ILO and IMO Mark 20 Years of Maritime Labour Convention

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have commemorated the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), a landmark agreement that has significantly improved working and living standards for seafarers worldwide while promoting fair competition across the shipping industry.

The Convention was adopted on February 23, 2006, by the International Maritime Labour Conference through a historic tripartite agreement. Governments, shipowners, and seafarers reached consensus to create a comprehensive global framework governing employment and living conditions in one of the world’s most international sectors.

Over the past two decades, the MLC, 2006 has brought tangible benefits to millions of seafarers. By establishing clear and enforceable minimum standards covering employment terms, wages, hours of work and rest, accommodation, health protection, medical care, welfare, and social security, and by supporting these standards with strong inspection and compliance systems, the Convention has played a central role in advancing decent work at sea.

In addition to improving conditions for seafarers, the Convention has helped create a more level competitive environment for responsible shipowners. By addressing substandard labor practices, it has reduced unfair competition and strengthened the overall safety, reliability, and resilience of global maritime transport, a key component of the world economy.

The ILO has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the effective global implementation of the MLC, 2006, with continued backing from the IMO in line with its mandate.

Both organizations have urged States and industry stakeholders to maintain high standards, reinforce compliance measures, and collaborate to safeguard seafarers’ rights while supporting a fair, inclusive, and sustainable future for international shipping.

In partnership, the IMO and ILO have also developed important guidance to protect seafarers, including frameworks addressing cases of abandonment and ensuring fair treatment in situations involving maritime accidents or detentions related to alleged criminal activity.