The Nautilus View

The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 presents both opportunities and challenges to the global shipping industry, and Nautilus International believes most maritime nations are ready to embrace it.

Nautilus has been a major supporter of the role of partnership in the shipping industry and sees it as the only way to ensure that the sector grows stronger, improves efficiency and faces the challenges posed by the global economy, and many employers have chosen this path with Nautilus. The MLC strengthens the role of the Union and encourages social dialogue and tripartism.

The Union believes all governments need to ensure that partnership and social dialogue are maintained once the MLC has been implemented. The Convention offers provision for employment, social rights and a Minimum Wage for all seafarers regardless of their nationality, residence or where their vessel trades.

We believe all governments should exercise effective jurisdiction and control over ships flying their flag and live up to the standards expected of the European shipping industry.

Where necessary, Nautilus is prepared to provide a flexible and pragmatic interpretation of the provisions of the MLC to ensure the objectives are fulfilled and the employment of seafarers is sufficiently protected. We believe flexibility cannot be an excuse for denying the rights set out in the Convention.

Nautilus sees the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 as the end of the exploitation of seafarers, particularly those who are non-domiciled. We also see the Convention as a tool that will go a long way to mend the poor image of shipping amongst the younger generation seeking career opportunities.