The International Labour Organization (ILO) has officially recognized seafarers as key workers under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), a decision welcomed by the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (Intercargo). This landmark classification aims to enhance the rights and protections of seafarers, acknowledging their critical role in global trade and the maritime industry.
Seafarers are now classified as key workers by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Seafarers are now classified as key workers by the International Labour Organization (ILO), which enhances their rights and protections.
The recognition is a response to the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
New guidelines address fair treatment during detention and investigations.
Amendments to the MLC will be submitted for approval in June 2025 and are expected to take effect by December 2027.
Importance of the Recognition
The ILO’s decision to classify seafarers as key workers is a significant step forward in ensuring fair treatment and safeguarding their rights. This recognition is particularly crucial in light of the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when seafarers were often stranded at sea due to travel restrictions and difficulties with crew changes.
Intercargo’s chairman, John Xylas, emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating, “It is both symbolic and substantive — a major win for the maritime community and a direct response to the urgent calls we and others made throughout the Covid-19 crisis.” This acknowledgment not only highlights the essential role of seafarers in global trade but also serves as a reminder for governments to implement and enforce these changes at the national level.
New Guidelines for Seafarers
The ILO’s recent amendments to the MLC include several key areas aimed at improving the working conditions and rights of seafarers:
Protection Against Violence and Harassment: New measures to ensure a safe working environment.
Recognition as Key Workers: Formal acknowledgment of the essential role of seafarers.
Improved Access to Shore Leave and Repatriation: Ensuring seafarers can return home safely and have time off.
Enhanced Medical Guidance Onboard: Providing better health support for seafarers at sea.
Fair Treatment in Maritime Accidents: Guidelines for handling incidents involving seafarers.
Legal Protections: Addressing the lack of legal safeguards for seafarers during investigations or detentions.
These amendments were agreed upon at the Fifth Special Tripartite Meeting of the MLC, where over 400 delegates from governments, shipowners, and seafarers participated. The proposed changes will be submitted for approval at the International Labour Conference in June 2025 and are expected to take effect by December 2027.
Challenges Ahead
Despite this positive development, the maritime industry continues to face challenges in recruiting and retaining seafarers, particularly in the dry bulk sector. Intercargo has highlighted the need for a global framework that ensures seafarers have dignity and decent working conditions. The association has also called for enhanced protections against issues such as drug trafficking, which can deter potential seafarers due to the risk of arrest for drug-related activities on ships.
Conclusion
The ILO’s recognition of seafarers as key workers marks a pivotal moment in the maritime industry, reinforcing the need for fair treatment and legal protections for those who play a vital role in global trade. As the industry moves forward, governments and organizations need to collaborate in implementing these changes to ensure the well-being and rights of seafarers are upheld.
Sources
Intercargo welcomes ILO move to recognise seafarers, Ship Technology.
ILO delivers on key worker rights for seafarers, Chamber of Shipping.
