Seafarers are set to benefit from improved working and living conditions following the adoption of important amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), which participated in the MLC Special Tripartite Committee meeting at ILO in Geneva (7-11 April) welcomes these developments.
The amendments reflect a continued commitment by the international community to ensure fair treatment, enhance safety and wellbeing at sea, and recognize the vital contribution of seafarers to global trade.
More specifically the meeting adopted the following amendments:
- Protecting seafarers against violence and harassment on board;
- Calling for the designation and recognition of seafarers as key workers;
- Strengthening the rights of seafarers with respect to shore leave, for the benefit of their health and wellbeing;
- 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.
The amendments will now be submitted for approval at the next session of the International Labour Conference, taking place from 2 to 13 June 2025. If endorsed, they are expected to enter into force by December 2027.
Alongside the amendments, the Special Tripartite Committee also adopted a number of key resolutions. Of particular relevance to IMO are the recommendations to extend the mandate of the Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group (JTWG), to conduct a final review to update the ILO/IMO Joint Database on Abandonment of Seafarers and continue cooperation on seafarers' welfare.
This meeting has underscored the power of tripartite dialogue and multilateral cooperation in delivering meaningful, effective solutions to global challenges.