MLC 2006
The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006), adopted by the International Labour Organization, sets minimum standards for the working and living conditions of seafarers on commercial ships. Often described as the "seafarers' bill of rights" or the "fourth pillar" of international maritime regulation (alongside SOLAS, MARPOL and STCW).
The Convention covers minimum age, medical certificates, recruitment standards, seafarer employment agreements, wages, hours of work and rest, leave, repatriation, food and catering, on-board accommodation, recreational facilities, health protection, and complaint procedures. Compliance is enforced via the Maritime Labour Certificate (MLC) on board each ship, audited by flag states and port states.
Crew management workflows must produce auditable evidence for every requirement — wage records, work/rest hour logs, complaint registers, repatriation arrangements.
Often called the "seafarers' bill of rights", the MLC sets the global minimum for how crew are employed, paid, rested, housed and cared for. Ships carry a Maritime Labour Certificate, and port state control checks compliance — a serious breach can detain the vessel.
agreement
& accommodation
& welfare
What is the MLC 2006?
The ILO Maritime Labour Convention — the international standard for seafarers' working and living conditions, sitting alongside SOLAS, MARPOL and STCW as a pillar of maritime regulation.
What does the MLC cover?
Minimum age, employment agreements, wages, hours of work and rest, leave, repatriation, food, accommodation, health protection and complaint procedures — all evidenced for audit.