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Seafarers working on ships passing through the Middle East Gulf region can now refuse to sail through the Strait of Hormuz after the threat level in the area was raised to its highest level.<\/p>\n
About 300 ships are currently anchored on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world\u2019s most critical oil shipping routes.<\/p>\n
Since February 28, at least nine ships have been damaged in attacks in the region and at least one seafarer has been killed.<\/p>\n
The new protection was agreed under arrangements negotiated between seafarers\u2019 representatives and commercial shipping companies through the International Bargaining Forum (IBF).<\/p>\n
Under the agreement, seafarers working on ships covered by IBF contracts can refuse to sail into the Middle East Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n
If they choose not to enter the area, they are entitled to repatriation at the company\u2019s expense and compensation equal to two months\u2019 basic wages.<\/p>\n
The International Transport Workers\u2019 Federation (ITF), which represents seafarers worldwide, announced the measures.<\/p>\n
The measures were announced by the International Transport Workers\u2019 Federation (ITF), which represents seafarers globally.<\/p>\n
The new arrangements also provide additional financial protection for crews operating in the high-risk region.<\/p>\n
According to the ITF, seafarers sailing in the area will receive higher pay, and compensation will be doubled if a crew member dies or becomes disabled while operating in the zone.<\/p>\n
These rules apply to ships operating under IBF agreements, which cover a large number of vessels in the global merchant fleet.<\/p>\n
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world\u2019s most strategically important maritime chokepoints. A large share of global oil shipments and energy cargo passes through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.<\/p>\n
The presence of hundreds of ships waiting near the strait shows growing uncertainty among shipping companies. The situation in the region has become more tense as the conflict involving the United States and Iran escalates.<\/p>\n
Shipping companies are closely monitoring the situation because any disruption in the strait could affect global oil supply chains and international trade flows.<\/p>\n
ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton said the decision was necessary to protect seafarers working in increasingly dangerous waters. He stated that the designation ensures seafarers covered by IBF agreements receive critical protections if their vessels operate in the region.<\/p>\n
Cotton added that the need for such measures shows the difficult conditions faced by maritime workers. According to him, no worker should be forced to risk being killed or seriously injured simply while transporting goods and energy cargo that support the global economy.<\/p>\n