The International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) has proposed amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 to safeguard shore leave for seafarers.
The proposed changes, published for consideration at the International Labour Organisation’s Special Tripartite Committee meeting in April 2025, aim to counter threats to shore leave provision in many ports.
ICMA’s proposal enhances language around shore leave, addressing the MLC’s lack of detail on promotion and protection. The ultimate goal is to protect seafarers’ mental and physical wellbeing, improving recruitment and retention in the maritime industry.
“In recent years, the opportunities for shore leave have faced significant threats. The COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, conflicts, and other challenges have severely curtailed shore leave for many seafarers,” ICMA said.
The key proposed changes include requiring member states to ensure ship owners provide shore leave for seafarers’ health and wellbeing; facilitating seafarers’ access to ports for shore leave; ensuring timely, cost-free transit through port facilities for seafarers on shore leave; considering shore leave and access to welfare facilities in port facility security plans; and providing training for port and terminal personnel on protecting seafarers’ rights, including shore leave.
ICMA said it welcomes feedback on its proposal, available on its website along with a feedback survey and contact details.
The importance of shore leave is highlighted in the Seafarers Happiness Index, which ranks it among the top 10 aspects of life at sea impacting seafarer wellbeing. Limited shore leave is listed among the top 10 negative impacts on seafarer wellbeing, emphasising the need for protection.
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