A40. Does the MLC, 2006 help abandoned seafarers?

Originally, the MLC, 2006 did not directly address the serious problem of abandonment of seafarers, although some provisions such as those related to repatriation [see C2.5.1.b.], would apply to help protect seafarers from some of the consequences of abandonment. However, in April 2014, the Special Tripartite Committee [see A22.] established under the MLC, 2006 adopted amendments to the Code of the MLC, 2006 [see A21.] to more specifically address this problem. These amendments entered into force on 18 January 2017. They contain a definition of abandonment and provide details about the obligation for ships to have in place an expeditious and effective financial security system to assist seafarers in the event of their abandonment [see C2.5.2.c.]. Information about these amendments, including their current status in Member States is available on the ILO MLC, 2006 website [see A44.].

General questions about the MLC, 2006