Manila Declaration: New International Document for Seafarers

The Philippines launches the Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety, and Well-Being, setting a global framework to uphold the dignity, safety, and rights of maritime workers amid today’s evolving challenges. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gcrEVBi2 #SeafarersRights #ManilaDeclaration #MaritimeLabor

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: MANILA — Filipino seafarers took the spotlight at Kapihan sa AMOSUP on Thursday, where the country’s largest seafarers’ union gathered its members to exchange views on industry issues ahead of its 65th anniversary. Held at the AMOSUP Convention Center, the forum gave seafarers a chance to hear updates on anniversary activities while engaging in dialogue on the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, a landmark law designed to protect their rights and welfare. “Kapihan is part of AMOSUP’s campaign to bring more industry issues and membership news to its members, and come up with solutions to their concerns,” said Camille Simbulan, AMOSUP Corporate Communications. By highlighting seafarers’ concerns, the Kapihan underscored the union’s role not only in celebrating its history but also in shaping future reforms to improve the lives of Filipino maritime workers. Associated Marine Officer's and Seamen's Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) #FASMaritime #SeafaringAndShippingStoriesToldBetter #IndustryLookout

THE Philippines has spearheaded the Manila Declaration on Seafarers' Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being, an international agreement designed to strengthen protections for seafarers. The declaration was launched at the "International Conference on Seafarers' Human Rights, Safety and Well-being" at the Manila Diamond Hotel. The three-day event drew officials, maritime leaders, and industry representatives from more than 30 countries. PH leads global effort to protect seafarers with Manila Declaration https://lnkd.in/gWvcX7Gn

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: MANILA — The international maritime community has adopted the Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being, setting out a concrete roadmap to safeguard the rights and dignity of seafarers worldwide. Launched at the close of the International Conference on Seafarers’ Human Rights in Pasay City, the declaration commits governments, industry leaders, and global institutions to coordinated action that goes beyond recognition and translates into real protection. Among its key commitments are: 🔸 Stronger protections in times of crisis, ensuring no seafarer is “left adrift” during emergencies or global disruptions. 🔹 Stricter enforcement of global conventions, including the Maritime Labour Convention 2006. 🔸 A just transition for seafarers as shipping undergoes automation, digitalization, and decarbonization. 🔹 Embedding human rights and inclusivity at the heart of maritime policies and practices. 🔸 Future-ready training and upskilling programs to prepare workers for a rapidly evolving industry. Philippine Ambassador to the UN in Geneva Carlos Sorreta called the Manila Declaration “a roadmap to safeguard seafarers’ rights and dignity,” while IMO envoy Teodoro Locsin Jr. urged all stakeholders to ensure these commitments are upheld in practice. By framing seafarers as rights-holders whose safety and welfare must remain central, the Manila Declaration signals a collective resolve to build a safer, fairer, and more compassionate future at sea. United Nations International Maritime Organization Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA - DOTC) #FASMaritime #SeafaringAndShippingStoriesToldBetter #IndustryLookout

In 2024, Panama significantly bolstered its standing as a responsible maritime hub through robust actions in maritime law and labor rights, led by the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA). The recovery of $8.5 million in unpaid wages for seafarers was a landmark achievement, addressing systemic issues of wage theft and exploitation faced by the global maritime workforce, particularly on vessels registered under Panama’s flag, which constitutes the world’s largest ship registry with over 8,540 vessels and 251.1 million gross tons. This initiative not only provided financial relief to seafarers but also reinforced Panama’s commitment to upholding the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) standards, enhancing its global reputation as a flag state prioritizing worker welfare. Concurrently, the PMA intensified efforts to curb illicit shadow fleet oil transfers, often involving unregistered or sanctioned vessels linked to countries like Russia and Venezuela. By implementing rigorous inspections, enhanced tracking systems, and stricter penalties, Panama aligned its operations with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, mitigating environmental and security risks posed by these clandestine activities. These dual efforts in labor rights and regulatory enforcement demonstrate Panama’s strategic focus on maintaining its pivotal role in global shipping while fostering ethical practices and international compliance, ensuring the sustainability and integrity of its maritime sector.

