What Crew Members Say About Rustem

The vessel Rustem was detained once again in Bartin on July 31, 2024, marking its third detention within just one year. The inspection revealed ten significant deficiencies with the ship, raising serious concerns about its compliance with maritime safety standards. The deficiencies included: 1) Missing endorsement in the Certificate & Documentation by the flag state, 2) Unsatisfactory cleanliness of the engine room, 3) Inadequate safety measures against obstruction and slipping, 4) Unsafe means of access, 5) Non-compliance with Cover requirements for hatchways and tarpaulins, 6) Inoperative engineers alarm, 7) Corrosion detected in deck structures, 8) Structural issues with beams, frames, and floors, 9) Incomplete records in the Ballast Water prevention log, and 10) Absence of an ISM certificate. Following the inspection, Rustem was released on August 3, 2024. This latest detention follows previous incidents on January 9, where the vessel had 23 deficiencies and was held for six days, and a prior detention on August 6, 2023, with a staggering 30 deficiencies also resulting in a six-day hold. The repeated failures to comply with safety norms underscore the urgent need for corrective actions before further operations.

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has flagged the maritime vessel RUSTEM (IMO: 8519954) for abandonment, raising serious concerns for the crew's welfare. Registered under the flag of St. Kitts & Nevis, the RUSTEM is currently docked at Bartin in Turkiye. The situation is dire for the six seafarers aboard, who have reportedly gone without wages for 2.5 months. All crew members hail from Azerbaijan, facing uncertain conditions as they await resolution. This abandonment was officially reported to the ITF on July 10, 2025, and remains an open case. The ITF Seafarers abandonment list sheds light on these pressing issues, tracking the alarming trend of crew abandonment across the globe.

On January 9, 2025, the merchant vessel 'Rustem' was detained in Bartin due to a staggering total of 20 deficiencies identified during an inspection. The violations included critical issues in documentation and operational standards, raising significant safety and compliance concerns. The deficiencies noted were: 1) Oil record book not as required; 2) Fire safety operational booklet not compliant; 3) Garbage record book not up to standard; 4) Document of compliance inadequate; 5) SOPEP (Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan) not compliant; 6) Auxiliary machinery not operating as per requirements; 7) MR Radio installation inoperative; 8) Ballast water management system unsatisfactory; 9) Garbage management plan deficiencies; 10) Atmosphere testing instruments for cargo operations inadequate; 11) Inoperative remote means of control in the machinery space; 12) Fire fighting equipment not meeting standards; 13) Emergency fire pump and associated pipes inoperative; 14) Communication systems between safety center and control stations not compliant; 15) Heating not meeting operational requirements; 16) Rescue boats unprepared for use; 17) Expired navigational charts; 18) Inoperative voyage or passage plan; 19) Enclosed space entry and rescue drills not conducted as required; 20) ISM (International Safety Management) certificate not compliant. This detention follows the previous one on August 6, 2024, also occurring in Bartin, where the vessel was found to have 26 deficiencies. The repeated non-compliance raises serious concerns for maritime safety and regulation adherence for the operation of the 'Rustem.'

The bulk carrier 'Alize' is currently docked at Haydarpasa port in Istanbul, remaining stationary since June 1, 2019. The vessel's arrest is still in effect as court proceedings have not yet concluded. The ongoing legal formalities underscore the complex nature of maritime law and its implications for shipping operations in the region.

In a significant bust, the cargo ship "Alize" has been apprehended by Turkish customs authorities on suspicion of smuggling contraband cigarettes. The operation was triggered by a tip-off from a correspondent based in Northern Cyprus, located in Famagusta. The Turkish law enforcement closely monitored the vessel as it navigated the Straits en route to Kherson before it prepared for its next journey through the Straits. Upon its arrival in Istanbul on July 8, 2016, the "Alize" was boarded and thoroughly searched. Authorities discovered a staggering 3.3 million packs of illegal cigarettes hidden aboard the vessel. As a result of the findings, both the ship and its six crew members were taken into custody, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat smuggling operations in the region.