In a significant victory for maritime workers, the International Labour Conference, during its 113th session in Geneva, adopted seven key amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), aimed at strengthening protections and improving working conditions for seafarers worldwide.
The amendments, passed on June 6, mark a new chapter in the fight for seafarers’ rights, addressing issues such as repatriation, shore leave, medical training, and the prevention of harassment at sea.
The Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) welcomed the development, calling it a landmark achievement for the global seafaring community. Frank Viegas, President of GSAI, informed that these changes represent “a long-overdue recognition of the vital contributions of seafarers and a commitment to their dignity, safety, and fair treatment.”
Among the amendments, repatriation without discrimination was a key highlight. Member states are now required to ensure that all seafarers—regardless of the flag of the ship they work on—are entitled to return home without facing bias.
In addition, shore leave must be granted without discrimination or the need for visas or special permits, provided basic port entry conditions are met. Authorities are now obligated to provide written reasons if shore leave is denied.
Other major updates include the formal recognition of seafarers as key workers, improved measures for the fair treatment of those involved in marine casualties, employer accountability for repatriation costs, enhanced medical training standards, and policies aimed at eliminating violence and harassment on board.
“These reforms ensure that seafarers are not treated as second-class workers,” Viegas informed. “They uphold the rights of individuals who keep global trade moving, often under difficult and isolated conditions.”
The amendments further mandate that detained seafarers in foreign ports must be provided due process and consular protection, in line with ILO/IMO guidelines.