C4.4.a. Why are shore-based seafarers’ welfare facilities required under the MLC, 2006?

The purpose of including a requirement for shore-based welfare facilities is to help ensure that seafarers working on board a ship have access to shore-based facilities and services to secure their health and well-being. These facilities, which are located in or near ports, are important way to provide seafarers, who may be on extended voyages at sea, with access to health and welfare services in a foreign country, as well as a social environment. This obligation and concern for seafarers’ well-being complements the obligation under Regulation 2.4, paragraph 2, that flag States must require that shipowners grant seafarers’ shore leave in order to benefit the seafarers’ health and well-being [see C.2.4.d.].

Access to shore-based welfare facilities