Shining a Spotlight on the “Human Rights and Law Forum”: Seaworth Holding Co.,Ltd Takes Concrete Action to Safeguard Crews’ Labor Rights

The foundation of sustainable fisheries lies in an unwavering commitment to respecting labor and human rights.

On June 1, two outstanding vessel officers from Seaworth Holding Co., Ltd (hereinafter referred to as the Group)—Vietnamese Bosun Nguyen Van Hien and Filipino Navigator Joey Albert Rizol—were invited to attend the “Human Rights and Law Forum” held at the “Crews’ Center in Cianjhen Fishing Port”, Kaohsiung. Organized by the Open University of Kaohsiung, the forum brought together representatives from government agencies, industry organizations, and academia, including the Kaohsiung Fishermen’s Association and the Fisheries Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture. Participants engaged in meaningful and practical discussions on key human rights issues, including the protection of migrant crews’ labor rights, transparency in recruitment and brokerage systems, and improvements to onboard living conditions.

During the forum, Bosun Nguyen Van Hien and Navigator Rizol openly shared their firsthand experiences at sea, discussing topics ranging from salary payments and recruitment-related expenses to their daily lives while vessels are in port. Both vessel officers emphasized that a stable and transparent management system, welfare services provided by the crews’ centers during port stays, and the ability to maintain communication with family members back home are essential for those working long periods at sea. Through interpretation assistance, they expressed their appreciation for these support mechanisms, noting that such measures make them feel respected, valued, and cared for.

Ms. Chen Yueh-Tuan, President of the Open University of Kaohsiung and moderator of the forum, stated that the original purpose of launching the “Human Rights and Law Forum” was to ensure that human rights and legal awareness would extend beyond classroom concepts and become integrated into urban governance, industrial practices, and everyday life. The program encourages stakeholders from all sectors to jointly explore ways to balance industrial development with the protection of human rights.

Labor rights remain one of the core priorities of the Group. To better protect crews’ right to timely medical assistance, the Group took a pioneering step in 2025 by partnering with Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital to launch a Telemedicine at Sea Program. Through satellite communication systems, crews who are injured or feel unwell while at sea can immediately connect with professional medical teams and receive expert medical guidance. When a doctor’s assessment necessitates entry into the port, the Group will arrange for the vessel to enter the port urgently and for medical transfer regardless of operational costs, providing crews with strong and reliable healthcare support.

The Group will continue to prioritize crews’ labor rights, occupational safety, and physical and mental well-being by fostering a safe, comfortable, and supportive working environment. As emphasized during the forum, this forum was just a starting point. The Group is committed not only to listening to concerns but also to understanding and addressing them through empathetic and forward-looking policies. By doing so, the Group strives to build a dignified, equal, and secure working environment for all crews.

(Publication date : 2026/06/11)

Mr. Nguyen Van Hien (left), a Vietnamese Bosun, is presented with a commemorative gift by Ms. Chen Yueh-Tuan, President of the Open University of Kaohsiung.

Mr. Joey Albert A. Rizol (left), a Filipino Navigator, is presented with a commemorative gift by Ms. Chen Yueh-Tuan, President of the Open University of Kaohsiung.

The “Human Rights and Law Forum” was a great success, with lively interaction from the attendees.