Video: A Day In The Life... One Year After MLC 2006

It was one year ago today that the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, also known as the “Seafarers Bill of Rights” or simply MLC 2006, entered into force with ratification by 45 countries representing more than 70 percent of the world fleet. Now, one year later, that number has swelled to 64 countries that are responsible for working and living conditions of seafarers on more more than 80 percent of the world’s fleet.

MLC 2006, which has been referred two as the fourth pillar of maritime regulation next to SOLAS, STCW, MARPOL, establishes comprehensive minimum requirements for almost all aspects of working and living conditions for seafarers including, minimum age, conditions of employment, hours of work and rest, accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering, health protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection. But what exactly has its impact been on seafarers?

In the video above, the crew of the Singapore-flagged APL Boston walks an International Labour Organization TV crew through their daily routines and discusses what implementation of MLC 2006 has had on their lives aboard ship.

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with MLC 2006 in the comments section. More detail on what’s happening with MLC 2006 today can be found on the ILO website.