MLC 2026: What shipping needs to know about the latest amendments and obligations

October 14 ------ The ILO’s updated Maritime Labor Convention guidance clarifies existing requirements and forthcoming amendments covering harassment, shore leave, key worker recognition and fair treatment. With further changes expected to enter into force in December 2027, shipowners and maritime authorities have an important regulatory milestone ahead.

The Maritime Labor Convention (MLC, 2006) is entering its third decade with further amendments approaching implementation. For shipowners and managers, the immediate priority is understanding which requirements are already in force, what will change in 2027 and how the latest provisions affect responsibilities across maritime operations.

The International Labor Organization’s (ILO) sixth edition of the Maritime Labor Convention, 2006 – Frequently Asked Questions, published in 2026, clarifies the Convention’s requirements and explains amendments adopted since the previous edition in 2019.

The publication also addresses issues that have gained prominence following the COVID-19 pandemic and recent geopolitical crises, including abandonment, medical assistance, the treatment of seafarers during emergencies and access to shore leave. Its principal value is distinguishing existing obligations from forthcoming changes and clarifying responsibilities for governments, shipowners and other maritime stakeholders.

A global framework continues to expand

Adopted on 23 February 2006 and in force since 20 August 2013, the MLC has become one of shipping’s most widely adopted international conventions. According to the ILO, 112 countries representing more than 96% of the world’s gross shipping tonnage had ratified the Convention by 31 May 2026.

Its coverage has since expanded further. Cuba deposited its instrument of ratification on 12 June 2026, becoming the 113th ratifying country and the ninth in Latin America. The Convention will enter into force for Cuba on 12 June 2027. The expansion is relevant to shipowners because the MLC establishes common minimum requirements while relying on national implementation, flag State responsibilities and port State inspection mechanisms. Under the principle of no more favorable treatment, ships flying the flags of non-ratifying countries cannot expect more favorable treatment during inspections in ports of ratifying States.

The next regulatory milestone is December 2027

A key distinction in the ILO publication concerns the legal status of successive amendments. The 2022 amendments entered into force on 23 December 2024. They addressed recruitment-related financial protection, prompt repatriation of abandoned seafarers, social connectivity, drinking water, access to medical care ashore and the recording of deaths at sea, among other matters. A further package adopted in 2025 is expected to enter into force on 23 December 2027.

The latest amendments address four principal areas:

• Violence and harassment: Stronger provisions addressing violence and harassment onboard, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault, with enhanced reporting mechanisms and protection against victimization.

• Shore leave: Additional provisions concerning seafarers’ rights and the responsibilities of public authorities and shipowners.

• Key worker recognition: Provisions concerning the designation of seafarers as key workers and measures intended to facilitate their movement and access to essential services.

• Fair treatment: Greater attention to the treatment of seafarers detained in connection with alleged crimes or maritime accidents, including relevant ILO/IMO Guidelines.

The amendments have different implications for the parties responsible for their implementation. Some concern onboard procedures and shipowners’ responsibilities, while others primarily require action by governments and competent authorities.

Harassment provisions strengthen reporting arrangements

The treatment of violence and harassment is among the most significant developments for onboard management and crewing departments. The MLC already addressed harassment and bullying through earlier amendments. The 2025 package develops this framework by introducing more explicit provisions for safe, fair and effective reporting mechanisms.

The revised provisions strengthen protection against victimization for complainants, victims, witnesses and whistle-blowers. They also introduce the possibility of raising complaints directly with appropriate shoreside personnel. Furthermore, the amendments address the prevention of violence and harassment within recruitment and placement arrangements.

For shipping companies, these developments are relevant to employment procedures, complaint handling, designated reporting contacts and crew awareness. They also highlight the importance of reviewing the arrangements used to receive and respond to sensitive complaints. "The forthcoming amendments introduce more explicit requirements concerning the reporting and handling of violence and harassment cases, with implications for onboard procedures and shoreside responsibilities."

Key worker recognition and fair treatment gain prominence

Another important development concerns the treatment of seafarers during emergencies and other exceptional circumstances. The ILO recalls that approximately 400,000 seafarers were stranded onboard at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, with restrictions affecting repatriation, shore leave and access to medical assistance. The updated FAQ clarifies that the MLC does not contain a general provision allowing its requirements to be temporarily suspended during emergencies.

Against this background, the 2025 amendments address the recognition of seafarers as key workers, with implications for government arrangements concerning their movement and access to essential services. The amendments also address the fair treatment of seafarers detained in connection with alleged crimes or maritime accidents. They refer to relevant ILO/IMO Guidelines and cooperation between concerned States, while recognizing that national criminal jurisdiction and procedures remain applicable.

For maritime organizations, the developments are relevant to crew changes, emergency arrangements and coordination with flag States, port authorities and other competent bodies.

Existing obligations remain an immediate priority

Although December 2027 represents the next major milestone, the ILO guidance also explains provisions already in force following the 2022 amendments. These include social connectivity through internet access, measures supporting prompt repatriation of abandoned seafarers, access to medical care ashore for those requiring immediate treatment and provisions concerning drinking water onboard.

The amendments also strengthened information available to seafarers about protection against monetary loss associated with recruitment and placement services. The publication makes an important distinction between the mandatory Standards in Part A of the MLC Code and the non-mandatory Guidelines in Part B, which ratifying States must give due consideration when implementing the Convention.

For shipowners and managers, understanding these distinctions is relevant to compliance assessments and the interpretation of national requirements. "The 2026 FAQ provides an updated reference for distinguishing mandatory requirements, supporting guidance and amendments awaiting entry into force."

What deserves management attention?

For maritime organizations, the publication identifies several areas relevant to regulatory preparedness. Fleet and crewing departments may need to review employment and recruitment practices, complaint procedures and shore-leave arrangements against the latest requirements.

HSQE departments and DPAs should pay particular attention to the forthcoming provisions concerning violence and harassment, including reporting channels and protection against victimization. Flag administrations and PSC authorities will also need to consider the implications of the amendments for national implementation, inspection procedures and associated guidance.

Preparing for the next MLC milestone

The 2026 ILO FAQ provides maritime executives with a consolidated reference for understanding the latest MLC developments and their regulatory implications. The distinction between requirements already in force and those expected in December 2027 is particularly important for planning compliance reviews, updating fleet procedures and preparing for future implementation.

For shipowners, managers and maritime authorities, the publication offers a practical basis for identifying relevant changes, understanding their scope and allocating responsibilities accordingly.

The ILO’s Maritime Labor Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006): Frequently Asked Questions, sixth edition (2026), provides detailed explanations of the Convention’s requirements, amendment history, national implementation, employment conditions, welfare standards and inspection arrangements.

Source: safety4sea.com