Shipping:
Introduction to ILO activities in the shipping industry

Because of the unique character of seafaring, most maritime countries have special laws and regulations covering this occupation. Consequently, the ILO, since its founding, has had special a "machinery" for conditions of work of seafarers. The machinery includes the Joint Maritime Commission, which advises the Governing Body on maritime issues, and special Maritime Sessions of the International Labour Conference (ILC) which focus solely on the preparation and adoption of Maritime Labour Standards. The recent 94th Maritime Session of the International Labour Conference adopted the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.

Within the International Labour Office, maritime issues are dealt with by the Sectoral Activities branch (SECTOR). The main focus of ILO's maritime programme concerns the promotion of the maritime labour standards. This is done using all of the ILO's means of action. The ILO's work concerning seafarers has also resulted in the adoption of codes of practice, guidelines and reports which address seafarers' issues.

The ILO cooperates with other United Nations system agencies with an interest in the maritime field, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London and the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva. There is close contact with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and with regional UN offices.

Providing information and assistance to member States on ILO maritime standards and the preparation of related national laws and regulations will continue to be given priority. Both the labour and shipping (or transport) ministries of the countries concerned should be involved in the implementation of the ILO maritime labour standards.