Establishment of a place of jurisdiction in Switzerland by means of recourse to group companies and owners or with the place of jurisdiction of necessity

The circumstances of work on the high seas are very complex. It is characterized by hope, hopelessness, dependence, politics, and economics. Applicable law and place of jurisdiction follow in general the country of registration of the ship. The flag of convenience (FOC) is chosen to avoid higher safety, security, environmental and labor standards as well as, in particular, successful access to justice which leads to lower costs for the ship owners and shipping companies. 50’000 merchant ships are expected to be involved in international trade with estimated 1'892’720 seafarers. 70% of the seafarers are working on ships under FOC of 42 countries. On an international level the interests of developing countries and industrialized countries are minimal to agree on fair labor or other standards. Both sides profit too much from ships using cheap registration with little or none control.

Even though, unions and international organisations & associations try to help, the seafarers themselves are reluctant to enforce their rights. The reasons are multifaceted and do not pose a legal problem prima vista: fear of losing work or not being employed again, lack of information, lack of support from their home country, just to name a few.

Granting jurisdiction in a state with a fair and easily accessible court system could lead to some internationally perceived court cases which then might start at least some development and rethinking.