The Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) has issued an advisory to Jamaican seafarers and seafarers serving on Jamaican ships in the case of abandonment.

This is part of the authority's mandate, as outlined in the Shipping Act, 1998, to see to the engagement and welfare of seafarers.

Seafarers are advised to contact the registrar of seafarers at the MAJ. They are being advised to retrieve all personal documents from the captain; contact local immigration authorities; contact the flag administration of the vessel; contact the nearest Jamaican consulate serving the country in which they have been abandoned; contact their union; contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Diaspora and Consular Affairs Department

NEXT OF KIN

Additionally, seafarers are advised to contact their next of kin and pass on next of kin information, name, address, contact numbers, email etc. to the local authorities and the flag administration; document any assistance given (such as by the local Red Cross, seafarers' missions etc.); note any personal expenditure that should normally be for the owner's account such as food, water, accommodation, medical expenses etc.

Also, seafarers should note any additional expenditure that arose as a direct result of the abandonment. Evidence of these expenses should be kept.

According to Bertrand Smith, legal director, Maritime Authority of Jamaica, "abandonment is one of the serious occupational risks seafarers face, and attempts are being made, internationally and locally, to reduce those risks by implementing regulations and providing guidance to seafarers".

"The advisory is an attempt to not only alert seafarers to some preparedness before going to sea, such as having relevant contact information, but also provides information as to steps to take if they have been abandoned" he added.

Over 1.2 million seafarers contribute to an estimated 90 per cent of global trade. Reported cases of abandonment, according to Seafarers Rights International, "between 2001 and 2010, 136 ships and 1,612 seafarers were abandoned. In 2009 alone, a total of 57 vessels were abandoned, affecting 647 seafarers."

The Maritime Authority of Jamaica has dealt with a few cases of abandonment since its inception, involving Jamaicans being abandoned in foreign ports and seafarers of other nationalities being abandoned in Jamaican waters.

Maritime Authority: 876 967 1060-5 or email - registrar@jamaicaships.com [2] Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade: 876 926 4220 or 876 926 4416 or email - info@mfaft.gov.jm [3].