- ICMA proposes amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 to improve shore leave provisions for seafarers, focusing on their well-being and mental health.
- The amendments aim to ensure that shipowners provide shore leave and welfare facilities, with training for port personnel on seafarers’ rights.
- ICMA invites feedback on its proposal, highlighting the importance of shore leave in improving recruitment, retention, and overall well-being in the maritime industry.
The International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) has put forward amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, with a focus on improving shore leave provisions for seafarers. The proposed changes will be discussed at the International Labour Organization (ILO) Special Tripartite Committee meeting in April 2025, Seatrade Maritime.
The Importance of Shore Leave
ICMA aims to address the significant decline in shore leave opportunities, which have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and conflicts.
“In recent years, the opportunities for shore leave have faced significant threats. The COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, conflicts, and other challenges have severely curtailed shore leave for many seafarers,” ICMA said
The charity emphasized the importance of shore leave for the physical and mental well-being of seafarers and noted that improving shore leave could help with recruitment and retention within the maritime industry.
The proposed amendments include new language that would require member states to ensure that shipowners operating under their flags provide shore leave to seafarers for their health and well-being. ICMA also suggests that seafarers should have timely and free access to shore leave, and that welfare facilities should be considered in port security plans. Training for port and terminal personnel on seafarers’ rights, especially regarding shore leave, is also included in the proposed changes.
Enhancing Seafarers’ Rights and Welfare
According to the Seafarers Happiness Index, shore leave is a crucial aspect of life at sea that helps relieve stress, provide relaxation, and allow for social interaction. However, limited shore leave was ranked among the top ten negative factors affecting seafarers’ well-being.
“The happiest seafarers hammer home the message of the importance of shore leave. This is seen as a vital ingredient for stress relief, relaxation, and social interaction with people outside the ship’s crew,” its latest report stated.
“Restrictions, time constraints, costs, and safety concerns limit opportunities for
seafarers to go ashore, impacting their mental health and overall wellbeing.”
ICMA has invited feedback on its proposed amendments, which can be viewed on the association’s website. The goal is to gather input from the maritime community to ensure the final proposal effectively enhances the rights and welfare of seafarers.
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Source: Seatrade Maritime
