In a bid to uphold employment standards and facilitate global operations, the shipping industry is being called upon to take note of the latest amendments to the International Labour Organization (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has released the fourth edition of the Guidelines on the Application of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, offering essential updates and best practices to ensure compliance with the Convention’s mandatory standards. With over two million merchant seafarers employed worldwide, the shipping industry is subject to a comprehensive global regime enforced by governments through flag state inspections and port state control. The publication serves as a critical resource for maritime employers, providing clarity and guidance on fulfilling their obligations under the Convention.
Jos Standerwick, Chair of the LISW23 Conference Working Group and Chief Executive of Maritime London, stated, “As the speaker line-up takes shape, we are on track to have the most diverse conference to date, with leading thinkers from outside the industry, and as always the most influential stakeholders from the market.”
The newly released edition of the Guidelines, published by ICS Publications, includes crucial updates to the mandatory employment standards outlined in the ILO Maritime Labour Convention. The Guidelines aim to ensure compliance with the Convention’s provisions and address the obligations of maritime employers within the industry.
“The maritime industry is the only sector to have such a comprehensive global regime in place, with standards strictly enforced by governments worldwide,” said Helio Vicente, Senior Manager (Policy and Employment Affairs) at ICS. “We are committed to assisting shipping companies in providing decent work for the seafarers they employ, and this latest edition of the publication offers employers all the information they need about best practices and amendments made to the Convention since 2013. It includes vital updates in response to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, as agreed upon by the ILO MLC in 2022.”
The Guidelines serve as a practical tool for distilling the Convention’s provisions to a comprehensible level, eliminating the need to navigate the entire document. Featuring a user-friendly layout with checklists, infographics, and visual aids, the publication facilitates understanding and highlights the changes that will impact employers. Notably, it addresses the rights of seafarers and the responsibilities of employers, including recent amendments from the ILO MLC 2022. These amendments encompass the provision of appropriately-sized personal protective equipment (PPE) for the growing number of women seafarers, access to medical care, and the importance of social connectivity for seafarers, including internet access in ports.
Following the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Guidelines solidify the recognition of seafarers as key workers. The World Health Organization (WHO), ILO, and International Maritime Organization (IMO) have jointly acknowledged that seafarer transit is fundamental to global trade. While shipping companies must take measures to prevent the spread of disease, seafarers must be treated as a distinct category of worker, receiving the necessary support to ensure the continuity of trade.
The release of the fourth edition of the Guidelines on the Application of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention highlights the shipping industry’s ongoing commitment to maintaining robust employment standards and compliance with international regulations. As the industry strives to attract and retain a skilled workforce, the Guidelines serve as an essential resource for maritime employers, providing clarity and practical guidance
