In a historic move, shipowners, governments, and labor unions have reached a consensus on major updates to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), the cornerstone international agreement safeguarding seafarers’ working and living conditions. These groundbreaking amendments come as the modern MLC approaches its 20th anniversary, having consolidated 37 previous conventions when adopted in 2006.
The revisions address critical challenges exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when hundreds of thousands of seafarers were stranded at sea due to travel restrictions. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), a leading advocate for seafarers during the crisis, spearheaded negotiations to secure key worker status for crew members and improve access to shore leave, repatriation, and crew changes.
The updates were finalized during a meeting of the ILO’s Special Tripartite Committee (STC) in Geneva, which convenes every three years to review the MLC. The ILO’s unique tripartite structure—bringing together governments, shipowners (represented by ICS), and seafarers (represented by the International Transport Workers’ Federation, ITF)—ensures balanced policymaking through open debate.
Key Reforms Include:
- Key Worker Status: Formal recognition of seafarers as essential workers, ensuring priority during global disruptions.
- Shore Leave Rights: Mandatory measures guaranteeing seafarers can disembark without visas or special permits.
- Repatriation Protections: Strengthened requirements for timely crew returns after contracts.
- Anti-Harassment Safeguards: Enhanced protections against bullying and harassment onboard.
- Medical Care Improvements: New provisions recommending ships carry the ICS International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers, a specialized resource for onboard medical personnel.
Additionally, the STC agreed to explore harmonizing seafarer work/rest hour regulations with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), aiming to resolve inconsistencies between overlapping standards.
Next Steps
The amendments are expected to be formally adopted at the ILO’s International Labour Conference in June 2025, with implementation slated for December 2027.
Tim Springett, Chair of the ICS Labour Affairs Committee, hailed the agreement: “By collaborating with governments and unions, we’ve achieved meaningful progress for seafarers. The STC proves that even complex industry challenges can be resolved through dialogue.”
The reforms mark a significant step toward fairer conditions for the world’s 1.9 million seafarers, reinforcing the MLC’s role as the “Seafarers’ Bill of Rights” in an evolving global shipping industry.
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