European Commission adopts two new proposals on maritime labour standards

Two new proposals adopted by the European Commission are set to bring the European Union into line with enforcements and compliance rules foreseen by the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006. The MLC provides the world’s more than 1.2 million seafarers with rights and protection at work.

The proposals for two new directives clarify flag and port states’ responsibilities to ensure that maritime labour standards on board ships calling at EU ports comply with the provisions of the MLC.

The proposal on flag states is designed to strengthen their role by requiring appropriate checks and monitoring mechanisms across EU member states and effective inspections to ensure that the MLC is fully enforced. Meanwhile, the port state control proposal requires vessels above a certain gross tonnage to carry a maritime labour certificate and a declaration of compliance with the MLC.

As 25 states around the world have already ratified the MLC and many others are close to ratifying it, the ITF is confident that the 30 states necessary for entry into force will be achieved this year.