United Republic of Tanzania ratifies ILO Maritime Labour (2006) and Seafarers identity documents No. 185 (2003) conventions

Dar es Salaam (ILO News) The Government of Tanzania, on 28 June 2017, ratified two ILO conventions – the seafarers identity documents convention No 185 (2003) and the Maritime labour convention (MLC 2006). The Members of Parliament, sitting in Dodoma, the capital city, overwhelmingly passed the two instruments which aim at safeguarding and improving seafarers welfare. The resolutions were read by the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office – Policy, Parliamentary Affairs, Labour, Employment, Youth and the Disabled, Ms. Jenister Mhagama.

According to the ILO reports, todate 33 countries among 187, have already ratified the seafarers identity documents convention, including four in Africa – Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Madagascar and Tunisia, and 84 ratifications (12 in Africa) for the Maritime labour convention (MLC 2006).

The seafarer’s identity documents convention, enables seafarers to be employed in both local and international shipping companies, thus facilitating both individual and national incomes. Ratification of the identity documents convention will not only boost creation of employment opportunities and reduce poverty, but also enables seafarers to benefit from training and skills development from other member countries. Further, this will facilitate easies identification of all seafarers across the country and thus reduce security risks.

Ratification of the Maritime Labour convention, provides rights to seafarers on equal employment opportunities, safe workplaces complying with safety standards, and right to decent work and living conditions on board ship. The convention also assures, among others, rights to social protection including health, medical care, and welfare issues.

Whereas convention 185 (2003) entered into force in 2005, the MLC 2003 entered into force in 2013. Following this ratification, the Government of Tanzania is expected to formally deposit with the International Labour Office the instruments of ratification of the two ILO Conventions concerning Maritime Labour.

Conventions and Recommendations are drawn up by representatives of governments, employers and workers and are adopted at the ILO’s annual International Labour Conference. Once a convention is adopted, member States are required under the ILO Constitution to submit them to their competent authority e.g. the parliament, for ratification. If it is ratified, a Convention generally comes into force for that country one year after the date of ratification. Ratifying countries commit themselves to applying the Convention in national law and practice and to reporting on its application at regular intervals.