Website will be online lifeline

The site - http://www.itfseafarers.org - provides information on health and safety, pay and workers' rights, as well as the chance to network with the seafaring community. Initially available in English, it will soon be available in Chinese, Russian and Spanish.

The website offers quick and easy contact to the ITF, port- based ITF inspectors and a range of advice, support and information agencies.

It includes:

* advice on how to join a trade union

* a ship look-up database - for seafarers to check the status and record of a ship before they sign up for a contract

* fact sheets on a range of topics - from how to deal with fatigue at sea to the dangers of piracy

* a discussion forum area - “crewtalk” - and a message/photo board

* an ITF inspectors' blog.