Background:

The International Labor Organization was entered into force in1919 under the treaty of Versailles to promote social justice and recognize labor rights internationally. International Labor Organization (ILO) aims to create decent jobs, kind working conditions that last peace progress, and prosperity. ILO provided structure to the agencies from 1919 to 1997. 181 conventions were adopted that included human rights, labor administration, employment policy, working conditions safety measures, and employment of migrant workers and seafarers. In the earlier 20th century, was decided the special considerations related to seafarers were to be considered by ILO. Special sessions were held addressing the maritime labour standards. A total of 39 conventions have been adapted from 1920 to 1996. Now, this is the maritime labor convention 2006, which is usually known as the “Seafarers Bill of Rights”.

Maritime Labor Convention 2006:

Maritime Labor Convention is a milestone for well being of seafarers. It was entered into force in 2013. Maritime Labor Convention 2006 was presented to solve many loopholes and grey areas in the past to enhance the education, welfare, and social conditions of seafarers who are the main core of the shipping industry. The adaption of maritime conventions ensures safer ships in the future.
MLC, 2006 was drafted being a “Fourth Pillar” of the International Regulatory regime for quality shipping and the safety of life at sea. The two fundamental aims of this convention are to ensure the worldwide rights of seafarers and to protect them from unfair competition on standard ships. This convention is adopted by the votes, with 314 votes in its favor and 4 votes casted against. It was an extraordinary achievement for the ILO due to its large consensus. This convention not only provides the means for the sustainable maritime industry but also encourages young ones to take up their careers at the sea. Moreover, it has been designed to achieve universal ratification because of its flexibility.
Overall, this convention aims to achieve decent work for seafarers and to secure their economic interests. MLC 2006 not only covers seafarers' rights but it works on a broader perspective like, payment of wages, paid leave, medical care, health, and safety protection.

Why Pakistan must ratify it:

The maritime labor convention came into existence in 2006 but it entered into force in August 2013. This convention is announced by the ILO and Pakistan ratified 36 ILO conventions along with 8 Fundamental conventions. Till 2013 Pakistan was among the countries those had not ratified the MLC 2006. It aimed for global applicability, easy understanding, and a key convention of Maritime Organization that dealt with the safety and security of the maritime environment. The convention was adopted by the government, employers, and workers in 2006. MLC 2006 is unique in its effects from both sides as of sea farers’ rights and quality maintenance by ship owners.
Pakistan has a vibrant shipping industry and strategically important ports. Pakistan is blessed with a 1050km coastline. It is ranked 74th among the 142, in terms of coastline length. It has access to open seas and ahas 160,000 hectares of mangroves forests. Pakistan’s maritime sector is the bedrock of our national economy. About 95% of trade and 100% of oil imports are transported via sea. The maritime economic domain of Pakistan comprises several sectors. In present times, China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is a golden opportunity for developingthe maritime sector of Pakistan. If we talk about seafaring, Pakistan can contribute a large number of seafarers and gain huge revenue from this sector. According to the International Maritime Organization, Pakistan's shortfall in seafaring is about 84,000 personnel. It has just 20,000 registered seafarers. India has around more than 300,000 seafarers respectively and increasing rapidly. Pakistan must be a part of the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) 2006 to improve its economic conditions while using the maritime sector and tapping blue economy. Being a signatory of MLC Pakistan's seafarers could get more benefits at international level.
On the other hand, comparing with India, which is also one of the emerging maritime nations has ratified the Maritime Labor Convention in 2015 to take its maximum advantages. India is the 31st ILO member state that has ratified convention 185 and is a major maritime labor supplier. According to a recent study, India has 12.544.247 tons of shipping and 62.673 seafarers respectively. It also has $1,000 billion in overseas trade. At present times, about 1.2 lacs of Indian seafarers are working across the globe. Undoubtedly, their trade has improved and seafarers are more secure, along with they have maternity benefits, survivor benefits, and social security as being a signatory of this convention.

Conclusion:

Including India, 98 states ratify the Maritime Labor Convention 2006. It has widespread effects because vessels from non-signatory states may face trouble while attempting to enter ports of signatory states. Pakistan should be among the states that ratify the convention and have many benefits. Gwadar is a newly developing port in Pakistan. Once it is developed, it will create more employment opportunities for the people of Pakistan. Through manpower and overseas trade, Pakistan will gain more benefits and smooth trading partnerships with other states. MLC will be provided fair terms of employment to its seafarers. It will also promote the shipping industry in Pakistan. Collectively, Pakistan could get more benefits than other states through this convention in international trade.