Maritime Labour Convention, 2006

In February 2006, the ILO Maritime Conference adopted the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, a document which provides the fourth pillar in global maritime legislation alongside SOLAS, MARPOL and STCW.

Dubbed by seafarers as the 'Bill of Rights', the Convention establishes a set of fundamental rights and principles, seafarers' employment and social rights, and shipowner and government obligations which will apply to the entire industry regardless of whether the flag state has ratified the MLC or not. Port states will be able to apply the Convention standards to all visiting ships.

It therefore encompasses every aspect of seafarer employment (except pensions and identity documents) and will establish a level playing field for all seafarers.

The MLC enhances Tripartism. This means the views of seafarers expressed through their trade unions matter alongside those of employers.

Twelve months after the date on which 30 ILO member states with a combined share of the world gross tonnage of 33% have ratified the Convention, it will enter into force. It is believed the Convention will come into force in early 2012.

This section aims to serve as a basic outline of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. Click on any of the sub links on the left-hand menu to read the various topics.