New research from Seafarers’ Rights International (SRI) found that the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) is not being strictly and evenly enforced on a global basis.
The findings identify substantial achievements in the enforcement of the MLC, but also identify significant gaps. Taking the findings as a whole and aggregating all regions of the world, it is very approximately estimated that implementation and enforcement of the MLC is achieving a success rate of around 65%. According to the survey, top seafarer concerns were:
- Skills training. Over 80% referred to skills training, that is upskilling and reskilling on hard issues such as digital (evolving) technologies, automation of ships and green fuels (and green skills, such as resource management, energy efficiency and air pollution issues); also soft skills such as leadership training and other skillsets so that seafarers can do their own lifelong learning to address changes as they come.
- MLC training. Around 70% would like more training about their rights and responsibilities under the MLC.
- Training on legal risks to avoid detention or criminal charges. Specifically mentioned was the need to be informed about local legal risks when ships enter foreign ports.
- Fatigue linked to excessive work hours and inadequate rest. 58.3% of seafarers surveyed had suffered fatigue when on board; 50.6% said that fatigue was a risk to their own safety or the safety of the ship.
- Higher wages and job security. The lack of permanent contracts as well as low wages in the face of economic uncertainties.
In the SRI survey, over 80% of seafarers surveyed had been provided with a copy of the on-board complaint procedures. But only 17% had made an on-board complaint regarding the MLC.
The high level of ratifications and the high percentage of coverage of world tonnage could lead to the view that the MLC is widely effective around the world. But the research shows a different reality and points to where more efforts are needed to address the gaps in the effectiveness of the MLC. The MLC has not yet achieved a single international level playing field
… said Deirdre Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of SRI
When the MLC was unanimously adopted by the 94th (Maritime) Session of the ILC, Geneva in February 2006, it was variously described as ‘an extraordinary accomplishment’, ‘a truly historic event’, ‘epoch-making’ and ‘without precedent’. More than ten years after the MLC came into force, the industry is facing momentous change.
States ratify the Convention but there are cases where the States then do not implement the provisions of the MLC into their national laws and practices, or they do not report their compliance to the ILO. It is an ongoing task to build capacity and awareness leading to compliance for a more effective MLC around the world.
… explained Deirdre Fitzpatrick
