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20 Years of Maritime Labour Convention: Transforming Life at Sea for Seafarers

The International Labour Organisation and International Maritime Organisation have marked the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. This landmark treaty, adopted through unprecedented tripartite consensus, established a comprehensive global framework for seafarers' working and living conditions. Over two decades, it has delivered concrete improvements for millions by setting enforceable standards on wages, rest, health, and welfare. The convention has also leveled the competitive field for shipowners and strengthened the safety and efficiency of critical maritime transport.

Key Points: Maritime Labour Convention 20th Anniversary: ILO & IMO Commit to Seafarers

  • Landmark treaty adopted in 2006
  • Sets global standards for seafarers' work & living conditions
  • Levels playing field for responsible shipowners
  • Strengthens safety & resilience of global shipping
2 min read

Maritime Labour Convention at 20: ILO, IMO reaffirm commitment to decent work at sea

ILO & IMO mark 20 years of the landmark Maritime Labour Convention, which has improved working conditions for millions of seafarers and leveled the global shipping industry.

"a powerful example of social dialogue and multilateral cooperation in action - ILO/IMO Statement"

Geneva, February 23

The International Labour Organisation and the International Maritime Organisation marked the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, a landmark treaty that has reshaped working and living conditions for seafarers worldwide and strengthened fair competition in global shipping.

Adopted on 23 February 2006 by the International Maritime Labour Conference through an unprecedented tripartite consensus, the MLC, 2006 stands as a powerful example of social dialogue and multilateral cooperation in action. Governments, shipowners and seafarers came together to establish a comprehensive global framework to regulate working and living conditions in one of the world's most international industries.

Over the past two decades, the Convention has delivered concrete improvements for millions of seafarers. By setting clear and enforceable minimum standards covering conditions of employment, wages, hours of work and rest, accommodation, health protection, medical care, welfare and social security, and by underpinning them with strong compliance and enforcement mechanisms, the MLC, 2006 has effectively contributed to the realisation of decent work at sea.

At the same time, the Convention has helped level the playing field for responsible shipowners by reducing unfair competition based on substandard labour conditions. In doing so, it has strengthened the safety, efficiency and resilience of maritime transport, a critical pillar of the global economy.

The ILO reaffirms its commitment to the effective implementation of the MLC, 2006 worldwide, with the full support of the IMO, in accordance with its mandate. IMO and ILO call on all States and industry stakeholders to uphold their standards, strengthen compliance and work in partnership to guarantee seafarers' rights and promote a fair, inclusive and sustainable future for global shipping.

IMO has worked in conjunction with the ILO to develop and deliver key guidelines to support seafarers' rights, including those on dealing with seafarer abandonment cases and on fair treatment of seafarers in the event of a maritime accident and detentions in connection with alleged crimes.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While the convention is a great step, implementation is key. We need to ensure Indian shipping companies and those employing our sailors are strictly following these rules. Sometimes the reality on the ground is different from the paper promises.
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Aman W
Decent work at sea is not just a Western concept. Indian seafarers are the backbone of global trade too. Fair competition helps honest Indian shipowners who treat their crews well. Jai Hind to our sailors! 🚢
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Sarah B
Interesting read. The guidelines on abandonment cases are crucial. Seafarers can be stranded far from home through no fault of their own. Global cooperation is the only way to protect these essential workers.
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Vikram M
As someone from a coastal state, I've seen the struggles of fishing communities. Extending such worker protections to all maritime professions, not just commercial shipping, should be the next goal. Good work, but more to do.
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Karthik V
Strong international laws like this are vital. They prevent a race to the bottom where companies use cheap, exploited labour. It protects our hardworking Indian seamen and ensures a level playing field. A solid achievement in 20 years.

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