Getting a fair deal for seafarers

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) have jointly released new guidelines for implementing the welfare aspects of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).
Some countries with highly developed arrangements for providing seafarer welfare services and facilities are not yet signatories to the MLC.
Also, many seafarer supply countries have not yet provide welfare services or facilities for seafarers either at home or abroad.
This complementary publication aims to assist governments and welfare agencies in drafting their own guidelines with respect to MLC.
Some countries may already have their own laws, but they can adapt these guidelines to complement their current practices.
ITF General Secretary, Stephen Cotton added: “Seafarers are separated from their families and communities for long periods of time, and remain on board ships with very limited time ashore.
“They therefore require adequate services at sea and in ports where different national, cultural and political experiences can create challenges.”
The International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted the MLC in 2006.  The MLC aims to ensure comprehensive worldwide protection and enforcement of the rights of seafarers.   It also wants to empower ILO Member States and shipowners to provide decent working and living conditions for seafarers.