ILO adopts landmark amendments to Maritime Labour Convention—Key worker recognition, visa-free shore leave, stronger protections among reforms set to take effect by 2027
Maritime News, Geneva ; In a historic show of unity, the global maritime industry has taken a bold step to improve the lives of the world’s nearly two million seafarers, with sweeping updates to the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) adopted in Geneva this week.
Following intense negotiations from April 7–11, representatives of governments, shipowners, and seafarers’ unions agreed on a range of new protections and rights for crew members—many of whom spend months at sea in challenging and often isolated conditions.
Seafarers Officially Recognized as “Key Workers”
One of the most significant reforms is the formal recognition of seafarers as “key workers” under international labour standards—a milestone long championed by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and shipowners alike.
“How seafarers were treated during the COVID-19 crisis has not been forgotten,” said Tim Springett, Chair of the ICS Labour Affairs Committee.
“These reforms show what we can achieve when we work together—shipowners, unions, and governments.”
What’s Changing: New Rights and Protections
The MLC amendments, which will come into force by December 2027, include:
- Mandatory access to visa-free shore leave, allowing seafarers rest and relief at ports without bureaucratic obstacles.
- Strengthened repatriation rights, ensuring fair and timely return home after contracts end.
- Enhanced protections against bullying and harassment onboard ships.
- Improved onboard medical preparedness, including a new recommendation for carrying the ICS International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers—a tool developed specifically for shipboard medical caregivers.
A Spirit of Multilateralism in Action
The ILO’s Special Tripartite Committee (STC), which facilitated the discussions, has been praised for its effectiveness in balancing the needs of governments, shipowners, and workers.
“This week showed that tripartite dialogue and multilateralism work—and deliver real solutions,” said Corinne Vargha, Director of the ILO’s International Labour Standards Department.
“These changes will make a positive difference in the daily lives of seafarers and shipowners alike.”
A Shared Commitment Across Oceans
In addition to the key worker recognition, the STC also passed a package of complementary resolutions, including plans to align overlapping work-rest hours standards between the ILO and International Maritime Organization (IMO)—a step expected to improve seafarer safety and wellbeing through better fatigue management.
“This is a transformational week for seafarers and for shipping,” said Helio Vicente, Director of Employment Affairs at the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).
“It shows our enduring commitment to ensuring the industry is not just efficient—but humane and fair.”
What’s Next?
The agreed amendments will be formally adopted during the 113th Session of the ILO International Labour Conference (2–13 June 2025) in Geneva, and are scheduled to enter into effect in December 2027.
The next STC meeting is scheduled for April 2028, to review the progress and address remaining gaps in maritime labour protection.
The Onboard Medical Revolution
One standout advancement is the global push for every vessel to carry the ICS International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers—a first-of-its-kind manual tailored specifically for those delivering care at sea, far from shore-based medical services.
Developed in collaboration with the International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) and ITF, the guide reflects the urgent need for better medical autonomy and emergency response on ships.
A Safer, Fairer, More Respectful Maritime Future
From pandemic-era neglect to historic reform, the maritime world is turning the tide on how seafarers are treated.
The message from Geneva is clear: whether navigating global trade routes or ensuring the safe delivery of 90% of the world’s goods, seafarers matter—and the world is finally listening.
