Compendium of Maritime Labour Instruments - Fifth Edition, 2026

Key Features

• Consolidates and updates the majority (68 out of 72) of the ILO’s maritime Conventions (37) and Recommendations adopted since 1920
• Includes all currently in-force amendments to the MLC, 2006, reflecting its continued evolution
• Includes the latest sets of amendments which were approved by the International Labour Conference in June 2025 and which are expected to enter into force on 23 December 2027
• Includes the Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003, as amended (No. 185), including the 2016 Amendments to its Annexes and the Work in Fishing Convention (No. 188) and Recommendation (No. 199), 2007
• Incorporates the fundamental Conventions of the ILO, and the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (1998) as amended in 2022, supporting a broader understanding of international labour standards
• Demonstrates the role of tripartism, social dialogue and international cooperation in addressing maritime labour challenges
• Contains an updated Frequently Asked Questions section

Benefits

• Supports compliance with international maritime labour standards and regulatory requirements
• Helps improve awareness of minimum working and living conditions for seafarers and fishers across global fleets
• Provides a single reference point with up-to-date maritime labour instruments
• Enables shipowners and operators to get acquainted with international labour standards which ensure a level playing field in a highly globalized industry
• Assists policymakers and regulators in implementing and enforcing maritime labour standards
• Enhances understanding of evolving requirements, supporting long-term planning and operational resilience

The Internationals Labour Organization (ILO) is devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights, pursuing its founding mission that social justice is essential to universal and lasting peace.

Only tripartite U.N. agency, the ILO brings together governments, employers and workers representatives of 187 member States , to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.

Today, the ILO's Decent Work agenda helps advance the economic and working conditions that give all workers, employers and governments a stake in lasting peace, prosperity and progress.

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