The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) issued recommendations for protecting seafarers from harassment and violence.

This list includes changes to the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), in line with the ILO Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), new IMO compulsory training for seafarers, and IMO guidance for shipowners.

The development came in a Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group (JTWG) meeting held from 27 to 29 February 2024 at the IMO Headquarters in London, United Kingdom. Representatives from various governments, seafarers, and shipowners attended the meeting.

IMO and ILO would also launch an awareness campaign to combat sexual harassment, sexual assault, and bullying in the maritime sector.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez opened the session in London by saying that the organisations are committed to creating a safe and respectful working environment onboard ships, which is not only moral but a practical necessity for the industry’s growth.

ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo welcomed the recommendations and amendments that would strengthen protection against violence and all kinds of harassment, ensuring seafarers’ right to decent work.

Member states, shipowners organisations and seafarers have been given time till 10th September 2024, to submit proposals for amendments to the LML 2006, which would be discussed in April 2025.

References: IMO, ILO, Mirage News