FLUVIAL PIRACY AND THE WORK ENVIRONMENT: REPERCUSSIONS ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF INLAND NAVIGATION WORKERS IN AMAZONAS, BRAZIL

Abstract

This paper examines fluvial piracy as a psychosocial risk factor in the work environment of inland navigation workers in Amazonas, Brazil, and identifies legal duties of prevention and response. It adopts a qualitative approach, deductive reasoning, and bibliographical and documentary research covering constitutional, labor, health, and inland navigation law, occupational safety standards, official documents, and studies on riverine violence and work-related mental health. The analysis distinguishes piracy under international law from attacks committed in inland waters and shows that the absence of an autonomous legal category does not remove their relevance to occupational risk management. The findings indicate that threats of violence must be included in organizations' risk inventories and action plans, with worker participation, communication protocols, training, post-event support, and coordination with public authorities. The study concludes that criminal-law responses focused solely on harsher penalties are insufficient. Effective protection requires interinstitutional governance, workplace prevention, and comprehensive healthcare adapted to long distances, limited state presence, and the central role of rivers in the Amazon region.