All news: seafarer + sea transport

Fishing sector

Global momentum builds to strengthen fishers’ rights at UN Ocean Conference

On World Oceans Day, Côte d’Ivoire became the latest country to ratify the ILO Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188), marking a major step toward advancing labour rights at sea.

ILOSTAT blog

New data reveals leading causes of seafarer deaths in 2023

A first-ever global data collection on seafarer fatalities offers insight into the main causes of death at sea, revealing critical safety and health risks. With data from 51 countries, this analysis underscores the urgent need for stronger reporting...

IMO / ILO / ICS / ITF

Global maritime leaders unite in a call to protect seafarers from criminalization

Global maritime leaders from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Labour Organization (ILO), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) reaffirm commitment to fair...

International Labour Standards

Belgium ratifies the Minimum Wage Fixing Convention and the Work in Fishing Convention

Belgium becomes the 56th country to ratify Convention No. 131 and the 24th country to ratify Convention No. 188.

Seafarers’ conditions set to improve after shipping industry adopts amendments to Maritime Labour Convention, 2006

Amendments will enhance the living and working conditions of seafarers.

Subcommittee on Wages of Seafarers reaches agreement to increase seafarer minimum wage following negotiations

Through social dialogue, Shipowners’ and Seafarers’ representatives agreed to gradually raise the minimum wage over the course of the next three years

Pakistan ratifies three International Labour Standards

President Asif Ali Zardari has approved Pakistan’s ratification of three key ILO instruments to strengthen workers' rights, combat forced labour, enhance seafarers' protections and improve labour data collection.

Barbados supports the welfare of seafarers by ratifying the Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention

Barbados becomes the 40th ILO member State to ratify Convention No. 185.

Video

Sri Lanka’s next generation of women seafarers are ready to set sail

Vulnerable and marginalized Sri Lankan youth, including women, are learning how to become seafarers, thanks to an ILO work-based learning programme, funded by the Government of Japan.

ILO and International Seabed Authority sign landmark agreement to protect human life and promote decent work

The agreement between the two agencies highlights a shared commitment to workers’ rights, as interest in seabed activities and resources continues to grow.

ILO’s Ship to Shore Rights Southeast Asia Programme extends its programme in Indonesia for another four years

The ILO’s Ship to Shore Rights Southeast Asia Programme organizes its last NPAC meeting and announces a programme extension for another four years.

Ecuadorian inspectors and authorities train to identify forced labour on fishing vessels

ILO and its partners, Cornell University and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), together with their counterparts in Ecuador – Ministry of Labour, the Vice-Ministry of Aquaculture and Fisheries, the National Directorate of Aquatic...

News item

ILO hosts virtual validation workshop on the future of seafarers in Pacific Island Countries

Ghana ratifies the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188)

Ghana becomes the 22nd country to ratify this Convention.

Guinea-Bissau ratifies the Maritime Labour Convention

Guinea Bissau is the 108th Member State of the ILO to have ratified the Convention.

New important set of amendments to the MLC, 2006 will enter into force on 23 December 2024

These amendments aim at further improving working and living conditions at sea and address some of the key challenges faced by seafarers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact story

Breaking waves and gender barriers in Sri Lanka maritime sector

A partnership between the International Labour Organization and Sri Lanka’s Mahapola Port and Martime Academy has led to Nayomi Amarasinghe becoming one of the few female seafarers in the country.

Egypt joins international efforts to protect seafarers’ rights

Egypt is the 107th Member State of the ILO to have ratified the MLC, 2006.

Maritime Labour Convention

Comoros joins international efforts to protect seafarers’ rights

Comoros is the 106th Member State of the ILO to have ratified the MLC, 2006

Maritime Labour Convention

Global register on seafarer deaths