The global maritime sector has hailed the 20th anniversary of a framework it said has transformed vessel and crew safety.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) described the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC) as a “landmark treaty that has reshaped working and living conditions for seafarers worldwide and strengthened fair competition in global shipping”.

Adopted on 23 February 2006 by the International Maritime Labour Conference through an unprecedented tripartite consensus, the two organisations said MLC, 2006 “stands as a powerful example of social dialogue and multilateral cooperation in action”. “Governments, shipowners and seafarers came together to establish a comprehensive global framework to regulate working and living conditions in one of the world’s most international industries,” the statement added. “Over the past two decades, the Convention has delivered concrete improvements for millions of seafarers. By setting clear and enforceable minimum standards covering conditions of employment, wages, hours of work and rest, accommodation, health protection, medical care, welfare and social security, and by underpinning them with strong compliance and enforcement mechanisms, the MLC, 2006 has effectively contributed to the realization of decent work at sea.

“At the same time, the Convention has helped level the playing field for responsible shipowners by reducing unfair competition based on substandard labour conditions. In doing so, it has strengthened the safety, efficiency and resilience of maritime transport, a critical pillar of the global economy. “

The ILO and IMO  said the COVID-19 pandemic underscored seafarers’ indispensable role as key workers, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of essential goods around the world. The crisis also highlighted the importance of fully implementing and enforcing the protections enshrined in the MLC, 2006.

However, they cautioned: “Despite undeniable progress, significant challenges remain. Seafarers and the shipping industry continue to face unlawful attacks on ships, abandonment and criminalisation of seafarers, fatigue, unpaid wages and denial of shore leave. Yet, the MLC, 2006 is designed as a living instrument, capable of adapting to new and persistent challenges through tripartite dialogue.”

The ILO also joined with  the International Chamber of Shipping, and International Transport Workers’ Federation to jointly reaffirm their commitment to the principles and protections it embodies and recognise the profound impact it has had on seafarers and on global shipping.

“The MLC consolidated and modernised around seventy maritime labour instruments into a single, comprehensive international framework,” they added in an open statement. “In doing so, it established enforceable minimum standards for wages, hours of work and rest, medical care, accommodation, repatriation and welfare, creating a clear and consistent global baseline for decent work at sea.

“The adoption of the MLC was made possible through close and constructive tripartite cooperation between governments, shipowners and seafarers. That shared commitment ensured that the Convention is both ambitious in its protections and practical in its implementation across a truly global industry. This spirit of partnership has remained central to its continued strength and relevance. Since its entry into force, the MLC has delivered tangible improvements in living and working conditions on board ships, strengthened compliance through flag and port state control, and provided a structured mechanism to address emerging challenges.

“Amendments adopted over the past decade enhanced financial security protections, supported seafarers in cases of abandonment and criminalisation, and reinforced safeguards in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and violence and harassment on board. In a context of geopolitical uncertainty and climate transition which significantly affect shipping and seafarers, we reemphasise our shared resolve to ensure that the MLC remains robust and is fully implemented.

“On this anniversary, we urge countries across the world to recognise seafarers as key workers. Protecting and advancing the standards of the MLC is essential for the dignity and welfare of seafarers and for the resilience and stability of global trade.”