Maritime labour convention 2006 effect on shipping industry

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to examine the effect of “Maritime Labor Convention 2006” (MLC 2006), adopted by The International Labor Organization (ILO) on February of 2006, on shipping industry. Special attention and consideration will be given to the attitudes, beliefs and perceptions held by Greek Ship-owners towards MLC and the legal defensibility it might offer to the seafarers. Ultimately, based on the analysis of the results of this project, clarifications will be given to all interested parties concerning their new role in the shipping industry once this convention will be in force. The research methodology incorporates secondary research obtained in Greek libraries as well as the Internet. Primary research was also conducted with a combination of questionnaires distributed to Greek Ship-owning companies as well as to Filipino, Ukrainian and Russian seafarers. Research has revealed that most of the relevant parties had not realized, until recently, the major implications of MLC and the requirements come with it. So far, legal liability of ship-owners is not an issue that has been taken seriously under consideration. Additionally, seafarers do not really perceive this convention as their guardian and as a movement towards a safe working environment but at least they realized that their right to decent work has to be asserted.