Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006)

Tunisia ratifies the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006)

Tunisia, an important actor of international maritime trade, is the 82nd Member State of the ILO that ratifies this convention

News | 06 April 2017
On 5 April 2017, Tunisia deposited the instrument of ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006) with the International Labour Office. Tunisia, an important actor of international maritime trade, is the 82nd Member State of the ILO that ratifies this Convention. The country’s merchant fleet amounts to 85 vessels, corresponding to a gross tonnage of 251 803 and 98% of its trade transits via maritime transport. In addition, due to its strategic geographical location, Tunisia has 7 major ports that ensured the transit of 28 million tonnes of goods in 2015. The maritime industry and the port sector encompasses approximately 560 companies, and generates nearly 6000 direct jobs.

In depositing the instrument of ratification of the MLC, 2006, his Excellency Mr Walid Doudech, Ambassador Permanent Representative of Tunisia in Geneva, stated: “In ratifying the convention, Tunisia demonstrates its commitment to ensure decent working conditions for seafarers through the application of international standards. With the ratification of the MLC, 2006, Tunisia enhances its relevant international legal arsenal, which already includes the majority of the instruments of the International Maritime Organisation, including the Convention on the Safety for Life at Sea, as well as the ILO Convention No. 185 on the identity documents of seafarers. I am convinced that the Republic of Tunisia will comply with its obligation to effectively apply the MLC, 2006, and will contribute significantly to advancing the rights of seafarers”.

When receiving the instrument of ratification, the Director-General of the ILO, Mr Guy Ryder, stated: “I am pleased to see that Tunisia, a key player in the maritime trade in the Mediterranean Sea, is joining the global effort to promote decent living and working conditions for seafarers while ensuring a level playing field in the maritime industry. I wish to recall that more than 200 merchant vessels enter the territorial waters of Tunisia every day. Therefore, this ratification marks an important milestone for the protection of numerous seafarers working on board of vessels flying the flag of Tunisia or in transit in the ports of the country.”

The MLC, 2006 will enter into force for Tunisia on 5 April 2018 that is one year after its ratification. For more background information, please visit the dedicated MLC webpage at /mlc.