Enhancing Seafarer Welfare: Comprehensive Amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006)

The 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), held in Geneva in June 2025, marked a significant milestone in maritime labour standards. The Conference adopted a series of pivotal amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), aiming to bolster the rights, safety, and well-being of seafarers globally.

These amendments address critical areas such as repatriation, shore leave, recognition of seafarers as key workers, fair treatment in foreign ports, repatriation costs, medical training, and the prevention of violence and harassment on board ships.

The actual document is also attached at the end of the blog!

Below is a detailed overview of each amendment, accompanied by real-world examples to illustrate their practical implications:

1. Repatriation Without Discrimination

Amendment:
Each Member shall facilitate the repatriation of seafarers in a manner free from discrimination on any grounds, irrespective of the flag State of the ship on which they are employed, engaged, or work.

Real-World Example:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous seafarers faced challenges in repatriation due to discriminatory practices. For instance, some countries imposed restrictions that disproportionately affected seafarers from specific nationalities, delaying their return home.

This amendment seeks to eliminate such discriminatory barriers, ensuring equal treatment for all seafarers regardless of nationality or the flag of their vessel.

2. Shore Leave

Amendment:
Members shall ensure that public authorities allow seafarers to go ashore while their ship is in port, provided all formalities are fulfilled and there are no public health, safety, or order concerns. Shore leave must be allowed without discrimination and irrespective of the ship's flag.

Real-World Example:
A study found that more than a quarter of seafarers did not get any shore leave at all during their contracts, and a third only got ashore once or twice during their entire contract, based on an average of 6.6 months onboard. This lack of shore leave can have detrimental effects on seafarers' mental health and well-being. The amendment aims to address this issue by ensuring seafarers have the opportunity for rest and recuperation ashore.

3. Recognition of Seafarers as Key Workers

Amendment:
Each Member should designate and recognize seafarers as key workers and take appropriate measures to facilitate their safe movement when traveling in connection with their employment or work, including access to shore leave, repatriation, crew changes, and medical care ashore.

Real-World Example:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK Government designated seafarers as key workers. This recognition was crucial in facilitating crew changes and ensuring the continuous movement of essential goods. The amendment encourages all Member States to provide similar recognition and support to seafarers.

4. Fair Treatment in Foreign Ports and Marine Casualties

Amendment:
Seafarers detained in foreign ports should be dealt with promptly under due process of law and with appropriate consular protection, taking due account of the ILO/IMO Guidelines on Fair Treatment of Seafarers.

Real-World Example:
In 2018, the crew of the MT Maro were held in Nigeria for two years without trial. The Mission to Seafarers intervened to secure their release. This amendment seeks to prevent such prolonged detentions and ensure fair treatment for seafarers in foreign jurisdictions.

5. Costs of Repatriation

Amendment:
The shipowner shall bear the following repatriation costs: travel to the repatriation destination, accommodation and meals from ship departure to destination, transport of up to 30 kg of personal luggage, and required medical treatment until medically fit to travel.

Real-World Example:
A study estimated the average total costs of repatriation for various medical conditions, highlighting the financial burden on shipowners. This amendment clarifies the shipowner's responsibilities, ensuring seafarers are not left to bear these costs themselves.

6. Enhanced Medical Training Requirements

Amendment:
Training should be based on the latest editions of international medical guides and national equivalents. Authorities should align ship medical protocols and equipment with these recommendations.

Real-World Example:
A study emphasized the need for standardized medical training for seafarers to ensure competency in providing adequate medical care onboard. This amendment aims to enhance the quality of medical care available to seafarers at sea.

7. Violence and Harassment Prevention

Amendment:
Legal measures should prohibit shipboard violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault, in alignment with ILO Convention No. 190. Shipowners must implement anti-violence policies, and safe reporting procedures should be established.

Real-World Example:
A study revealed that harassment and bullying are prevalent in the maritime industry, affecting seafarers' mental health and well-being. This amendment seeks to create a safer and more inclusive working environment for all seafarers.

Conclusion

These comprehensive amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, underscore the international community's commitment to enhancing the rights and welfare of seafarers.

By addressing critical issues such as discrimination, shore leave, recognition as key workers, fair treatment, repatriation costs, medical training, and the prevention of violence and harassment, these changes aim to create a more equitable and supportive environment for those who play a vital role in global trade and commerce.

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