The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has established itself as a significant hub for global shipping companies, yet it has notably not ratified the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). This absence of ratification impacts the working conditions and rights of seafarers, as highlighted by the distressing experience of Vinay Kumar, a second engineer from India.
In 2019, Kumar joined the crew of a tanker owned by a UAE-based shipping company. Unfortunately, the company faced severe financial troubles, leading to it abruptly halting salary payments. The crew, including Kumar and four others, found themselves stranded on the vessel for an agonizing 21 months, situated merely three miles off the coast of Dubai. With inadequate resources, they struggled severely for basic necessities. Kumar recounted the dire conditions, explaining that they lacked fuel for cooking and relied on seawater for showers, illustrating their desperate plight.
The situation worsened as the ship was deprived of electricity for an entire month, forcing the crew to depend on charitable organizations for essential sustenance. Their ordeal culminated in January 2021 when the vessel ran aground during a storm. It wasn’t until the ship was sold that the crew was finally allowed to return home, albeit with only 70% of their owed salaries.
Kumar’s harrowing experience serves as a stark reminder of the gaps in maritime labor protections in the UAE. His emotional statement reflects the trauma endured during this ordeal, expressing a strong reluctance to return to sea, stating, “I’ve seen hell.” This case highlights critical issues surrounding seafarer welfare and the urgent need for improved labor standards in the shipping industry, particularly in regions like the UAE that play a pivotal role in global maritime operations.
The narrative sheds light on the broader implications of the UAE’s decision not to ratify the MLC, leaving many seafarers vulnerable to exploitation and unsafe working conditions.
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