Can Seafarers Refuse to Work in War Zones and Retain Their Jobs and Pay?

On 30 October 2026, workers and crews went on strike at 113 ports in 22 countries over deaths on the job and a lack of adequate protection in dangerous shipping lanes caused by the war. Today every sailor will have to find out for themselves if they can strike on a vessel and keep their livelihood and pay, or if they get sacked, or worse yet, prosecuted for doing so. The answer is “often yes” but of course subject to your contractual arrangements and flag state.

Fast Facts

• Working out of scale: Strike took place at 113 ports in 22 countries including on-board doctors and better wages and safety.
• Risk of Gulf attacks highest since start of Iran war Attacks on oilers up 28% in first 21 days of October (record since Iran war started).
• The Black Sea is dangerous: this year there have been 570 confirmed attacks, 40 ship crew members have died and hundreds have been injured.
• Indian crew: The Iran war has claimed the lives of around 15 Indian sailors, leaving many others marooned.
• Key rule books: Maritime Labor Convention 2006, IMO guidance and collective bargaining agreements.

Do Seafarers Have the Right to Refuse Unsafe Work at Sea?

The Maritime Labor Convention 2006 defines minimum seafarers’ legal rights to safe working and living conditions, wages and repatriation. It’s not a generic permission slip to ‘go anywhere, do anything’ with their journey. Many shipowners are bound by collective agreements which in most cases give the best protection for designated areas of warlike operations.

With these agreements crew may refuse to enter a High Risk Area (at least in theory). Then they are sent back to the owner at his own expense, and without any penalty or loss of benefits that they have accrued. Those employed under individual contracts may be less well covered, and it is important to check the war-risk clause before taking up the contract.

What Happens to Seafarer Wages During Conflict? 

During a war, seafarers’ wages continue in normal fashion until they are repatriated. There is also a hazard bonus under most agreements to enter a high-risk zone, and the payouts for death and disability are higher. When employees refuse a voyage which never appeared in their contracts, it is generally difficult for an employer to justify their actions with regard to the contract termination or refusal to sail.

Repatriation, Abandonment and Insurance 

Owners are responsible for paying their crew their wages as well as travel home costs, should they be entitled to travel back. The MLC protects seafarers in case of abandonment, but the protection can only be maintained if the employer maintains a stream of funds to pay their wages and to get them back home.

Don’t forget to review your ship crew insurance policy as well. The owner will purchase maritime war risk insurance which, among other things, often results in an increase in the premiums for dangerous shipping routes, but should not impose additional costs on you. Ensure that benefits for injury, death and detention are valued in conflict zones.

How to Refuse Safely 

1. See if it is formally declared as a high risk/war area.
2. Express your concern in writing to the master and company.
3. Sign off after reaching out to the union or a body working for the benefit of sailors.
4. Maintain copies of contract, voyage orders and copies of all messages.
5. Never leave the ship halfway across the ocean; make sure to call for repatriation to the next port of safety.

Why Unions Are Pushing Harder 

Prof. Dr Dennis Humphreys, president of the INA, is also raising awareness of the problem of rising living costs and calling for onboard medical coverage on flights over the conflict area. For members of the crew, the lesson is the simplest possible: know the rules before getting on board, and if you have to choose between life and law, it is law you should take.

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