Piracy has fallen worldwide, but attacks off Somalia are rising and turning deadly. A piracy survival guide for seafarers: precautions before you sail, what to do if attacked, hostage dos and don’ts, and your rights while held.
Increased attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea have put seafarers at growing risk. This guide explains your rights when sailing into war zones, including refusal options, extra pay, and protections under Indian law, IBF agreements, and the Maritime Labour Convention. Know your rights before you sail.
The union representing cruise ship workers has raised alarms over ongoing staff exploitation, especially after the government extended an exemption allowing cruise ships to bypass Australian labor laws. Despite new protections for collective bargaining, critics argue that the continuation of this exemption undermines necessary reforms to ensure worker safety and rights.
The dwindling volunteer workforce in Australia is jeopardizing shore leave for seafarers, complicating their access to essential services. With an aging average age of 80, the Mission to Seafarers struggles to provide necessary transport and welfare support, leaving many crew members without vital time on land during their contracts.
Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis emphasized the vital role of seafarer protection in achieving safe and competitive shipping practices during a maritime program in Athens. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention, she highlighted its importance in safeguarding seafarers’ rights amid evolving industry challenges and technological advancements.
Global labor officials and European diplomats are pressing Philippine authorities to strengthen maritime protections for seafarers, highlighting existing enforcement failures. During a forum marking the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention, experts emphasized the need for effective implementation of legal frameworks to safeguard Filipino seafarers from mistreatment and wage theft.
On February 23, 2023, the ILO and IMO marked the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006). This treaty has greatly improved seafarers’ working conditions globally, promoting fair competition in shipping. It established enforceable standards for employment, wages, and health care, ensuring decent work at sea.
Years of advocacy by Nautilus and maritime organizations have led to a landmark victory for women at sea. Amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, adopted in June 2025, require ships to provide menstrual hygiene products and proper disposal methods, enhancing welfare and combating harassment. Implementation will depend on individual flag states.
In a significant victory for maritime workers, the International Labour Conference adopted seven amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, enhancing protections for seafarers. Key provisions include non-discriminatory repatriation, guaranteed shore leave, and improved medical training. The Goan Seamen Association of India hailed these updates as a landmark achievement.
Nigeria has officially endorsed amendments to eight codes of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, enhancing protections for seafarers. These changes recognize seafarers as essential workers and improve their working conditions. This endorsement, discussed at the ILO Special Tripartite Committee Meeting in Geneva, reflects Nigeria’s commitment to international maritime standards.
The ITF has praised the recent updates to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) that officially recognize seafarers as ‘key workers’ by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The amendments aim to improve the working and living conditions of seafarers, providing better protections and support in crisis situations, particularly in response to challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has welcomed the updates to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The amendments aim to enhance seafarers’ working and living conditions, including provisions for key worker status, improved repatriation requirements, access to shore leave, and protection against bullying.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is discussing potential changes to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), with Stella Maris UK urging for urgent protections for seafarers. CEO Tim Hill emphasizes that seafarers should not have to choose between shore leave and adequate rest, as many are currently facing this unacceptable dilemma.
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has outlined the UK’s plans to implement changes to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) agreed upon in June 2022. The ‘Seafarers Bill of Rights’ sets out seafarers’ fundamental rights globally, with new requirements to be incorporated into UK law by 2025.
Following Stories compiled in this News Digest for the week from 11 Apr 2022 to 17 Apr 2022 in descending…
