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Ai Cheng Foo-Nielsen
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Recent amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, are set to come into effect in December 2024. Key changes include modifications to recruitment, repatriation, recreational facilities, food and catering, medical care, and accident prevention. This article provides an overview of the significant updates.
The International Labour Conference, in its 110th session, has adopted a series of significant amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. These changes, expected to come in effect in December 2024, are designed to strengthen the rights of seafarers and ensure a safer, fairer, and more secure work environment in the maritime industry. Major changes to the Maritime Labour Convention include revisions to regulations concerning recruitment and placement, repatriation, recreational facilities, food and catering, medical care onboard and ashore, health and safety protection, and accident prevention. Below is a brief overview of the most relevant updates:
These amendments bring about essential changes to the food and catering regulations, ensuring seafarers' nutritional needs are met adequately. The revisions strive to ensure that the provision of food and water supplies aligns with the specific requirements of seafarers and the nature of their voyages.
These revisions broaden the range of medical care provided to seafarers, including a framework on the provision of treatment ashore. The changes also outline new guidelines regarding the repatriation of deceased seafarers.
The amendments aim to improve health and safety protection measures, reduce the risk of exposure to harmful factors, and ensure the provision of appropriate personal protective equipment.
These amendments are set to bear important implications for both seafarers and shipowners. We encourage you to stay updated with these changes to keep up to date with the evolving maritime landscape. You can find more detailed information and view the full list of amendments in our recent publication: Amendments 2022 to MLC, 2006 - Improvement Of Financial Security System, Repatriation Process And Health And Welfare Facilities For Seafarers. Or see the quick summary of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006.