This report begins with a summary of the examination and decisions to date of the Governing Body of the ILO concerning the revision of maritime standards and an examination of the maritime social security instruments. It then proposes an integrated approach to future standard setting in the maritime field. It suggests the development of new instruments to replace the existing body of 30 Conventions and 23 Recommendations. The ground breaking proposal is for one major instrument which would represent the "bill of rights" for the industry and seek to ensure progress toward sectoral universality of obligations. This report also makes a case for an enhanced role for the JMC and for a tripartite subcommittee with a view to facilitating the updating of maritime labour standards.