Tag: seafarer’s rights

On September 23, 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. officially enacted the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, also known as Republic Act 12021, during a ceremony at Malacañang. This law, a priority for his administration, was deemed urgent by Marcos in September of the previous year.

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) have introduced the Non-Seafarers' Work Clause, to promote the safety of seafarers. 

The Philippines Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is prepared to sanction ship owners who fail to comply with the right of Filipino seafarers to refuse sailing in the Red Sea area, including blocking exit clearances for non-compliant ships. 

VIKAND, in collaboration with key maritime stakeholders, has published an analysis to guide the maritime industry on compliance with two new EU sustainability supply chain laws. 

During its 111th session held in person from April 22 to 26, 2024, the IMO Legal Committee (LEG 111) covered various topics, including seafarer issues. Key discussions addressed the fair treatment of seafarers, and the establishment of a new Task Force to review the abandonment database.

The findings of the latest Seafarers Happiness Index report by the Mission to Seafarers reveal a mixed but increasingly positive picture of seafarers' well-being, with the happiness index increasing slightly to 6.99 in Q2 2024, marginally up from 6.94 in Q1 of this year.

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. 

Recently, the countries of Egypt and Comoros have taken significant steps towards improving conditions for seafarers by ratifying the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006).

Data from the first quarter of 2024 from the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network’s (ISWAN) helpline SeafarerHelp points to the complex working conditions facing many seafarers.

Cases of seafarers abandoned by shipowners without money, support, or the means to get home have reached alarming levels around the world, according to Stella Maris.