New protections for seafarers
Seven amendments to the MLC were adopted at the meeting. This followed 16 proposals from seafarers, shipowners groups and governments.
Key amendments adopted include:
- New requirements to prevent shipboard violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.
- Stronger repatriation entitlement requirements for seafarers.
- Recognition of seafarers as key workers.
- Improved guidelines on the provision of medical care.
- Improved standards for investigations into a marine casualty.
Mandatory reporting of deaths at sea
The STC also presented a preliminary report on an experimental survey into deaths at sea.
The survey was conducted in a first attempt to collate deaths at sea data. Australia was at the forefront of this initiative and responses were received from 57 countries.
The preliminary report shed light on seafarer deaths by underlying cause of death, ship type, size and location of the ship, and the seafarer’s gender, age, occupational position and department.
This reporting requirement is now mandatory.
About the STC
The STC, established under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, plays a critical role in considering amendments to the Convention.
It brings together governments, employers, and workers to review and enhance the MLC to ensure its continued relevance to a dynamic maritime industry.
The 5th meeting was held from 7 to 11 April 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Australia was represented by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA):
- Leanne Loan, Executive Director Policy & Regulation
- Greg Pusey, Branch Manager Maritime Safety Systems.
Seafarer welfare is extremely important to Australia. We remain committed to improving living and working conditions on ships.
