All publications: Shipping, fishing, inland waterways
FAQ - 6th edition
Frequently Asked Questions about the Maritime Labour Convention, (MLC, 2006)
The “Frequently Asked questions” (FAQ), offers practical guidance on the application and implementation of the MLC, 2006, addressing questions raised by governments, shipowners, seafarers and other stakeholders.
FAQ - 6th edition, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions about the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006)
The “Frequently Asked questions” (FAQ), offers practical guidance on the application and implementation of the MLC, 2006, addressing questions raised by governments, shipowners, seafarers and other stakeholders.
Fifth revised edition, 2026
Compendium of Maritime Labour Instruments
The Compendium is an essential reference source including the key instruments adopted by the ILO to promote decent work for seafarers and fishers. The publication has been updated to reflect recent developments, including the latest amendments to...
Labour migration
Towards fair seas: Recruitment and working conditions for migrant workers in the fishing and seafood processing sectors in South-East Asia
This comprehensive regional survey assesses the working and living conditions for migrants in the fishing and seafood processing sectors, including the prevalence of forced labour.
Toolkit for surveys on decent work in marine fishing
Counting rules for survey-based indicators on decent work in marine fishing
This document is part of the ILO Toolkit for surveys on decent work in marine fishing. It provides counting rules for coding survey responses into indicators, ensuring consistent, comparable data to monitor decent work and rights violations in one...
Guidelines for fair labour market services for migrant fishers
In accordance with established procedures, these guidelines will be submitted to the 356th Session (March–April 2026) of the Governing Body of the ILO for its consideration.
The future of seafarers: Emerging challenges, opportunities and achieving decent work for seafarers in selected Pacific Island countries -...
This report offers an in-depth exploration of the realities facing seafarers in Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Through careful research and stakeholder input, the study highlights the structural, regulatory and social barriers that...
Joint ILO / FAO publication
Policy guidance on the elimination of child labour in fisheries and aquaculture
This policy guidance offers a framework for governments, industry, employers’ and workers’ organizations, communities and international partners to translate international commitments into practical measures. By acting together, stakeholders can...
Ship to Shore
List of contractors and grant beneficiaries – Ship to Shore Rights South-East Asia programme (2020–2024)
This document provides a public record of all contractors and grant beneficiaries under the EU-funded Ship to Shore Rights South-East Asia programme (2020–2024) for contracts and grants above EUR 15,000.
Toolkit for surveys on decent work in marine fishing
This toolkit compiles survey instruments developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to assess decent work in marine fishing sector. The tools were piloted in Ghana, Indonesia, and South Africa and validated with national partners.
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...
Guidelines
Guidelines on fair treatment of seafarers detained in connection with alleged crimes
The present Guidelines are intended to be a reference tool for principles that can be reflected in the design and implementation of policies, strategies, programmes, legislation, administrative measures and social dialogue mechanisms on the fair...
Guidelines on fair treatment of seafarers detained in connection with alleged crimes
Adopted at the Third meeting of the Joint ILO–IMO Tripartite Working Group to identify and address seafarers’ issues and the human element (Geneva, 26–28 November 2024).
ILO Brief
Intervention Model: For extending social protection to migrant fishers
Drawing from the ILO Guide on “Extending Social Protection to Migrant Workers, Refugees, and their Families” developed in collaboration with ISSA and ITCILO, the Intervention Models aim to provide policymakers and practitioners with succinct...
Understanding working conditions of fishers in Indonesia: Evidence from the 2024 Survey on Decent Work in Marine Fishing
This report presents the findings of Indonesia’s first-ever Survey on Decent Work in Marine Fishing, conducted by the ILO in collaboration with the Research Center for Population of the National Research and Innovation Agency (PRK-BRIN). The survey...
Brochure
10 questions: Migrant fishers
This postcard aims to offer migrant fishers key guiding questions to help them gather essential information before starting their job at sea.
Forced labour in commercial fishing
This factsheet provides background information on the fishing industry and some of the inherent challenges of work in fishing. It aims to help professionals interested in this issue raise their understanding on the specific decent work deficits in...
Reporting forced labour in commercial fishing
This factsheet is intended to support journalists and communicators interested in developing stories addressing decent work deficits in the commercial fishing industry and the broader value chain.
ILO brief
Elevating the potential of rural youth: Paths to Decent Jobs and Sustainable Futures
The ILO policy brief addresses the urgent need to create decent jobs for rural youth by examining both the demand and supply sides of the rural labour market. It highlights the specific barriers rural youth face, such as limited access to skills...
8.7 Accelerator Lab: Theory of change for the fishing sector