Tag: seafarer’s rights

The Fifth Meeting of the Special Tripartite Committee of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) took place 7 – 11 April 2025 at the International Labour Organization (ILO) headquarters, Geneva, making significant decisions regarding seafarers' rights. 

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has concluded the latest round of minimum wage negotiations for able seafarers at a meeting of the Subcommittee on Wages of Seafarers of the Joint Maritime Commission (JMC), held in Geneva on 14 and 15 April 2025.

ITF (International Transport Workers' Federation) has welcomed the landmark changes to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) which mean seafarers are officially recognised as ‘key workers’ by the International Labour Organization (ILO). 

It’s time to face music: The maritime world is entering a new era, one that calls for more than just technological upgrades. It demands a bold shift in how we view and invest in human capital.

In a recent meeting at the International Labour Organization headquarters in Geneva, governments, shipowners and unions agreed MLC updates with a view to become effective in 2027.  

Francesca Fairbairn, Oceans Programme Manager, Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB), raises the alarm over the criminalisation of seafarers—a growing and serious issue that ranks alongside crew abandonment as one of the most pressing challenges facing seafarers today.

Maritime health and welfare experts are calling on the shipping industry to recognize free, reliable internet access as a basic human right for seafarers. SAFETY4SEA was the first to champion this cause, launching a petition in January 2024 to classify internet connectivity as an essential need for seafarers.

 Stella Maris UK has called for urgent protections to stop seafarers being forced to choose between shore leave and adequate rest,

The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (Republic Act No. 12021) was enacted on October 11, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the protection and welfare of Filipino seafarers.

The 4th SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum successfully took place on Thursday 3rd of April 2025, at the Sheraton Manila Hotel, Philippines, where experts gathered to share insights on maritime safety. Throughout the event's discussions, it became clear that maritime safety is not optional but a fundamental necessity for advancing operations.