The 2016 amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, will enter into force for the vast majority of signatory States on 8 January 2019. The MLC Guideline B4.3.1, concerning provisions on occupational accidents, injuries and diseases, is amended such that implications for health and safety will also include harassment and bullying. Additionally, a reference is provided to the latest Guidance on eliminating shipboard harassment and bullying, jointly published by the International Chamber of Shipping and the International Transport Workers Federation. (http://www.ics-shipping.org/docs/harassmentandbullying).
Ship owners should take into account the above when developing on board measures addressing harassment and bullying for compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention.