Panama supports ‘fairer, safer and more humane’ labour standards for seafarers
The International Labour Conference is set to adopt this week the amendments to maritime labour standards agreed at the Fifth Meeting of the Special Tripartite Committee of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006), convened by the International Organization (ILO) at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland in mid-April (pictured).
The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) reports that Panama participated in the tripartite meeting, which brought together more than 500 delegates from governments, shipowners and representatives of the people of the sea, with the aim of reviewing and updating the labour standards governing work on board ships around the world.
During the session, several amendments to the MLC 2006 were adopted, which are aimed at strengthening seafarers' rights, improve their living and working conditions, and promote their integral well-being. Panama actively supported these proposals, which include:
- Protection against violence and harassment on board.
- Recognition of seafarers as key workers.
- Guarantee of the right to go ashore to preserve physical and mental health.
- Facilities for repatriation.
- Application of ILO-IMO guidelines on fair treatment in cases of maritime accidents or detentions.
- Access to up-to-date medical information for responsible personnel on board.
In addition, follow-up resolutions were adopted on the early implementation of certain measures, regulatory harmonisation to the extent possible of consistency between the MLC, 2006 and the IMO Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, 1965, as amended (FAL Convention) on shore leave, as well as the strengthening of joint work between the ILO and IMO.
These amendments were duly submitted for adoption at the 113th International Labour Conference, being held from 2 to 13 June 2025. If ratified, they will enter into force in December 2027. The AMP says that with this participation, Panama is in tune with the highest international standards in maritime labour matters and contributing to a fairer, safer and more humane sector.