The Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Amendment) Rules, 2025 have now come into force, implementing important changes to the rights and welfare of seafarers under Maltese law. These amendments transpose the 2022 updates to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, as adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The updated rules reflect Malta’s continued alignment with international maritime standards, ensuring that ships flying the Maltese flag meet the evolving expectations of the global shipping industry when it comes to the working and living conditions of seafarers.
Key Areas of Amendment
The new rules introduce practical improvements in several key areas, including:
- Seafarers’ welfare: Seafarers are now entitled to shore-based welfare services without cost, regardless of nationality or religious beliefs.
- Entitlement to food and drinking water: These provisions now extend to all seafarers on board, with improved requirements regarding quality, quantity, and variety of meals.
- Repatriation procedures: Ships must now provide clear information onboard about repatriation rights and procedures, helping seafarers understand their entitlements.
- Social connectivity at sea: The amendments stress the importance of improving onboard internet access for seafarers, in line with modern expectations. While cost management is still a factor, shipowners are expected to provide access where reasonably practicable.
- Medical care: Enhanced obligations are introduced to ensure prompt access to medical care ashore when needed, with additional protections for seafarers who fall ill or are injured in the course of service.
- Deaths of seafarers: New rules provide that the next of kin must be promptly notified and offered counselling or support services where available. Shipowners are also required to make reasonable efforts to manage and repatriate the deceased’s body, unless otherwise requested.
Malta’s Commitment to High Standards
By enacting these changes through Legal Notice 96 of 2025, Malta continues to demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding the rights of seafarers and promoting decent working conditions onboard vessels under its flag. The updated rules also reinforce Malta’s strong position in the international maritime community.
Shipping companies and operators are advised to review their current policies, employment contracts, and onboard procedures to ensure compliance with the new obligations.
Asteria Advisory is available to assist with contract drafting and reviews or updates. We are happy to provide guidance on how best to implement these changes operationally. Contact us if you have queries about seafarers’ employment terms or wish to review your seafarers’ work conditions.
