The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) have raised concerns that seafarers continue to face unlawful attacks on ships, abandonment, criminalisation, fatigue, unpaid wages and denial of shore leave, 20 years after the adoption of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).

This is reflected in the Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI), which recorded an improvement in the overall happiness score, rising to 7.26/10 points in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 7.05/10 in the preceding quarter.

The SHI highlighted persistent structural pressures shaping life at sea, revealing that seafarers continue to face mounting pressure, fear linked to geopolitical uncertainty, intense operational demands, rising workload, reduced shore leave, long working hours, limited rest periods and complex regulatory environments.

Also, the ITF survey highlighted the growing seafarer abandonment crisis, with 6,223 seafarers abandoned across 410 vessels and shipping companies owing an estimated $25.8 million in unpaid wages in 2025.

Nigerian seafarers are equally affected, as many continue to grapple with persistent discrimination, rejection, harassment, poor welfare conditions and the absence of structured support systems onboard vessels.

The instrument, adopted on February 23, 2006, was amended after 2013 to allow the coverage of vital issues for seafarers, such as abandonment, violence and harassment, protecting victims of piracy and the 2025 classification of seafarers as ‘key workers’, among others.

The instrument also sets clear and enforceable minimum standards covering conditions of employment, wages, hours of work and rest, accommodation, health protection, medical care, welfare and social security.

In a statement commemorating the MLC anniversary on February 23, 2026, the Secretary General of IMO, Arsenio Dominguez, described the convention as a landmark global instrument that establishes employment rights and decent working conditions for seafarers worldwide.

He underscored global commitment to protecting seafarers’ welfare and rights in the maritime community after the MLC adoption in 2006.

The IMO scribe noted that behind every vessel navigating oceans are individuals who spend long months away from their families under demanding and challenging working conditions to sustain global trade.

He stresses that the MLC recognises not only seafarers’ employment rights but also their dignity as individuals.

Dominguez assured that the IMO and the ILO will continue collaborating to ensure the convention remains effective and responsive to new challenges facing the maritime workforce.

He called on stakeholders across the global maritime industry to join in commemorating the 20-year milestone of the convention.

Dominguez further acknowledged seafarers’ sacrifices and contributions to international commerce, assuring them of sustained global efforts and commitment to uphold their safety, well-being and labour rights in the future.