ITF and IMHA join to condemn HIV discrimination at sea

Through the statement and the position it lays out the ITF and IMHA aim to increase their support for international and national commitments to protect the rights and dignity of seafarers and all people living with HIV/AIDS. The IMHA and ITF consider HIV as a workplace issue that should be treated like any other serious illness/condition on board a vessel.

We believe that HIV/AIDS should not be considered to be a condition that poses a threat to public health in relation to shipping because, although infectious, HIV cannot be transmitted by casual contact or the mere presence of a person with HIV. HIV is transmitted through specific behaviour which is almost always private. The occupational exposure risks of HIV infection at sea are slight and limited to the treatment of injuries and to procedures undertaken by the small number of healthcare staff working on large vessels. There are well established precautions to avoid these risks. Sexual or blood borne transmission are not likely routes for transmission of infection in the normal course of work at sea.

There should be no discrimination against seafarers on the basis of real or perceived HIV status. HIV infection is not a cause for termination of employment at sea and persons with HIV related illness should be able to work for as long as medically fit in an available, appropriate workplace. Any travel or work related restriction should only be imposed on the basis of an individual interview/examination.read more