Maritime Labor Convention 2006 MLC and its amendments - قطاع النقل البحري واللوجستيات

Seafaring Labour and Seafarers’ Rights

Maritime Transport & Logistics Sector (MTLS) Guide to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.

1- Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006)

The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, often referred to as the “Seafarers’ Bill of Rights,” stands as the fourth pillar of the international maritime legal framework, alongside (SOLAS), (MARPOL), and (STCW). The MLC aims to ensure the right of all seafarers to decent employment and provides a level playing field for shipowners engaging in fair competition.

International Status and Egypt Ratification

Globally: 110 countries have ratified the Convention (representing over 96% of global shipping tonnage), reflecting a broad international commitment to protecting seafarers’ rights.
Arab Republic of Egypt: Egypt deposited its instrument of ratification on June 6, 2024, becoming the 107th member state. The Convention will enter into force for Egypt on June 6, 2025, marking a pivotal step in enhancing the international standing of Egyptian seafaring labor.

View Full Text of the Convention (ILO Official Site)

* This link directs you to the International Labour Organization (ILO) website.

2- The Five Titles of the MLC:

Minimum requirements for seafarers to work on ships

Covers minimum age (no child labor), medical fitness and certificates, training and qualifications, and recruitment and placement mechanisms.

Conditions of Employment

Seafarer’s employment agreements, wages, hours of work and rest, annual leave, and repatriation.

Accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering

Standards for quality of accommodation and cabins, recreational facilities, and the quality and quantity of food and drinking water.

Health protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection

The right to see a doctor, medical care on board and ashore, employment injury insurance, and social security.

Compliance and Enforcement

Flag State duties (issuing certificates), Port State duties (inspection and PSC control), and onboard and ashore complaint procedures.

3- Guidance to Ensure Seafarers’ Rights

Every seafarer must be aware of their fundamental rights under MLC, 2006 to ensure their protection and well-being:

Key Rights:

Right to a safe and healthy working environment.
Right to receive a regular and timely salary/wage.
Right to adequate paid annual leave.
Right to leave the ship for health or security reasons (in accordance with regulations).
Right to receive a copy of the Seafarer’s Employment Agreement clearly detailing: hours of work/rest, termination conditions, injury compensation, and repatriation expenses.

Key Duties:

Ensure awareness of the Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) Part I and II.
Adhere to the prescribed hours of work and rest outlined in the contract.
Maintain valid certificates and documentation.
Professional Conduct: Maintain decent and responsible behavior with all crew members and company officials.
Immediately report any unacceptable working or living conditions.

4- Complaints Procedure and Direct Communication Channels

We ensure that confidential and direct channels are available for seafarers to submit complaints, whether internally via the “shipowner/company” or externally via “official onshore authorities”, to guarantee all reports are handled with the utmost seriousness and speed.

Internal Complaint (Shipowner/Company)

Onboard Complaint Steps:

Step One: Submit the complaint verbally to the Head of Department or immediate supervising officer.
Step Two: If unresolved, submit the complaint in writing to the Captain.
Step Three (Ashore): If the issue remains unresolved onboard, the report must be sent directly to the Company Representative designated “Ashore”.

**Note: The company must provide clear contact points for the designated shore-based complaint receiver (email and emergency phone number).

External Complaint (Official Onshore Authorities)

Official Bodies for Receiving Reports:

Seafarers or their families can use these channels if the internal resolution fails or in emergency cases.