ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention Sees Groundbreaking Updates

Following a week of intense negotiations at the International Labour Organisation, a series of groundbreaking amendments and updates have been made to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). 

Amongst the updates to the MLC include the designation of seafarers as key workers, strengthened requirements for seafarer repatriation, ensuring visa-free shore leave, and enhanced protections against bullying and harassment. 

Commenting on the new protections for seafarers that were agreed at the ILO’s Special Tripartite Committee (STC), Tim Springett, Chair of the ICS Labour Affairs Committee and Spokesperson for the Shipowners’ Group at the ILO, said: 

“I’ve been incredibly proud to represent shipowners at the ILO this year for the Fifth Meeting of the STC, to review and amend the MLC. I’ve been lucky enough to have the support of such a strong team, and together we have been able to deliver some significant improvements to the seafarers’ rights in collaboration with our government and social partners. 

The accomplishments of STC prove that - whatever the issue facing our industry - when we come together, we can work it out”.

Another development that emerged from the meeting of the ILO, was the insertion of a new provision into the MLC, recommending the carriage of the International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers on board ships, complementing the existing requirement for all ships to carry a medical guide on board. 

Ms. Corinne Vargha, Director of the International Labour Standards Department of the ILO, said: 

“At a time when the spirit of multilateralism and the added value of tripartism are called into question, the STC 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”.

The ILO maritime tripartite regulatory structure brings together national governments, alongside a global shipowners group co-ordinated by the International Chamber of Shipping and a global seafarers group co-ordinated by the International Transport Workers’ Federation. 

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