IMO and ILO Launch Joint Efforts to Combat Violence and Harassment in Maritime

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have issued a series of recommendations in a concerted effort to address violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault in the maritime sector,

The measures were discussed during a Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group (JTWG) meeting held at the IMO headquarters in London from 27 to 29 February 2024.

Foremost, the recommendations include amendments to the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), aligning it with the ILO Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190). The changes also call for mandatory IMO training for seafarers, and extra guidance for shipowners.

The IMO and ILO, along with government representatives, shipowners, and seafarers, are committed to launching an international awareness campaign, aiming to raise awareness about the pressing issue of violence and harassment in the maritime sector. They will also explore potential legislative and policy advancements to prevent and address this issue.

IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, and ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, both emphasized the need for a safe and respectful working environment onboard ships, asserting zero tolerance for any form of violence and harassment.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a safe and respectful working environment on board,” said Secretary-General Dominguez. “Recognizing that this is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity for the industry’s sustainable growth, we are committed to preventing and combatting bullying and harassment in the maritime sector.”

Houngbo believes addressing issues that cause experienced seafarers to leave or discourage newcomers is crucial. “Any form of violence and harassment is in direct contradiction to the very concept of decent work. There must be zero tolerance of such behaviour,” he said.

Part of the recommendations includes the use of the terminology “violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault” in relevant IMO and ILO instruments and guidance. Additional recommendations include mandatory training for seafarers, the adoption of measures for Administrations and shipping companies, removal of perpetrators from service, and amendments to medical guides.

The IMO and ILO Secretariats are also exploring ways to collect data about violence and harassment in the maritime sector. Proposals for amendments to the MLC, 2006, will be submitted to the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee at its next meeting in May 2024 (MSC 108) and to the ILO Governing Body in due course.

The Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group expressed optimism that these recommendations will steer the maritime industry towards a safer working culture, free from any form of aggression.

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