RESEARCH

REPORT
FOR PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT IN
MARITIME LAW

SUBMITTED BY: M/Rowill B. Betita BSMar-E 2A-1

SUBMIITTED TO: 4/E Nelson Sararaña

WHAT IS MARITIME LABOR CONVENTION?
The Maritime Labor Convention (MLC), also known as the "Seafarers' Bill of Rights,"
is an international labor convention adopted by the International Labour
Organization (ILO). It sets out minimum standards for seafarers' living and working
conditions, as well as their rights to decent employment, fair treatment, and social
security.
The MLC was adopted in 2006 and entered into force on August 20, 2013. It aims to
ensure that seafarers worldwide have decent working and living conditions,
regardless of their nationality or the flag of the vessel they serve on. The convention
applies to all ships engaged in commercial activities, including passenger ships, cargo
ships, and offshore vessels.
Key provisions of the MLC include:
1. Minimum age: Seafarers must be at least 16 years old to work on board ships,
with some exceptions for apprentice seafarers aged 15.
2. Employment agreements: Seafarers are entitled to a written employment
agreement that includes terms and conditions of employment, wages,
working hours, repatriation, and social security benefits.
3. Working conditions: The MLC sets out requirements for accommodation, food
and catering, health and safety, medical care, and access to shore-based
welfare facilities.
4. Wages: Seafarers are entitled to receive timely payment of wages and other
benefits as specified in their employment agreements.
5. Rest periods and leave: Seafarers are entitled to regular rest periods, annual
leave, and shore leave, with adequate provisions for repatriation.
6. Health and safety: Ship owners must ensure a safe working environment on
board, including measures to prevent accidents, injuries, and occupational
diseases.
7. Social security: Seafarers are entitled to access social security protection,
including medical care, sickness benefits, maternity leave, and pensions.
8. Enforcement and compliance: The MLC establishes mechanisms for
enforcement and compliance, including inspections, certification, and
reporting requirements for member states.
Overall, the Maritime Labor Convention aims to promote decent work for seafarers,
improve the quality of shipping, and ensure fair competition among ship owners. By
setting out comprehensive standards for maritime employment, the MLC seeks to
protect the rights and well-being of seafarers while enhancing the efficiency and
safety of the shipping industry.

WHAT IS INTERNATIONAL HEALTH REGULATION (IHR)?

The International Health Regulations (IHR) is a legally binding international
agreement that governs the preparedness and response to public health
emergencies of international concern. It is overseen by the World Health
Organization (WHO) and aims to prevent, protect against, control, and respond to
the international spread of diseases in a manner that is commensurate with and
restricted to public health risks, avoiding unnecessary interference with international
traffic and trade.
The International Health Regulations were first adopted by the World Health
Assembly in 1969 and have undergone several revisions, with the most recent
version being adopted in 2005. The IHR were updated in response to the global
increase in travel and trade, which facilitated the rapid spread of infectious diseases.
The 2005 revision entered into force in 2007.
Key features of the International Health Regulations include:
1. Scope: The IHR apply to all countries and aim to strengthen the capacity of all
countries to detect, assess, notify, and respond to public health threats.

2. Notification of public health events: Countries are required to notify WHO of

any events that may constitute a public health emergency of international
concern, as specified in the IHR. These events include outbreaks of certain
infectious diseases, chemical or radiological events, and other events with the
potential to cause international spread.

3. Core capacities: The IHR establish minimum core capacities that countries
must develop to effectively implement the regulations, including surveillance
and response systems, laboratory capacities, and public health emergency
preparedness and response plans.

4. Points of entry: The IHR include provisions for the management of public
health risks at international points of entry, such as airports, ports, and land
border crossings. Countries are required to implement measures to detect,
assess, and respond to potential public health threats at these points.
 5. Travel and trade measures: The IHR emphasize the importance of avoiding
unnecessary interference with international traffic and trade while
implementing measures to protect public health. Countries are encouraged to
implement measures such as health screening of travelers, vaccination
requirements, and quarantine measures in a manner that is scientifically
justified and proportionate to the public health risk.

6. Collaboration and coordination: The IHR promote international cooperation

and collaboration in responding to public health emergencies, including the
sharing of information, expertise, and resources among countries and with
WHO.

Overall, the International Health Regulations provide a framework for global

cooperation in preventing and responding to public health emergencies, with the
ultimate goal of protecting the health and well-being of populations worldwide.