C4.4.e. Does the MLC, 2006 require that seafarers be allowed ashore to access welfare facilities?

Regulation 2.4 of the MLC, 2006 establishes the principle that seafarers shall be granted shore leave to benefit their health and well-being and consistent with the operational requirements of their positions [see C.2.4.d.]. The fundamental importance of shore leave to seafarers’ well-being is recognized under Regulation 4.4 of the MLC, 2006, as well as in the IMO Convention on the Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, 1965, as amended (FAL Convention), and the ILO Conventions Nos 108 and 185 on seafarers’ identity documents. Although the grant of shore leave may not always be possible in view of the operational needs of the ship concerned or for security reasons, requests for shore leave to access welfare facilities should not be unreasonably refused.

Access to shore-based welfare facilities