New guidelines for seafarer rights to come out soon

Manila, Philippines – The Labor Department is now working on providing seafarers with better working conditions as well as reducing the number of substandard ships in the country.

According to Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, a joint guideline from Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is set to come out soon.  

The new guidelines would also enable the Philippines to comply with the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) as it mandates protection and better working conditions for Filipinos seafarers worldwide.

Baldoz hopes that the new guidelines will stop the loss of lives at sea and secure fair competition among ship owners in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, DOLE has authorized nine organizations to inspect and certify Philippine-registered ships engaged in international voyages in line with the implementation of the MLC.

 “As of this time, of the 125 listed Philippine registered vessels, 122 have already been issued maritime labor certificates,” said Baldoz.