London Maritime Academy is a trade name for London Premier Group
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Posted On: 3/25/2026, 2:29:28 PM
Last Update: 3/25/2026, 2:29:28 PM
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has issued the fifth edition of its Guidelines on the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, encouraging the global shipping sector to evaluate recent modifications and prepare vessels for compliance, safety, and international trade preparedness.
Notably, this new edition offers updated guidance on the employment standards mandated and recommended by the ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), consolidating all amendments in one publication.
It clarifies the implications of these changes for shipping companies, masters, managers, crewing agencies, and those managing operations both ashore and at sea.
The MLC is the only all-encompassing international framework for maritime employment standards, with over 1.5 million merchant seafarers worldwide.
Moreover, it establishes minimum requirements for ratifying nations to guarantee uniform and equitable working and living conditions for seafarers, regardless of their place of employment, ship flag, or employer.
Governments enforce shipping standards through flag state inspections and port state control, necessitating that shipping companies understand their obligations. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), an official ILO social partner, has played a significant role in developing the Convention and is dedicated to helping companies maintain fair global operating practices.
The latest amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, as noted by Thomas Kazakos, include enhanced rights for shore leave without visas and provisions against bullying and harassment. These updates aim to protect seafarers' dignity, safety, and mental well-being, addressing challenges revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving expectations regarding seafarer welfare.
Maritime Training Academy examines the ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006), highlighting it as a comprehensive “bill of rights” for seafarers. Key aspects include minimum age, employment agreements, work/rest hours, repatriation, and medical treatment. Additionally, it addresses flag state inspections, Port State Control (PSC) processes, and the certification process (DMLC).
The new edition updates recommendations for sanitary product provision and onboard facilities, highlighting the industry's focus on recruiting and retaining female seafarers. This guidance, though not mandatory under the MLC, reflects a recognition of the diverse needs within the global maritime workforce, promoting inclusive living conditions on board.
Likewise, this new publication builds on the strengths of the fourth edition with improved navigation tools, updated visual aids, and a crisper layout. Shipowners may swiftly identify compliance requirements and develop action plans for identified gaps with the use of six updated checklists.
Furthermore, each chapter ends with new summary boxes that provide managers and masters with quick reference information. It is easier for organisations to move from advising to implementation when template business rules, such as those on bullying and harassment, are included.
The Guidelines simplify complex regulatory text into actionable information for board members, using clear colour-coding to differentiate mandatory requirements from guidance, thus clarifying expectations and operational impacts.
Ultimately, pursuing a maritime career offers rewarding employment and progression opportunities, but the industry must enhance working and living conditions to attract and retain skilled workers. The ICS seeks to assist shipping companies in fulfilling their responsibilities and maintaining high standards for a sustainable global maritime workforce.
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