they arrive is in port. This new provision says there should be no discrimination on grounds of nationality, race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, or social origin. Shore leave should be granted, irrespective of the flag State of the ship. If any request is turned down, the relevant public authorities must provide an explanation to the crew member and the master, which the seafarer or master can request to be provided in writing. 

To know more about new amendment to FAL Convention and extra protection to seafarer shore leave click here