CHIRP Maritime Issues Practical Guide for Identifying Shadow Fleet
The shadow fleet, a network of tankers and support ships that operate outside international rules, has been a growing concern in recent years. To help seafarers, families, and crewing companies stay safe when dealing with these vessels, the International Federation of Seafarers’ Unions (CHIRP) has issued a practical guide.
The guide highlights the importance of verifying the vessel’s IMO number against official sanctions and risk lists before accepting any assignment. This is crucial in identifying vessels linked to the shadow fleet, which frequently evade sanctions, change flags, and lack proper maintenance, creating serious safety and welfare risks.
Spotting the Warning Signs
One of the key indicators of a vessel being part of the shadow fleet is its age. Significantly older vessels that show visible signs of poor maintenance or neglect are often linked to this network. Other warning signs include frequent changes in ownership or management, rapid or repeated flag changes, and not appearing on recognized Port State Control MoUs (Paris, Tokyo, USCG).
Additionally, operational patterns can also be indicative of a vessel’s involvement with the shadow fleet. Unusual or high-risk trading routes, no clear management, insurance, or P&I entry, and AIS switched off or transmitting false positions are all red flags.
High-Risk Registries
Vessels registered under unofficial or suspicious registries are likely sanctioned. The guide emphasizes the importance of researching a vessel’s registry to determine its legitimacy.
What’s at Stake for You?
Working on a sanctioned vessel can bring serious safety, welfare, and legal consequences. Safety risks include non-compliance with SOLAS, IMO, or class requirements, which increases the likelihood of mechanical failures, collisions, or pollution incidents. Trading patterns may also place the vessel and crew in high-risk or conflict regions where military strikes against merchant vessels have occurred.
Welfare risks are equally concerning, including higher chances of unpaid wages, delayed payments, or total abandonment. Living conditions may fall below minimum standards, with reports of bullying, intimidation, withheld phones, poor food quality, restricted communication, and very limited or no shore leave.
Mental health risks also exist, as isolation, uncertainty, and lack of contact with family can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental-health challenges. Legal risks include seizure, detention, or impoundment by authorities.
Safety Checks
Before signing any contract, seafarers and crewing companies should confirm compliance with MLC, SOLAS, and IMO standards. They should also ensure that the contract lists wages, overtime, leave, and repatriation terms, as well as verify wage payment systems and insurance coverage.
Additionally, they should check ownership history, PSC records, and AIS behavior to ensure that the vessel is not part of the shadow fleet. It’s also essential to have emergency contact details available (ITF, ISWAN, CHIRP) and encourage families to keep vessel details recorded at home.
Support for Families
Maintaining regular communication through multiple channels is crucial when a family member is working on a sanctioned vessel. If affordable, setting aside some money every month to build an emergency fund in case wages stop is also important.
Using agreed code words for discreet alerts and acting quickly if communication stops or wages are delayed can help families stay informed and prepared. Seeking help from ITF, ISWAN, or CHIRP can also provide emotional support and guidance during this challenging time.
The shadow fleet has grown significantly since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, leading to the emergence of a new category known as the gray fleet – vessels showing signs of connections to Russia but not officially under sanctions.
Original Article: CHIRP Maritime: How to identify the shadow fleet — Safety4Sea