Regulatory Peculiarities of the Maritime Labor Convention in the System of International Legal Protection of Seafarers' Rights

Abstract

This article focuses on the profound significance of the International Labor Organization's Maritime Labor Convention (MLC-2006), which is the main global instrument protecting seafarers' rights. Addressing the universal nature of seafarers' labor and the need for international regulation, the authors highlight the challenges seafarers face in a dynamic maritime labor market in the face of economic change and a shrinking national fleet. The first section provides an extensive prelude to the international conventions governing seafarers' rights and sets the historical context. The subsequent section meticulously examines the convention itself, integrating and harmonizing the provisions of other conventions with contemporary standards. Focusing on its distinctive structure of articles, rules and code, the article scrutinizes key provisions ensuring seafarers' rights, including age limits, medical examinations, and fair remuneration and working time restrictions. The final segment examines the intricacies of ratification of the MLC-2006 in Ukraine, emphasizing its critical role in preserving maritime state status. The paper emphasizes that the MLC-2006, often referred to as the "International Seafarers' Bill of Rights," is a landmark achievement in international law. In addition, the paper integrates the computational model presented in the paper to demonstrate compliance with the MLC-2006 rules on seafarers' working and rest time. This multidimensional approach enhances the understanding and practical application of the convention's principles in real-life scenarios.