Finance
Seafarers can refuse to sail through mideast gulf region, main union says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 5, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 5, 2026
Quick Summary
Amid heightened danger in the Strait of Hormuz, seafarers under IBF agreements now have the explicit right to refuse to sail through the Middle East Gulf, with repatriation at company expense and compensation, including doubled benefits in cases of death or disability.
Seafarers Granted Right to Refuse Sailing Through Risky Mideast Gulf Region
Seafarers' Rights and Protections Amid Rising Middle East Gulf Tensions
Background: Escalating Threats in the Strait of Hormuz
LONDON, March 5 (Reuters) - Seafarers have the right to refuse to sail on ships passing through the Middle East Gulf, including the Strait of Hormuz, after the threat level for the region was raised to its highest level, the leading labour union and shipping industry groups said on Thursday.
Around 300 ships are anchored on both sides of the Strait while the U.S.-led war against Iran escalates. Since February 28, nine ships have been damaged and at least one seafarer has been killed.
International Bargaining Forum (IBF) Arrangements
As part of negotiated arrangements reached on Thursday between mariners and commercial shipping companies, known as the International Bargaining Forum (IBF), seafarers can refuse to sail into the area, with repatriation at the company’s cost and compensation equal to two months’ basic wage.
Compensation and Additional Protections
In addition, they will receive higher pay and compensation will be doubled in the event of death or disability, the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) said in a statement.
Industry Response and Statements
"Today’s designation ensures that seafarers on vessels covered by IBF agreements have critical protections if they operate in this dangerous region," ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton said.
"The fact we have to take these measures at all is a damning indictment of the situation facing seafarers today. No worker should have to risk being killed or maimed simply for doing their job – particularly when that job is transporting the oil and goods that keep the world’s economies running."
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Jonathan Saul; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Andrei Khalip)
Key Takeaways
- •Seafarers covered by IBF agreements can refuse to transit the Strait of Hormuz and are entitled to repatriation at the company’s cost plus two months’ basic wage.
- •In case of death or disability, compensation will be doubled; additionally, higher pay applies while operating in the region, according to ITF guidance.
- •An estimated thousands of seafarers and dozens of vessels—including 132 container ships—are stranded or rerouted, while global shipping and insurance costs surge due to suspension of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Frequently Asked Questions about Seafarers can refuse to sail through Mideast Gulf region, main union says
1Why can seafarers refuse to sail through the Middle East Gulf?
Seafarers can refuse due to an increased threat level and new safety agreements negotiated by their union.
2What areas are covered by the new seafarer protections?
The protections cover ships passing through the Middle East Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz.
3What compensation do seafarers receive if they refuse to sail?
Seafarers get repatriation at the company’s cost and two months' basic wage as compensation.
4What happens if a seafarer is killed or disabled in the region?
Compensation for death or disability will be doubled under the new agreements.
5Which organizations are involved in the new seafarer protections?
The International Bargaining Forum (IBF) and International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) are involved.
