…….Amendments will enhance the living and working conditions of seafarers.
GENEVA (ILO News) – Governments, seafarers and shipowners from the global shipping industry have agreed on a number of amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006) covering six themes. These amendments will protect seafarers from abuse, improve on-board care, and facilitate their mobility.
The amendments were adopted during the Fifth meeting of the Special Tripartite Meeting of the MLC, 2006 (STC), during which more than 400 delegates took part. They include: Protecting seafarers against violence and harassment on board: Calling for the designation and recognition of seafarers as key workers, and strengthening the rights of seafarers with respect to shore leave, for the benefit of their health and wellbeing.
They also include : Facilitating the movement of seafarers for the purpose of repatriation; Requiring States to cooperate and take due account of the IMO/ILO Guidelines on the fair treatment of seafarers in the event of a maritime accident and the recently adopted IMO/ILO Guidelines on the fair treatment of seafarers detained in connection with alleged crimes.
Recommending that ships have the most up-to-date medical information and guidance on board, to be available for the person responsible for medical care on board. Mark Dickinson, Seafarers’ group Vice-Chairperson, said, “For the first time in any ILO instrument, we have a reference to seafarers as key workers in the Code. Seafarers were treated during Covid-19 cannot be forgotten, and we have made sure, as best we can, that it won’t be repeated. Tripartism once again delivered, and we look forward to continuing to progress and to delivering more for seafarers around the world.”
Tim Springett, Shipowners’ group Vice-Chairperson added, “Together we have been able to deliver some significant improvements to seafarers’ rights in collaboration with our partners. The accomplishments of STC prove that – whatever the issue facing our industry – when we come together, we can work it out.”
The Fifth meeting of the Special Tripartite Committee of the MLC, 2006 took place online and in-person in Geneva from the 7th until the 11th of April. The amendments will be presented for approval to the next session of the International Labour Conference, which will be held from 2-13 June 2025. If approved, they should enter into force by December 2027.
Corinne Vargha, Director of the ILO Department of International Labour Standards and Secretary-General of the STC, said, “The STC has demonstrated that tripartite dialogue and multilateralism work and deliver effective solutions to global challenges. The outstanding work accomplished this week, in particular the amendments adopted to strengthen protection against violence and harassment on board, the recognition of seafarers as key workers and access to shore leave will make a positive difference in the daily life of seafarers and shipowners.”
In addition to the amendments, the Special Tripartite Committee adopted resolutions related to:
The early implementation of the above-mentioned adopted amendment to Guideline B2.5.2 of the MLC, 2006, to ensure the recognition of seafarers as key workers; Maintaining consistency, to the extent possible, between the MLC, 2006 and the IMO Convention on the Facilitation of International Marine Traffic, 1965, as amended, (FAL Convention) with respect to shore leave requirements; The extension of the mandate of the Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group (JTWG); Calling for a meeting of the JTWG to discuss the topic of hours of work and rest.
Reflecting on the work concluded, STC Chairperson, Martin Marini, said, “We have achieved tripartite consensus on many key proposals and resolutions. Such a level of engagement from Member States and social partners shows just how much governments are invested in the MLC.“
Haakon Storhaug, the Government group Vice-Chairperson added, “The Government group demonstrated its commitment through active participation in the Committee. It is now time for governments to showcase their individual commitments by considering the adopted amendments and their implementation.”
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