NGOs involved in search and rescue missions at sea have been facing a months-long attack by Italian media, politicians and even prosecutors, who accuse them of being a pull factor for illegal immigration and even of colluding with human traffickers. But what does the law really say? What are the rights and duties of volunteers and crew of private ships saving lives at sea? Here is a guide on solidarity at sea developed by CILD to try and inform as much as possible the heated debate on what is going on in the Mediterranean.