Maritime Labour Convention: Balancing Worker Welfare and Industry Demands

Posted on Dec 23, 2024 at 11:12 AM

With a goal to enhance the work conditions of seafarers on the sea, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) established the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) with comprehensive laws to guarantee adherence by all spectrums.

Furthermore, ratifying the bespoke Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) by the ILO ensures and protects seafarers' rights and covers their living conditions and used instruments.

You should continue reading our amazing article if you are interested in starting your learning process about the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), including the convention-ratified countries, and benefits.

What Is the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)?

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) is one of the most important conventions in the maritime world, it was established in 2013 by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to set common standards and main secure measures for seafarers and ensure their implementation.

You may have heard about the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) in the name of the "Bill of Rights" for seafarers, which applies to inland ports, ships, and offshore platforms.

Moreover, the Labour Convention establishes a document that sets minimum working and living standards and provisions for seafarers on ships. Including healthcare, salaries, social life, working hours, safety, and compensations to guarantee fair treatment and decent working conditions for maritime workers.

How Many Countries Have Ratified the MLC?

As of November 2024, 108 countries have ratified the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) on their waters, moreover, recently Egypt ratified the MLC on June 6, 2024, with the international convention rights and conditions entering into force for Egypt on June 6, 2025.

Minimum Requirements of Seafarers Based on the MLC:

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) sets a comprehensive and decent perspective for working seafarers, including the minimum requirements to be able to work on ships and vessels:

Age Limit:

According to the International Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) consolidated requirements and conditions, seafarers must be at least 16 years old to work on a ship, whether it is a merchant or commercial.

Furthermore, the labour convention classifies signed tasks based on age, as seafarers under 18 are restricted from doing hard and dangerous tasks to protect young workers from severe harm or injuries.

Medical Certification:

The required medical examination by the labour convention aims to provide health ratification of the seafarers' fitness and capability of performing their duties without harming their selves or others.

According to the convention laws, this examination programme or session must be done regularly without exemptions to support the health and maintain the protection of the operating crew.

Training and Qualifications:

Seafarers must study at a certified London Port Academy to gain a developed maritime labour certificate with the necessary marine training and employment recommendations to be able to perform their tasks with efficiency and professionalism without security or performance issues.

Moreover, this modern training addresses seafarers on the competition map for existing positions among recruitment representatives of shipowners and helps them reach higher estimated wages in the shipping industry.

What Is the Purpose of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)?

The professional maritime courses in UK explain the purpose or we could say the benefits of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) in the most incredible way:

Guaranteeing Good Living Standards for All Seafarers:

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) of ILO standards ensure that seafarers have their full rights to suitable accommodations, food, and recreational facilities onboard to live in the best conditions and environment.

Decent and Fair Work Conditions:

Actually setting fair salaries, reasonable working hours, and compensation rights not only ensures that seafarers have access to proper contracts and benefits but also increases their productivity to the max.

Stringent Equipment and Technology Requirements:

Based on the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) international standards, all ships and vessels must integrate suitable equipment and technology on ships, that guarantee seafarers safety from potential risks or accidents.

High Medical Care and Insurance:

During long voyages and fleets, especially those in high seas, maritime companies must deliver suitable medical care and insurance while on board to cover the different conditions of injury or illness.

Setting International Rules for Global Navigation:

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) is by definition an international and unified framework of rights, standards, and regulations for seafarers across the world, that aim to ensure fair treatment of all working seafarers regardless of the country in which a ship is registered.

Eventually,

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) is one of the most important international conferences by the ILO to establish and protect seafarers rights and work conditions based on international law.

Thus, understanding and following the international labour conference is vital for anyone in the maritime industry in the UK.