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 Australia ratifies the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) 14 December 2011 Australia becomes the 22nd member State to ratify the landmark Convention, which sets out seafarers’ rights to decent working and living conditions while creating fair competition for shipowners. Asia-Pacific towards the ratification of the MLC, 2006 09 May 2011 MLC Asia-Pacific meeting in Cairns, Australia (3-6 May 2011)