REUTERS
The Ukrainian independent maritime trade union has notified the OSCE and IMO of threats to the safety of shipping, life and health in the ports and waters of Russia-occupied Crimea.
Maritime trade unions have called on international organizations to repulse Russia's military practices in the ports and waters of occupied Crimea harming economic prosperity of the region and endangering the life and health of seafarers.
The attention of the OSCE and IMO was drawn to the appropriation of Crimean offshore assets by the Russian Federation, total militarization of civilian infrastructure in the isolated Crimea, as well as the occupation authorities' constant search for ways to illegally bypass Crimea sanctions, the trade union's press service reported, according to ZIK.ua.
The maritime community has focused on Russia's malicious practice of pulling maritime businesses (insurance companies, classification organizations, shipowners and ship operators, as well as crewing companies) into adopting policies of recognizing Crimea as "Russian territory" which eliminates international efforts to maintain a peaceful navigation regime and safe maritime conditions.
Moreover, the Union emphasizes Russia's manipulation with the sea flags and the automatic identification system (AIS) for illegal calls to the ports of Crimea, seizure of seafarers and fishermen's assets, groundless vessel inspections, and negative consequences of occupation authorities' actions for the region's environment (explosions, fires, oil spills).
The Union explains it was forced to initiate action toward protection of rights of seafarers and fishermen against Russian aggression with the UN Human Rights Committee and the European Court of Human Rights, and called on maritime states and businesses not to contribute to the criminal actions committed by the Russian Federation in Crimea.
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It is noted that any manifestations of managerial or commercial interaction with the "authorities" on the peninsula (port administrations, ship repair companies, classification organizations, and educational facilities) are absolutely unacceptable and malicious. Since Russia often uses seafarers and Crimean businesses in their political propaganda, neglecting human rights and safety.
As reported earlier, since Ukraine officially closed down for international shipping seaports in Yevpatoria, Kerch, Sevastopol, Feodosiya, and Yalta, any calls are deemed illegal and could entail fines or even imprisonment for shipwners, captains and crew.
The opinion voiced by some governments claiming it is impossible to influence the situation due to the fact that it is private carriers who engage in regular navigation to Crimean ports is erroneous and inconclusive since it is government agencies of countries that are home to ports and shipowners which exercise control in the maritime field.