The Maritime Labour Convention 2006 provides standards and regulations relating to the working and living conditions of seafarers.
Australia is a signatory to the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (the convention). The convention was developed under the International Labour Organization and came into force internationally on 20 August 2013. The convention consolidates existing labour conventions and introduces modern standards for the working and living conditions of seafarers.
The convention provides working and living standards for the world’s 1.4 million seafarers and sits alongside the following conventions:
- International Maritime Organization’s International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
- International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
- International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.
In Australia, the MLC has been implemented through the Navigation Act 2012 and associated delegated legislation such as Marine Order 11 (Living and working conditions on vessels) 2015.
Watch our video below about our involvement with the convention.
Last updated: 11 January 2024