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Journal of the National Academy of Legal Sciences of Ukraine

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Seafarer's Awareness of the Sanction Status of the Vessel as an Element of the Subjective Side of the Corpus Delicti: Analysis of the "Marinera" Tanker Case

Viacheslav O. Tuliakov , Nataliia A. Savinova

Received 16.01.2026, Revised 16.02.2026, Accepted 31.03.2026

Abstract

This article examines the criminal-law significance of a sailor’s knowledge regarding a vessel’s affiliation with the Russian “shadow fleet,” focusing on the case of the tanker Marinera (formerly Bella 1). It addresses whether mere employment on a sanctioned vessel can automatically be interpreted as participation in sanctions violations and whether contemporary legal frameworks presume liability for crew members. The study provides a comparative analysis of the approaches of Ukraine, the European Union, and the United States, including sanctions-evasion regulations, the application of the “willful blindness” doctrine, and the requirement to establish the subjective element of the offense for criminal liability.The analysis demonstrates that none of these jurisdictions imposes automatic criminal responsibility solely on the basis of service aboard a shadow fleet vessel. Liability arises only where there is individualized evidence of awareness of the illegality of operations, intentional participation, or conscious disregard of clear indicators of unlawful conduct. The article emphasizes the critical distinction between passive performance of maritime duties and active involvement in concealing the sanctioned nature of cargo or operations; a distinction essential for practical law enforcement and judicial assessment of crew behavior. The study further highlights practical implications, including safeguarding sailors’ rights during the implementation of international sanctions regimes, minimizing the risk of unwarranted criminal prosecution, and establishing clear standards for proving knowledge and intent in sanctions-related offenses. The role of international regulatory authorities, particularly OFAC, is emphasized in shaping crew members’ legal awareness and identifying “red lines” signaling potential violations of sanctions. Through the analysis of the Marinera case, the article identifies criteria for criminal liability that focus on the sailor’s subjective knowledge and active participation rather than the mere fact of employment on a sanctioned vessel. This approach ensures a reasoned, balanced, and practically relevant assessment of the risks and obligations faced by maritime personnel under global sanctions regimes, providing actionable guidance for legal practitioners, law enforcement, and shipping operators navigating complex international compliance requirements.

Keywords:

sanctions; shadow fleet; criminal liability of sailors; subjective element of the offense; OFAC; willful blindness; sanctions evasion; maritime law; proving awareness

https://doi.org/10.31359/1993-0909-2026-33-1-239

Retrieved from Journal NALSU №1, 2026 year

Pages 239-266

References Suggested citation

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Suggested citation

Viacheslav O. Tuliakov, & Savinova, N.A. (2026). Seafarer's Awareness of the Sanction Status of the Vessel as an Element of the Subjective Side of the Corpus Delicti: Analysis of the "Marinera" Tanker Case. Journal of the National Academy of Legal Sciences of Ukraine, 33(1), 239-266. https://doi.org/10.31359/1993-0909-2026-33-1-239