New amendments to the MLC, 2006
The 5th meeting of the ILO Special Tripartite Committee for the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) was held in Geneva from 7 to 11 April 2025. The Committee addressed a wide range of issues related to violence and harassment, repatriation, shore leave and entitlement to leave.
Relevant for ship owners/managers and flag authorities.
Several amendments to the MLC, 2006 were adopted in addition to four resolutions (general comment to this news: Resolutions serve as recommendations or guidelines for the industry. They are not legally binding and will not be implemented into national legislation. Only amendments to the Convention will be enacted into national legislation). Below are the main amendments to the MLC, 2006:
Repatriation
Repatriation of seafarers shall be facilitated in a way that does not discriminate on any grounds and irrespective of the flag State of the ship.
New standard: A2.5.1, para. 10
The costs to be borne by the shipowner have been clarified to include at least passage to the selected destination, accommodation en route, up to 30 kg of luggage, and medical treatment until the seafarer is able to travel to the destination.
New standard: A2.5.1, para. 3
Amended guideline: B2.5.1, para. 3
Entitlement to leave
Seafarers’ right of shore leave has been strengthened and shall be allowed in a manner which excludes discrimination on any grounds and irrespective of the flag State of the ship. Seafarers shall not be required to hold a visa or special permit for such shore leave.
New standard: A2.4.2
New guideline: B2.4.5
Key workers
Seafarers should be recognized as key workers and should be ensured safe movement when travelling in connection with their employment.
New guideline: B2.5.2
Access to shore-based welfare facilities, and flag State responsibilities
Seafarers detained in a foreign port should be dealt with promptly and with due account of the ILO/IMO Guidelines on Fair Treatment of Seafarers Detained in Connection with Alleged Crimes.
Amended guideline: B4.4.6, para. 2
In carrying out an inquiry into a marine casualty, authorities shall take due account of the IMO Code of the International Standards and Recommended Practices for a Safety Investigation into a Marine Casualty or Marine Incident, as well as the recommendations of the ILO/IMO Guidelines on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers in the Event of a Maritime Accident and the ILO/IMO Guidelines on Fair Treatment of Seafarers Detained in Connection with Alleged Crimes.
New standard: A5.1.6, para. 1 and 2
Medical care aboard ship and ashore
Medical training should also reflect the content of the International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers.
Amended guideline: B4.1.1, para. 2 and 4
Prevention of bullying, harassment and discrimination
Several amendments are made to prevent violence, harassment and bullying – from the recruitment process, through to the promotion of occupational safety and health programmes, to the investigation of incidents and accidents, and up to the on-board complaint procedure.
New guideline: B1.4.1, para.2 (l)
New guideline: B3.1.10, para. 1 (d)
New standard: A4.3, para. 1 (e) and 2 (e) to 2 (h)
Amended guideline: B4.3.1, para. 1 and para. 2 (m) and 4 (d)
Amended guideline: B4.3.6, para. 2 (g) and new para. 3
New guideline: B4.3.11, para. 4
Amended standard: A5.1.5, para. 2 and 3 and new para. 5
Adopted resolutions
- Resolution on the Extension of the Mandate of the Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group (JTWG)
- Resolution on Recognizing Seafarers as Key Workers
- Resolution proposing amendments to the Convention on the Facilitation of International Marine Traffic, 1965, as amended, to reflect amendments to the MLC, 2006, decided at the 5th Meeting of the ILO Special Tripartite Committee concerning shore leave
- Resolution concerning the convening of a meeting of the Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group to identify and address seafarers’ issues and the human element on hours of work and hours of rest
Recommendations
The adopted amendments will be implemented by flag States through their national legislation. Companies should consult their respective flag State(s) when the amendments enter-into-force date is approaching, to understand how the amendments will be applied to their ships.
No new inspection items to the Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) have been added, but it must be expected that procedures forming part of the DMLC Part II must be updated to reflect the new requirements. These amendments are expected to enter into force in December 2027.
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