Regional Conference on Fair Treatment of Seafarers,
2018, Manila
Summary
Location
Centennial Hall, Manila Hotel, Manila, Philippines
Title
Regional meeting on the fair treatment of seafarers
Date
13 November 2018
The Regional Conference on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers was co-hosted by Seafarers’ Rights International (SRI) and the Philippine Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE). Over 250 people attended the Regional Conference, including senior government representatives from 11 countries in the region. The Regional Conference in Manila discussed the Guidelines on fair treatment of seafarers in the event of a maritime accident and how the region could develop resources, knowledge and expertise in relation to the Guidelines. The conference concluded with the adoption of the Manila Statement on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers by 11 regional States to: raise further awareness relating to the Guidelines; develop further education, training and human capacity relating to the Guidelines; and extend and develop further cooperation relating to the Guidelines.
Press Releases & News
ITF: New Asian agreement on the fair treatment of seafarers
Maritime Executive: Guidelines for Fair Treatment of Seafarers Mandated
Nautilus: Asian nations pledge fairer treatment of seafarers following maritime accidents
Spalsh247: Asian crewing nations make official commitment to the fair treatment of seafarers
SRI: Press Release: Asian seafaring nations announce first ever Manila Statement on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers
TradeWinds: SRI seeks to put seafarers’ rights back on the agenda
Post Event
2025 Amendments to the MLC, 2006
In April 2025, the fifth meeting of the Special Tripartite Committee of the MLC agreed to include both the 2006 Guidelines on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers in a Maritime Accident and the 2025 Guidelines on Fair Treatment of Seafarers detained in connection with alleged crimes in a mandatory Standard of the Code. This significant win means seafarers facing investigation, detention or criminal charges in connection with their professional work will have greater protection against unfair treatment.
