The 5th Meeting of the ILO Special Tripartite Committee for the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), took place in Geneva from 7 to 11 April 2025, addressing important updates aimed at enhancing the protection and welfare of seafarers globally.
Relevant for shipowners, managers, crewing agencies, and flag authorities, this session resulted in the adoption of several new amendments to the MLC, 2006, along with four non-binding resolutions. While the resolutions serve as guidance and are not legally enforceable, the adopted amendments will be integrated into national legislations by flag States.
Key Amendments to the MLC, 2006
1. Repatriation – No Discrimination, Clarified Costs
- Repatriation must be arranged without discrimination and regardless of the ship’s flag.
- Shipowners are now explicitly responsible for covering travel, accommodation en route, up to 30 kg of luggage, and medical treatment until the seafarer is fit to travel.
(Standards: A2.5.1 paras. 3 & 10; B2.5.1 para. 3)
2. Shore Leave and Entitlement to Leave
- Seafarers are entitled to shore leave without discrimination. Visas or special permits must not be required.
(Standards: A2.4.2; B2.4.5)
3. Recognition as Key Workers
- Seafarers’ status as key workers is reaffirmed, ensuring safe and unrestricted travel for employment.
(Guideline: B2.5.2)
4. Welfare and Fair Treatment in Foreign Ports
- Fair treatment must be ensured for detained seafarers, aligning with ILO/IMO guidelines.
- Marine casualty investigations must follow IMO/ILO standards.
(Standards: A5.1.6 paras. 1 & 2; B4.4.6 para. 2)
5. Medical Training Alignment
- Onboard medical training should incorporate the International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers.
(Guideline: B4.1.1 paras. 2 & 4)
6. Prevention of Violence, Harassment, and Discrimination
- Comprehensive amendments enhance prevention from recruitment to onboard complaint mechanisms.
(New and amended: B1.4.1, B3.1.10, A4.3, B4.3.1, B4.3.6, B4.3.11, A5.1.5)
Adopted Resolutions (Non-binding)
- Recognition of Seafarers as Key Workers
- Extension of the Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group
- Proposal to Amend the FAL Convention to reflect new shore leave provisions
- Future Discussions on Hours of Work and Rest
Recommendations for Shipowners and Managers
The amendments are expected to enter into force in December 2027. Although no immediate changes are required to the DMLC inspection checklist, companies must ensure that their DMLC Part II procedures are updated to reflect these changes.
Shipowners and operators should closely monitor communications from their flag State administration to ensure timely compliance and proper integration of the new standards across their fleet.
Reference:
Full report and adopted resolutions available from the ILO [Special Tripartite Committee 5th Meeting Documents].
