For seafarers around the world, navigating the high seas is only part of the challenge. Upon reaching port, they often face a more insidious threat—corrupt officials who demand bribes in the form of cash, cigarettes, food, and other supplies before allowing ships to dock or depart. These so-called "gratuities" are not only illegal under international anti-corruption laws but also pose a significant burden on crews who are left to balance the demands of these officials with the need to maintain essential supplies for their journey.
The Reality of Bribery at Ports
The practice of demanding bribes at ports is alarmingly widespread. According to the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), over 5,000 reports of such incidents were received in 2023 alone. These reports represent just a fraction of the total incidents, as many seafarers are too afraid to come forward, fearing retaliation or blacklisting in the industry.
One such seafarer is ex-captain Stephen Gudgeon, who recounted a harrowing experience to the BBC where he was held at gunpoint after refusing to hand over cigarettes at a port in Asia. Gudgeon was taken ashore, locked in a room, and fined $1,500 for what he believed were fabricated paperwork issues—punishment for his refusal to comply with the demands.
This story, while extreme, is not entirely unique. Seafarers routinely face such demands, with some officials going as far as helping themselves to the ship's provisions when their requests are denied. Gudgeon, who sailed for over 40 years, witnessed numerous instances where officials would take food from the ship's stores, leaving crews with insufficient supplies for their voyage.
The Cost of Corruption
The impact of these corrupt practices goes beyond the immediate loss of goods. In some cases, the theft of provisions can leave a ship dangerously understocked, risking the health and safety of the crew. Filipino officer John Soria shared an incident where inspectors at a port in Eastern Europe attempted to take a large block of cheese meant to last the crew of 17 for two weeks. Unable to refuse outright, Soria negotiated to cut the cheese in half, but the loss still had a significant impact on the crew’s supplies.
Helen Sampson, director of the Seafarers International Research Centre at Cardiff University, highlighted the dangers of these practices: “Sometimes when [crews have] had their provisions raided, they will sail and there won’t be enough food left on board for everybody before the next port where they have a chance to resupply.” This scenario is particularly troubling as it could leave crews stranded without adequate sustenance, especially on long voyages.
Fighting Back Against Corruption
The shipping industry is not taking these issues lightly. Organisations like the MACN are working to combat corruption by collaborating with governments in several countries and encouraging shipping companies to adopt a zero-tolerance approach. However, progress is slow, and many challenges remain.
Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, emphasised the importance of unity among shipping companies in resisting these demands. He urged seafarers to report bribery attempts to their companies so that the issue can be addressed collectively, rather than leaving individuals to face the consequences alone.
Despite these efforts, the practice persists, driven by the complex interplay of various stakeholders at ports, including customs authorities, shipping agents, and port officials. Corruption in and around ports is a deeply rooted problem that requires a concerted effort from all parties involved.
A Call for Global Action
The ongoing issue of bribery and corruption at ports highlights a critical area where international maritime law and enforcement need to be strengthened. While some progress has been made, particularly in regions like the Gulf of Suez and parts of Africa, the problem remains pervasive and threatens the integrity of global shipping operations.
For the maritime industry, addressing this issue is not just about enforcing laws; it’s about protecting the welfare of seafarers who are often caught between their duty to their employers and the demands of corrupt officials. Until a more robust and united global effort is made to combat corruption at ports, seafarers will continue to face these dangerous and demoralising situations.
The road to eradicating corruption in the maritime industry is long, but with continued vigilance and collaboration among stakeholders, there is hope that seafarers will one day be free from the burdens of these illicit demands.