The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC), adopted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), is often described as the “Seafarers’ Bill of Rights.” It sets out internationally agreed minimum standards for working and living conditions on board ships and has been ratified by more than one hundred countries, covering over 90% of the world’s fleet.

The Convention protects seafarers’ rights across a wide range of areas, including hours of rest, wages, repatriation, accommodation, medical care, and access to shore leave. It’s designed to ensure seafarers are treated fairly, with dignity and respect, wherever they work.

However, as Stella Maris regularly sees, challenges remain, and many seafarers still face unnecessary barriers when trying to access these rights. Adequate rest and access to shore leave Stella Maris chaplains and ship visitors regularly meet seafarers who describe having to choose between going ashore or catching up on much needed rest. Both are essential to wellbeing and safety, but for many, taking both isn’t possible.

Some seafarers are denied shore leave for unclear “operational” reasons, such as being asked to stay on board to receive supplies despite already working long shifts. Others, stuck in port for weeks during repairs, are expected to keep working without a break ashore. They are often exhausted and demoralised when we meet them.

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It is vital to remember that shore leave isn’t a luxury. It provides a crucial break from the pressures of life at sea and can help prevent isolation, stress and burnout. Recent data from the ITF Seafarers’ Trust and World Maritime University (2025) shows how widespread the problem is. More than one in four seafarers had no shore leave at all during their last contract. Of those who did, nearly half said they were ashore for less than three hours.

The issue extends beyond shore leave; fatigue is another concern. An earlier ITF study found seafarers working an average of 74.9 hours per week—far above the global average of 43. Many reported they were unable to consistently meet the MLC’s minimum rest hour requirements.

What’s Changing? Upcoming amendments to the MLC in 2027 In April 2025, the ILO’s Special Tripartite Committee agreed to several amendments to the MLC, which will come into force in December 2027. These changes aim to strengthening protections and improving day-to-day life for seafarers. Key updates include:

1. Recognition as Key Workers Seafarers will be formally recognised as key workers. Governments will be expected to take steps to support seafarers’ movement, particularly in times of crisis. This includes ensuring access to shore leave, repatriation, crew changes, and medical care ashore, regardless of the ship’s flag.

2. Right to Shore Leave A new regulation clarifies that seafarers have the right to shore leave without discrimination. Denial of leave on grounds such as public health or safety must be justified, and seafarers can request written explanations. The amendment also aims to remove unnecessary visa barriers and administrative delays. Further Action on Rest Hours and Fatigue Although no new rest hour rules were approved in 2025, the ILO committed to reviewing current standards under the MLC and STCW Convention. This includes:

• Developing practical guidance to help governments enforce rest hour regulations;

• Supporting flag and port State authorities with better monitoring tools;

• Recommending future reforms to the ILO Governing Body and IMO Maritime Safety Committee These are welcome developments but more work lies ahead. Until stronger enforcement is in place, seafarers and welfare organisations must remain alert to unsafe working practices