Report: UN to Review Seafarer Work Hours After Overwork Study.
In response to a comprehensive study revealing significant overwork among seafarers, the International Labour Organization (ILO) is set to re-examine existing work-rest regulations at the upcoming Special Tripartite Committee of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) in April 2025, Geneva.
Study Highlights
A 2022 survey conducted by the World Maritime University (WMU), encompassing over 9,000 seafarers globally, uncovered that maritime workers average 11.5 hours of duty daily, culminating in a 74.9-hour workweek. This figure starkly contrasts with the global average of 43 hours per week reported by the ILO in 2018.
Alarmingly, 28.1% of participants admitted to resting less than the mandated 10 hours per day, directly contravening established rest-hour regulations. Furthermore, seafarers typically receive only seven hours of sleep per day, raising significant concerns about fatigue and its implications for safety and well-being.
The study also highlighted that 78% of seafarers did not experience a single full day off during their entire contract period, a situation that contradicts the spirit of the Maritime Labour Convention. Additionally, 88.3% of respondents confessed to exceeding work/rest limits at least once a month, with 16.5% breaching these limits more than ten times monthly.
Regulatory Framework and Compliance Challenges
The ILO and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have established clear guidelines through the MLC and the Seafarers’ Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping Code (STCW), stipulating:
- Maximum Working Hours: 14 hours within a 24-hour period and 72 hours per week.
- Minimum Rest Hours: 10 hours within a 24-hour period and 77 hours per week.
Despite these regulations, compliance remains inconsistent. Port state control reports often indicate high adherence rates, yet the WMU study suggests a “false narrative at policy levels,” as seafarers frequently underreport working hours to avoid penalties or employer retaliation.
Root Causes and Industry Practices
Maritime industry experts point to systemic issues contributing to overwork. Flag states often issue manning certificates with minimal crew requirements, enabling shipowners to operate vessels with fewer workers, thereby increasing individual workloads. This practice not only leads to excessive working hours but also pressures seafarers to adjust their work/rest records to present a facade of compliance.
The WMU report emphasizes that the current regulatory framework’s flexibility allows for such practices, resulting in a competitive environment where manning levels are minimized to reduce costs. This situation underscores the need for a more stringent and science-based approach to regulating seafarers’ working hours.
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Proposed Solutions and Future Directions
To address these challenges, a proposal under discussion suggests the creation of a secure online log system, managed by flag states, where seafarers can confidentially record their actual working hours without fear of repercussions. This system aims to provide a more accurate representation of working conditions and ensure better enforcement of rest-hour regulations.
The upcoming ILO meeting in Geneva will focus on reviewing and potentially revising the current work-rest regulations to better protect seafarers’ health and safety. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the critical role seafarers play in global trade and the necessity of ensuring their well-being.
Conclusion
The WMU’s study has illuminated significant discrepancies between existing regulations and the realities faced by seafarers. The forthcoming ILO review presents an opportunity to address these issues comprehensively. Implementing stricter enforcement mechanisms, revising manning requirements, and fostering a culture that prioritizes seafarers’ well-being are essential steps toward sustainable and ethical maritime operations.