A Review on the Amendments (2014-2022) to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006): Key Topics & Systemic Challenges in Practice

Abstract

Today, approximately 90% of global trade is carried out by sea, with around 1.9 million seafarers employed in the global seaborne fleet. Despite their critical role in sustaining the global economy and ensuring the continuity of international trade, seafarers are often compelled to work under unacceptable conditions, frequently at the expense of their own health, safety, and overall well-being. This underscores the need for robust international labour standards specific to maritime employment, as well as their effective implementation. In response to this need, the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) was adopted by the International Labour Conference (ILC) in 2006 and entered into force globally in 2013. Since then, the Convention has undergone several amendments in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2022. These amendments have not only extended and clarified the rights of seafarers but also introduced additional obligations and compliance mechanisms for shipowners, flag States, and port States. The aim of this study – based on both a document review and a literature review – is to present a consolidated summary of the MLC amendments, to highlight the key topics underlying these amendments, to review scientific studies focusing on these topics, and to extract the key findings and recommendations from the current scientific literature. The findings of this study reveal that the Convention and its subsequent amendments have made significantly progress in standardizing and enhancing the rights and protections of seafarers, and nevertheless, several systemic challenges remain in practice, and further efforts are needed to improve both the development and effective enforcement of the Convention. Therefore, realizing the vision of “decent work for seafarers” as envisioned by the Convention requires a multidimensional approach – one that combines regulatory compliance with stronger enforcement mechanisms, cultural transformation, and preparedness for global crises. Bridging the gap between regulatory standards and maritime realities can only be achieved through more effective international cooperation among all relevant stakeholders.