Seafarers’ Rights International (SRI) is an independent centre dedicated to advancing the rights of seafarers through research, education and training in issues concerning seafarers and the law.

“Seafarers are the lubricant without which the engine of trade would simply grind to a halt… Seafarers are the unsung heroes of an unsung industry,” said Efthimios Mitropoulos, secretary general of the International Maritime Organization.

Approximately 1.5 million seafarers daily serve on a worldwide fleet of over 100,000 ships that transport over 90% of world trade – manufactured goods, fuel, foodstuffs and commodities that we all rely on but generally take for granted.

Seafarers operate in one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. They are mobile workers and are highly vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, ill treatment and injustice.

Seafarers’ Rights International (known as SRI) is the first pan-industry initiative in the maritime sector that seeks to bring together expertise in the shipping industry and the legal world to advance the rights and legal protection of seafarers.

“The SRI is an ambitious, long-term project. If it is successful meeting its declared objectives, it could make a major contribution to enhancing seafarers’ rights worldwide and help counteract recent negative publicity deterring potential recruits that are vital to the (shipping) industry’s future.” Lloyd’s List, September 2010 ( )