britanniapandi.com The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), commonly referred to as the “seafarers’ bill of rights,” establishes the basic working and living standards for seafarers working on ships registered in ratifying countries. These standards also apply when the ship is calling at a country that has adopted the Convention, regardless of the ship’s flag ratification status. On 23 December 2024, the 2022 amendments to MLC 2006 will come into effect, following their adoption at the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) 110th session. These amendments include revisions to regulations on recruitment and placement, repatriation, recreational facilities (including access to internet service on board and at port), food and catering, and the disembarkation of seafarers in need of urgent medical attention. BELOW IS A SUMMARY OF THE 2022 AMENDMENTS: RECRUITMENT AND PLACEMENT During the Covid-19 pandemic, seafarers often faced financial loss when unable to join their ships due to restrictions, without compensation under Standard A1.4 of the MLC. The amendment mandates that seafarers are informed, both before and during the contract period, of their rights to compensation if recruitment agencies or shipowners fail to meet their employment agreement obligations, causing financial loss to the seafarer. REPATRIATION Covid-19 related control measures led to instances where seafarers were denied their right to repatriation as outlined in MLC 2006. This amendment reinforces the need for prompt repatriation of all seafarers, including those abandoned, and clarifies that replacement crew members are entitled to the same rights. Responsibility is shared by port states, flag states, and labour supplying countries. ACCOMMODATION AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES/ ACCESS TO SHORE-BASED WELFARE FACILITIES New guidelines have been added, encouraging shipowners to provide access to ship-to-shore telephone and internet, with charges kept to a reasonable amount, if applicable. States should, as far as reasonably practicable, provide internet service to seafarers in their anchorages or ports. These requirements serve as guidelines; therefore, flag states may choose to make on board internet and telephone access mandatory. LOSS PREVENTION UPDATE AMENDMENTS TO THE MARITIME LABOUR CONVENTION: RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS FOR SEAFARERS 1 // NOVEMBER 2024 FURTHER INFORMATION For further information, please do not hesitate to email lossprevention@tindallriley.com DISCLAIMER THIS LOSS PREVENTION UPDATE IS PUBLISHED BY THE BRITANNIA STEAM SHIP INSURANCE ASSOCIATION EUROPE (THE ASSOCIATION). Whilst the information is believed to be correct at the date of publication, the Association cannot, and does not, assume any responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of that information. The content of this publication does not constitute legal advice and Members should always contact the Association for specific advice on a particular matter. britanniapandi.com 2 // NOVEMBER 2024 FOOD AND CATERING Revisions to food and catering standards now require that nutritious meals and drinking water be provided free of charge to crew members. Shipmasters must routinely inspect food and water for adequate quantity, nutritional value, quality, and variety. MEDICAL CARE ON BOARD SHIP AND ASHORE A new standard has been added requiring states to ensure the immediate disembarkation of seafarers who need urgent medical attention within their territory. In the event of a seafarer’s death, states shoul