PHILIPPINES, being the largest source of seafarers for the global fleet, has successfully hosted the International Conference on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety, and Well-Being last Monday at the Diamond Hotel, Manila. The conference, the first of its kind, brought together experts, scholars and advocates from over 30 countries, 10 international organizations, and close to 30 civil society groups, and industry partners to address pressing issues affecting seafarers globally. It was organized following the adoption of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) Resolution 56/18 in Geneva last July, the first resolution recognizing the vital role of seafarers in sustaining global trade and the urgent need to strengthen protection for their rights and welfare. PH hosts first-ever Intl Conference on Seafarers’ Human Rights https://lnkd.in/gqbvR9Uh

A new policy brief by the Mekong Migration Network and its member organizations addresses the heavily under-researched topic of occupational safety and health for migrants in South-East Asia. The paper provides an overview of the conditions in key sectors of employment for migrant workers, including agriculture, fishing, construction, manufacturing and domestic work. It highlights the severe hazards that migrants experience and the major barriers they face when attempting to access social protection benefits and make compensation claims following workplace accidents.👇 https://lnkd.in/gJ8EGZFY

SEAFARERS ARE THE BACKBONE OF GLOBAL TRADE. Maritime law isn’t only about ships and cargo. Crew welfare, employment contracts, and safe working conditions are equally critical. Ensuring compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) is not just a legal duty, but a moral one. The MLC obliges shipowners to guarantee minimum standards on hours of work, repatriation, medical care, and onboard living conditions. Failure to comply can result in vessel detention during port state control inspections and expose operators to serious contractual and reputational risks. In the end, safeguarding those at sea is what keeps global trade moving safely and responsibly!

What are Seafarers' Rights and Protections under Nigerian Maritime Labour Law? Seafarers have guaranteed rights under Nigerian maritime labour law, which include having employment contracts with clear terms that outline their wages, repatriation, and working hours, as well as the right to wages without delay, medical care and repatriation, safe working conditions, and access to welfare facilities at ports. The Merchant Shipping Act and the Maritime Labour Convention require shipowners to provide seafarers with employment contracts that clearly outline their terms of employment and ensure their rights are protected. In the MV Southern Phoenix Crew Abandonment Case, the court highlighted the importance of shipowners fulfilling their obligations to seafarers, including paying wages and providing safe working conditions. Shipowners and agencies must ensure full compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention standards to avoid sanctions, detentions, or international blacklisting. #SeafarersRights #MaritimeLabour #MLC2006 #NIMASA #MerchantShippingAct #SeafarersWelfare #LabourLawNigeria

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino seafarer’s powerful testimony before the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights has led to a landmark ruling affirming equal pay for all crews on Dutch-managed ships, regardless of nationality. But he died three months before the decision was issued on August 18, according to a Rappler report. The case challenged the long-standing “country of residence principle,” which allowed Dutch shipowners to pay Filipinos, Indonesians, and Ukrainians less than European counterparts by citing lower living costs in their home countries. The Institute ruled that this amounted to discrimination, saying the shipowner had “no valid reason” for unequal wages. The Filipino seafarer, who worked as a cook on a chemical tanker, personally addressed the Board in 2024: “Hindi komplikado ang isyu… tao rin kami. ’Di kami alipin. ’Di kami animal.” (The issue is not complicated… we are humans. We are not slaves. We are not animals.) He also revealed suffering a stroke while at sea, with little medical support, saying: “If I die, they can continue this case for the future of not just seafarers but also land-based migrant workers.” He passed away on May 19, 2025. In a letter to the Institute, his wife wrote that their children “deserve to grow in a world where discrimination is a thing of the past.” The Equal Justice Equal Pay Foundation vowed to ensure Dutch shipowners comply with the ruling, which may have ripple effects across the global shipping industry — where Filipinos form its largest workforce. Department of Migrant Workers Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) #FASMaritime #SeafaringAndShippingStoriesToldBetter #IndustryLookout