Panama reaffirms its commitment to the protection of seafarers' labour rights

During a recent official visit to the headquarters of the IMO, Panama reaffirmed its commitment to the comprehensive protection of seafarers, and to promoting concrete actions to eradicate harassment onboard, improve working conditions and strengthen respect for the human rights of seafarers working on Panamanian-flagged vessels.

Other priority topics such as maritime safety, marine environmental protection, international trade facilitation, and the promotion of greener and more sustainable transport were also discussed. The meeting was chaired by Felipe Arias, Director of the Directorate General for Seafarers (DGGM) of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), the Secretary-General of the IMO, Panamanian Arsenio Domínguez, and Guido Martinelli, Panama's Ambassador to London.

Within the framework of the dialogue, Panama's participation as a category ‘A’ member of the IMO Council was highlighted. This country has worked closely with the IMO and the International Labor Organization (ILO) to ensure fair, safe, and dignified treatment of seafarers, in line with the IMO's motto for this year: ‘My ship free from harassment’.

In this context, Panama served as the government vice-chair during the Third Meeting of the ILO/IMO Joint Tripartite Working Group, during which new guidelines were endorsed aimed at strengthening respect for human rights, promoting cooperation between States, facilitating legal assistance, and avoiding custodial measures during investigations.

Furthermore, it was highlighted that, at the end of 2024, the 2022 amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) Code, adopted by Panama, will come into force. These amendments seek to significantly improve living conditions on board, including adequate food, timely medical care, connectivity, repatriation facilities, and the use of personal protective equipment.

In April of this year, during the Fifth Meeting of the MLC's Special Tripartite Committee, Panama also supported new amendments to strengthen labour protection for seafarers, covering aspects such as the right to go ashore, combating violence and harassment, and international cooperation for their repatriation. These amendments will be submitted for approval in June 2025 and, if ratified, would enter into force in December 2027.

During the visit, the Panamanian delegation also participated in the 110th Session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) and held a cordial exchange with the Panamanian delegation accredited to the IMO. The meeting was held in the context of the commemoration of International Seafarers' Day, a date that pays tribute to the work of thousands of seafarers who, with dedication and effort, keep the global supply chain and international trade operational.