As part of the cooperation between the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Office for Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, and the Marine Transport Workers' Trade Union of Ukraine (MTWTU), a Round Table “Steps of Ukraine towards ratification of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006)” was held.
With the support of the MTWTU, the ILO gathered stakeholders, representatives of state authorities, shipowners, and international organizations to discuss further joint steps for the ratification of MLC, 2006, and ILO Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003 (No. 185), which establishes modern international standards for the identification, safety, and mobility of seafarers.
The ratification of MLC, 2006, has a crucial significance for Ukraine, as MLC, 2006, not only defines the state's obligations to maritime workers, but is also a key step towards Ukraine's integration into the European legal space. Ukraine has been working towards this decision for over ten years, and this year's discussion is another opportunity to bring this process closer to practical completion.
MTWTU Chairman Oleg Grygoriuk emphasized that this step will have a significant impact on the country's image, as Ukraine is already among the top three countries in terms of the number of qualified officers operating on EU-flagged vessels, “For many years, we have worked to ensure that this European integration standard finds its place in our reality. The MTWTU actively participated in the drafting of the Convention in the early 2000s and continues to move in this direction today. We are honored to represent a huge number of highly qualified specialists, most of whom, unfortunately, are currently abroad. And we must show that our State is able to support its seafarers wherever they are. To do this, we need to ratify the Convention — as a legal basis and as a tool for protecting their rights”.
The discussion was given particular weight by the words of Emmanuel Julien, ILO Deputy regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. He emphasized that the MLC, 2006 is a unique document that establishes a comprehensive international system for regulating seafarers' working and living conditions. Its ratification by Ukraine will be an economic breakthrough and will increase the competitiveness of Ukrainian seafarers in the global maritime sector.
Representatives of the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine noted the steps already taken to prepare for the ratification process of the conventions.
Yuriy Sergeyev, maritime law expert and Managing Partner at Attorneys' Partnership Sergeyevs' Law Office, outlined how the MLC, 2006, serves as the ‘Seafarers’ Bill of Rights’, ensuring decent working and living conditions, fair wages, and access to social protection. “Implementing the MLC, 2006, would modernize the legal framework and strengthen Ukraine’s global reputation as a reliable maritime partner”, stressed Yuriy Sergeyev.
Beatriz Vacotto, Coordinator of the ILO Maritime Unit, also joined the discussion. She expressed her deep respect for the efforts of Ukrainian partners who continue to move towards ratification even in the difficult conditions of wartime. Beatriz Vacotto emphasized that as of October 2025, 110 countries had ratified MLC, 2006. Therefore, Ukraine's absence from this group of countries creates certain restrictions for Ukrainian seafarers, particularly in terms of the recognition of maritime documents and access to international guarantees.
Special attention was paid ILO Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003 (No. 185). The ratification of this international instrument will allow Ukrainian seafarers to receive new seafarers' identity cards with contactless electronic carriers that comply with all the requirements for the protection of information and personal data of seafarers. This will make it easier for seafarers to move internationally to and from ships, as well as guarantee seafarers' rights to leave shore while their ships are in foreign ports.
Beatriz Vacotto also shared detailed guidance on aligning Ukrainian legislation with the requirements of the MLC, 2006, and ILO Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003 (No. 185).
The discussion also underscored the need to conclude bilateral social security agreements with flag States employing Ukrainian seafarers to ensure the portability of pension and social insurance benefits and to provide continuous protection throughout their careers. Participants recognized the need for further interagency cooperation, social dialogue, and technical cooperation to advance the ratification and implementation of the Conventions.
“The ILO is ready to provide all the necessary technical and expert assistance to support Ukraine in all stages on its way toward ratification of the Conventions,” reaffirmed Sergiy Savchuk, Project Manager at the ILO Country Office for Ukraine.
The ratification of the conventions would be an important signal to international partners: even in wartime, Ukraine is capable of developing social standards, protecting its workers, and confidently integrating into the European legal space.
