The International Labor Organization (ILO) stated that discussions had begun concerning 1.2 million seafarers worldwide, amongst which many are working in terrible conditions.
A Convention on maritime labor standards would define strict rules regarding working hours, pension rights, social and security standards, while ship-owners would have to proof that they respect all those regulations.
The Convention’s goal would be to eliminate maritime labor which is not satisfying the proscribed standards. The Document would serve to motivate the ‘good’ ship – owners and to de-motivate those which are not operating according to regulations.
According to the new regulations ships of a gross tonnage above 500 should possess a five years labor certificate, issued in the country of the flag under which they are operating. That country would have the duty to perform periodical inspections. The harbor authorities of foreign countries would also be allowed to maintain a ship if it refuses to undergo inspection, which can be a long-lasting and rather expensive process.
Some 1,000 participants representing governments, workers and employers from 100 of the ILO's 178 member States will discuss the draft Convention over the next three weeks with voting expected on the closing day. Each member country has the right to send four delegates to the Conference: two from government and one each representing workers and employers, each of whom may speak and vote independently.
The Convention is expected to become official within three years. The rules will have to be respected by all ships, no matter whether their home countries have ratified the Convention or not.
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