Networking Lawyers

SRI networks lawyers in over 110 countries around the world who provide specialist professional expertise and facilitate comparative analyses of maritime laws and best practice in the international maritime industry.

In dealings with seafarers, SRI asks for standards of professional care that recognise the vulnerable status of seafarers.

The SRI Charter of Good Practice for Provision of Legal Services to Seafarers is a statement of good practice for the provision of legal services to seafarers. The Charter is not a legally binding contract, nor does it in any way interfere with any specific relationship that a lawyer/law firm may have with a seafarer client. It recognises the following principles that should be observed at all times in the provision of legal services to seafarers:

• To treat the seafarer fairly, respectfully and without discrimination

• To provide the seafarer with the best possible information in easily understandable language so that informed decisions can be made about the available options

• To provide the seafarer with the best possible information about the lawyer’s/law firm’s fees and expenses, and about any available third party funding for the matter. Fees and expenses will be fair and reasonable.

• To progress the matter diligently and to keep the seafarer informed regularly

• To act competently employing the necessary expertise in the law relating to the seafarer’s specific matter

• To act in accordance with instructions received from, and arrangements made with, the seafarer

• To act for the seafarer free from conflict of interests

• To keep the seafarer’s affairs confidential

• To review the matter regularly and keep the seafarer informed when it is completed