SOUTHAMPTON and other Hampshire ports are being urged to look out for signs of modern slavery when visiting ships dock in the UK.

A multi-agency partnership set up by Hampshire Constabulary three years ago marked International Seafarers' Day on Saturday by asking port staff to watch for any suspicious activity and alert police immediately.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Modern Slavery Partnership (MSP) is also urging cruise and shipping companies to be its eyes and ears.

MSP co-ordinator Jess Gealer said: “Slavery at sea can go unnoticed due to restricted access to the ships and limited opportunity to check on the welfare of seafarers.

"We are therefore writing to all those who work with seafarers to ask them to join the partnership, look out for the signs of slavery and to report any concerns.

"If someone sees something they think is wrong it's vital that they share the information with the authorities so that appropriate action can be taken and anyone in trouble can be helped immediately.”

Insp Dave Humphries of Hampshire Police added: "We will seek to disrupt criminal activity associated with modern slavery and prosecute those responsible where ever possible.

“Crew members on some commercial ships that come into our ports are being exploited and this may amount to offences under the new Modern Slavery Act.

"We want to be able to do all we can to help those victims and then deal with offences."

The Rev Roger Stone, Apostleship of the Sea port chaplain for the south coast ports in England, said he had seen evidence of ships breaking health and safety laws and ignoring the rights of crewmen.

He cited several examples, including filthy toilets, galleys without adequate food or drinking water and crews being forced to work without sufficient rest hours or pay.

Mr Stone complained that port authorities lacked the power to detain a ship for what he described as "deficiencies" and added: "There must be a point when a civil offence becomes a criminal one, especially in cases where abuse and modern slavery is suspected.

"This question is one that the shipping industry, port authorities and law enforcement agencies must seriously consider."

Southampton docks is owned by Associated British Ports (ABP).

A company spokesman said: "The Port of Southampton always aims to operate to very high standards and we work closely with the appropriate authorities to prevent illegal activity of any kind at our port.”

PANEL Signs of slavery at sea can include: Poor accommodation, including dirty showers and toilets.

Galleys without adequate food or drinking water.

Crew being forced to work without sufficient breaks.

Evidence of violence and or sexual abuse.

Restriction of movement, including lack of access to repatriation services.

A crew member may lack self-esteem or seem anxious with an expression of fear.

They may not be in possession of - or be able to access - their personal documents.

They may be in need of medical attention.

Non-payment or "delayed" payment of wages.