The International Labour Organisation (ILO) received the thirtieth ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006). This is the final condition for the first global standard that will affect shipping and maritime transport. The Maritime Labour Convention was adopted unanimously in 2006, but the requirements for at least 30 countries, which should form at least 33.33% from the world gross tonnage to sign its Ratification prevented its entry into force. Currently the countries, which ratified MLC 2006 accounted for 60% of world shipping gross tonnage, which means that more than 50% of all sailors in the world will fall under the “cover” of the Convention.
“This is great news for sailors around the world who are more than 1.2 million”, said the exclusive director of ILO Juan Somavia. In his words MLC 2006 is a dream of ILO, since the 20’s of the last century and now this dream comes true. “This is a remarkable achievement”, finished the exclusive director of ILO.
The convention MLC 2006 sets minimum requirements for almost every aspect of the working conditions of seafarers, including methods of recruitment, distribution of working hours and holidays, living conditions on board, recreation facilities, medical care, social, security protection and many more.