ILO homeIndustries and sectorsShipping; ports; fisheries; inland waterwaysResources on Shipping, ports, fisheries, and inland waterways sector Resources on Shipping, ports, fisheries, and inland waterways sector Milestone ratifications of seafarers’ labour rights charter 20 August 2012 The ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention has now been ratified by 30 countries, meaning it will go into effect in a year’s time. The charter sets out the labour rights of the world’s 1.2 million seafarers. Asia-Pacific towards the ratification of the MLC, 2006 09 May 2011 MLC Asia-Pacific meeting in Cairns, Australia (3-6 May 2011)