The 5th meeting of the ILO Special Tripartite Committee for the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) took place in Geneva from April 7 to 11, 2025. This meeting focused on various significant issues, including violence and harassment, repatriation, shore leave, and entitlement to leave. As a result of these discussions, several amendments to the MLC, 2006 were adopted, along with four resolutions aimed at providing recommendations for industry practices.
One of the key amendments pertains to repatriation. It stipulates that seafarers must be repatriated in a non-discriminatory manner, regardless of the ship’s flag State. Furthermore, it clarifies that the costs covered by shipowners must include passage to the chosen destination, accommodation during transit, luggage allowance, and necessary medical treatment until the seafarer can travel.
In addition to repatriation, the right of seafarers to shore leave has been reinforced. Seafarers will now be allowed shore leave free from discrimination and will not need to obtain visas or special permits for this purpose. There is also a new recognition of seafarers as key workers, ensuring their safe movement when traveling for work-related reasons.
The guidelines concerning access to shore-based welfare facilities have been updated, particularly in handling seafarers detained in foreign ports. Authorities conducting inquiries into marine casualties are required to follow internationally recognized standards and guidelines to ensure fair treatment. Moreover, significant amendments have been made to combat bullying, harassment, and discrimination within the maritime industry.
These include measures across recruitment, safety programs, incident investigations, and onboard complaint procedures. The adopted resolutions include recognizing seafarers as key workers and extending the mandate of the Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group. Flag States will implement these amendments through national legislation, with an anticipated enforcement date in December 2027.
Companies should prepare for these changes by consulting their flag States regarding compliance.