MLC amendments – new guidance released

New amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC) came into force in December 2024. To keep members up to date on their rights, the Union has produced a new edition of its guidance document on the subject.

The Seafarers’ Bill of Rights: A guide to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 now includes the 2022 amendments to the treaty as well as previous rounds of amendments from 2014, 2016 and 2018.

Nautilus has played a key role in the process to amend the MLC to keep up with changes in the industry and prevailing circumstances. The 2022 amendments (with the addition of the latest round of amendments, see page XX) are the best example of how this process works – the international Covid-19 lockdown exposed the need for stronger provisions on areas such as repatriation, access to medical care ashore, internet access and social connectivity, and amendments duly followed.

What is in the guide?

This updated guide for members is aimed at promoting a better understanding of the MLC, what it means fo Nautilus members and seafarers in general, and how to get the most out of it.
It includes information on:

• who is covered by the MLC – which vessels and which seafarers
• Seafarers’ rights and the MLC
• How the MLC is structured and how it works

It then goes into detail on the provisions of the MLC itself, including:

• requirements around training and qualifications
• conditions of employment/SEAs
• hours of work and rest
• manning levels
• entitlements (e.g. to leave, repatriation and compensation)
• conditions onboard (e.g. regarding accommodation, facilities and catering)
• health protection and medical care

Finally, it covers ways to safeguard your rights, laying out the mechanisms in the MLC for enforcement to ensure that shipowners are living up to their responsibilities.

---

Download the guidance in pdf format here.