Search and Rescue Operations of Immigrants at Sea: Challenges for the Crew of Merchant Ships

The crisis that has arisen due to significant waves of immigrants leaving African and Asian countries towards Europe during the last decade has had a great impact on maritime sector. The usual immigrant routes include the sea passages in the Mediterranean Sea using unsafe and often overcrowded vessels during which human lives are at high risk. Very often different merchant ships are engaged in rescue operations of immigrants in danger. New regulations and measures helping to tackle with challenges posed to seafarers and coastal states are actively being developed and improved. However, these situations pose a great challenge for the crew of merchant ships and cause many problems regarding their own safety and security. This paper presents the legal framework in force and guidelines for seafarers on the issue, it presents the responsibilities of the crew engaged in rescue operations and most frequent dangers that masters and crew have to overcome. Furthermore, a set of recommendations to improve the procedures in the rescue of immigrants have been provided.