As the international maritime community marks the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention’s (MLC) adoption, UK Chamber of Shipping Policy Director, Tim Springett, reflects on the convention’s journey so far.

It was twenty years ago today – well, this week – that the long and winding road leading to the adoption of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC) reached the end. Prior to this, international regulation of seafarers’ living and working conditions had been piecemeal. Whilst the maritime industry had its own discrete machinery within the International Labour Organisation (ILO), not all of the 38 conventions that were adopted in the first 77 years of the ILO’s existence even came into force. Only one achieved acceptance by over 50% of the global fleet. Radical thinking would be necessary if seafarers’ rights were to rank alongside safe ship operation, trained and competent crews and protection of the marine environment in importance.

Once the idea of a consolidated maritime labour convention had become established, each existing convention had to be examined, and any outdated provisions proposed for conversion into guidance or deletion. Long meetings took place and compromises were made on all sides. Also the ILO departed from its standard practice by including recommended guidance alongside mandatory requirements in a convention. Eventually a text was developed and adopted, with 314 votes in favour and none against.

The MLC has become known both as the Seafarers’ Bill of Rights and the fourth pillar of international maritime regulation. These shorthand terms are highly significant. The first focuses on the dedicated professionals responsible for transporting 90% of global visible trade. The second is a clear statement that failing to provide decent living and working conditions for seafarers is as unacceptable as polluting the seas or operating unseaworthy ships.

Now closely monitored and regularly updated by a Special Tripartite Committee, the MLC has shown itself to be agile and responsive to the evolving needs of seafarers. Covering more than 95% of the world fleet, it is also a shining example of what governments, shipowners and seafarers can achieve when they come together.

The UK Chamber of Shipping are proud to support the MLC and the work of the Special Tripartite Committee in maintaining this foundational maritime instrument.