Book Description

'Voyages of Abuse is a most useful and much needed addition to the ocean literature ... The book is extremely well written and painstakingly documented ... The detailed case histories will shake some consciences.' Elisabeth Mann Borgese, Founder and Honorary Chair for Life, International Ocean Institute, Malta'This book is a fine contribution to the ongoing debate about global governance in shipping and will doubtless help in persuading those who remain opposed to the notion that with flag state rights come flag state responsibilities.' David Cockroft, ITF General Secretary'Professor Couper is well known in maritime circles for his passion and commitment for the welfare of the men and women of the sea. This book is a valuable addition to the cause of seafarers and their human rights. I warmly recommend it to all those who have the wellbeing of the shipping industry at heart.' Rev Jacques Harel, General Secretary, International Christian Maritime AssociationVoyages of Abuse details the deplorable conditions that exist in a minority sector of international shipping operating mainly, although not exclusively, under flags of convenience. In a horrific account of human rights abuses that would be little tolerated in the countries of the shipowners, the authors demonstrate that governments often pay little attention to cases of robbery, abandonment, deprivation and even death perpetrated by these shipowners or on vessels bearing their national flag. The financial and shipping institutions that support substandard shipowners are also prepared to ignore the plight of the individual seafarer serving on the ships under their tenure.The authors draw on case studies to illustrate the issues, including a perspective on Adriatic Tanker Company of Greece and examples of incompetent management and the reckless finance provisions in merchant shipping. The authors also examine the plight of seafarers' families, who are particularly vulnerable, and the legal rights of abused and abandoned seafarers. They conclude by arguing for a global governance of shipping.