20 years of seafarer protection and new challenges

Seafarers’ working conditions, further improvements to the Convention and challenges in attracting young people to the maritime profession were the focus of an event marking the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006).

Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vassilis Kikilias highlighted seafarers as the human core of the shipping industry and stressed the need for actual working conditions at sea to be at the centre of decision-making. He underlined that seafarers, owing to their daily experience on board ships and the particular challenges they face, should have a meaningful say in shaping policies.

He noted that both the political leadership and the ministry’s services must remain close to seafarers, with the aim of improving their working and living conditions.

Stephen Cotton, general secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), placed particular emphasis on further strengthening seafarers’ protection through the MLC.

The ITF chief referred to the Federation’s efforts, through the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Joint Maritime Commission, to introduce changes and improvements to the Convention, stressing that crew working conditions remain a key priority.

“The heart of the ship is the seafarer,” was the central message of his address. He also referred to the role of the ITF’s global network of inspectors, who, as part of their inspections on board ships, also examine compliance with the provisions of the MLC.

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