International agreements on working conditions at sea

From April 7 to 11, 2025, the fifth meeting of the Special Tripartite Committee (STC) The Special Tripartite Committee (STC) is a body under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) where governments, shipowners, and seafarers come together. It reviews how the MLC is applied and proposes updates. This ensures the convention stays relevant and reflects the interests of all parties involved in maritime labour. under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) is a global treaty that ensures decent working and living conditions for seafarers. It covers wages, working hours, medical care, and safety on board. The MLC protects the rights of crew members on sea-going vessels, regardless of their nationality or the ship's flag. was held in Geneva. This meeting, organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) The International Labour Organization is a part of the United Nations in Geneva that establishes binding international treaties in the field of labor. The ILO includes employers' organizations, trade unions, and governments. , brought together representatives from governments, shipowners, and seafarers.

The STC is tasked with ensuring the proper application of the MLC and aligning it with new developments in the maritime sector where necessary.

During the meeting, agreement was reached on several important amendments to the convention. These include:

• Providing shore leave for seafarers

• Facilitating crew changes at port states and granting access to medical care ashore

• The costs of crew changes

• Medical care onboard

• “Fair Treatment” of seafarers in the event of an investigation following a maritime incident or during a criminal investigation

• Preventing and eliminating violence and harassment onboard.

These amendments will be officially adopted by the ILO on June 6, 2025 and are expected to come into force by the end of 2027.

Additionally, a resolution was adopted calling for a meeting of the Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group. This working group will address the working and rest hours of seafarers, a subject that falls under the responsibility of both the ILO and the IMO.

On behalf of the KVNR, Jeaninne Haijemaije and Tjitso Westra participated in the meeting as members of the Shipowners' Group. Sascha Meijer of Nautilus International participated as a member of the Seafarers' Group. The Dutch government was represented by Paul Vinkenvleugel of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment

For more information, we kindly refer to the press release from the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)