Plan to realize Maritime Labor Convention

The convention, adopted 2006, provides comprehensive rights and protection at work for the world's more than 1.2 million seafarers. 

It aims to achieve both decent work for seafarers and secure economic interests in fair competition for quality ship-owners.

As an estimated 90% of world trade is carried on ships seafarers are essential to international trade and the international economic and trade system. 

The new labor standard consolidates and updates more than 68 international labor standards related to the Maritime sector adopted over the last 80 years.

It has been designed to become a global instrument known as the "fourth pillar" of the international regulatory regime for quality shipping, complementing the key Conventions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Under the Government’s plan, Viet Nam will improve its legal system on maritime labor, focusing on designing a Decree on Maritime Labor between 2013 and 2015.

This year, a Steering Committee for the implementation of the Convention will be set up and led by a leader of the Ministry of Transport.

Also in 2013, the country will also examine and evaluate ships and grant Maritime Labor Certificate and Declaration of Maritime Labor Compliance as required by this Convention.

Between 2013 and 2014, the Government will build up a system to exercise State duties of inspecting foreign-flag ships entering and exiting Vietnamese ports.

The database on maritime labor in accordance with the ILO’s instructions will be created in the 2013-2015.

From now to 2030, the Government will develop general public facilities in ports to meet seafarers’ demand for entertainment and information./.

By Hai Minh