Intercargo has praised the International Labor Organization for recognizing seafarers as essential workers under the Maritime Labor Convention. This landmark decision aims to enhance seafarers’ rights, ensuring fair treatment and access to vital resources. Chairman John Xylas highlights the importance of this acknowledgment in addressing challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
HII has been recognized for the second consecutive year as one of the top companies in the country for its dedication to advancing employee well-being through comprehensive benefits and innovative initiatives. The Business Group on Health named HII as a 2025 Best Employers: Excellence in Health & Well-being Award winner, among a group of 53 companies.
The International Labor Organization has amended the Maritime Labor Convention, recognizing sailors as essential workers. Effective December 2027, the changes improve seafarers’ rights, ensuring access to medical care, vacation time, and safe repatriation. While seen as transformative, challenges in enforcement remain, necessitating further action to uphold these standards globally.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry has once again been recognized by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for its commitment to high-quality shipping. For the 21st consecutive year, the RMI has maintained its status as a qualifying jurisdiction, making it the only one of the world’s three largest registries to achieve QUALSHIP 21 for this year.
The recognition of training certificates for Filipino seafarers received a boost with the signing of a bilateral agreement between Marina and the Maritime Administration of Latvia in London. This agreement aims to recognize STCW certificates issued by Marina, ensuring training and competence assessment adhere to international standards, strengthening maritime cooperation between the two nations.
The Office of the Youth in Maritime (YIMO) has made history as the first seafarer-led youth organization recognized under the UN Ocean Decade’s ECOP Program. YIMO President Balinis sees this as a vital connection between research, policy, and young maritime professionals’ experiences. Their upcoming project aims to gather insights from seafarers worldwide to shape advocacy efforts and enhance industry transparency.
