Hosted by AMSA on May 3-6
AMSA hosted the Asia-Pacific- A Regional Dialogue on the Maritime Labour Convention conference in Cairns from 3-6 May.
The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006 is an emerging international global maritime priority, setting minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship including conditions of employment, hours of work and rest, accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering, occupational health and safety protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection.
The conference was opened by AMSA Chief Executive Officer Graham Peachey who welcomed maritime regulators, shipowners, the International Transport Workers’ Federation, seafarer welfare organisations, shipping agents and classification societies from 20 Asia-Pacific nations, noting that over 60 per cent of the worlds seafarers are from the region.
Wednesdays keynote speaker, Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, Director of the International Labour Standards Department of the International Labour Organization (ILO) spoke about the critical importance of the Asia-Pacific region to deliver decent working conditions and a level playing field in a global industry. She advised that the MLC was likely to be ratified in 2011 and come into effect 12 months later.
Thursdays keynote speaker, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport described the MLC as the fourth pillar of international shipping regulation, complementing the major maritime conventions of on ship safety, environmental protection and seafarer training. He advised that Australia was a step closer to ratifying the MLC.
During the conference Minister Albanese signed an Accord with leaders of the ILO and International Maritime Organization (IMO), identifying areas of cooperative action to achieve rapid and widespread ratification and effective implementation of the MLC within the region.
The conference explored a range of issues associated with complexities of ratification and implementation of the MLC and how various nations were dealing with these issues. Participants reported that the sharing of information was a highlight of the conference.
The conference agreed to an action plan that consisted of developing a regional internet-based mechanism for sharing and exchanging information; investigating options to raise awareness amongst relevant stakeholders; and exploring resourcing options with donor agencies, regional and international organisations and others for cooperative training programs.
The conference was rounded off by a dinner that featured Australian bush dancing and some impromptu performances from some of the Pacific Island delegates.
Source: AMSA