Thailand’s Maritime Labour Committee has recently evaluated draft regulations concerning hazardous and permissible work for seafarers under the age of 18. During its meeting on August 10, the committee discussed two proposals from the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare. One draft aims to update the list of hazardous jobs prohibited for young crew members, while the other outlines the tasks that younger seafarers can safely perform without compromising their health or safety.
Currently, Thailand enforces restrictions on hazardous work for seafarers under 18, as established by a 2016 notice under the Maritime Labour Act. This notice identifies 12 specific categories of work that are off-limits to this age group, including tasks in confined spaces, certain machinery operations, and exposure to hazardous substances. Additionally, it imposes weight limits on manual handling—25 kilograms for male seafarers and 20 kilograms for female seafarers—unless mechanical assistance is available.
The proposed amendments aim to refine these existing regulations while clarifying the safe duties younger crew members may undertake. This review is part of Thailand’s commitment to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, which it ratified in 2016, mandating that seafarers under 18 be prohibited from hazardous work. The committee also reviewed a draft annual ship-inspection activity report and updates to maritime skills development, ensuring that Thailand’s maritime labour protections align with international standards.
