FOLLOWING incidents in the Red Sea and the Bab El-Mandeb Strait since Nov. 19, 2023, the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) has agreed to designate the southern section of the Red Sea and the Strait as a High Risk Area (HRA) beginning Dec. 22, 2023.

This means that seafarers transiting this area covered by IBF agreements will be entitled to a bonus that is equal to the basic wage, payable for the duration of the transit; double compensation for death or disability and increased security arrangements equivalent to International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code Level 3.

This follows a period of close monitoring of the situation and analysis of subsequent risks to shipping and seafarers by the IBF’s Warlike Operations Area Committee over the past few weeks.

The social partners have become increasingly concerned about the actions taken by Houthi rebels, who are threatening the safety of seafarers and vessels in the Red Sea because of the Israel-Hamas war.

The IBF called on states that influence the area to safeguard this globally important trade route to ensure the health and safety of the seafarers.

The International Mariners’ Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ) and Joint Negotiating Group’s (JNG) chairman, Toshihito Inoue, said: “Sadly, seafarers are often at risk when there is war and global disruptions. After the initial attacks on vessels by Houthi rebels on the western coast of Yemen in the Red Sea, it is important to assess the threat to seafarers and shipping and urge the respective governments to take action to ensure the safety of the seafarers and thereby, global trade.”

Speaking for the International Maritime Employers Council (IMEC), Capt. Belal Ahmed said the Red Sea and Suez Canal is a key shipping route. ” As an employers’ association, it was important for us to reassure seafarers who may be at additional risk in the area that they have appropriate coverage. We will also continue to lobby governments to step up their efforts in the region.”

Meanwhile, International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) Seafarers’ Section Chair David Heindel said: “These are trying times for the industry and especially seafarers, who are simply doing their jobs. While this is a sensitive political issue, for the seafarers, it’s about their health and safety. We welcome the decisions made by several companies to pause or reroute vessels to avoid the risk of attack, and we are pleased that our partners have responded positively to our request to reflect the potential risks that exist for all seafarers transiting the Red Sea at this time.”