Implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 on cargo and passenger coastal vessels that fly the Greek flag, with emphasis on seafarers' employment agreement, payment of wages and hours of work and rest issues

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to acquaint the reader with the International Maritime Labor Convention 2006, the way in which it is applied to cargo and passenger coastal ships with Greek flag in the field of the employment agreements, wages and hours of work and rest and its degree of effectiveness. In this context, the manner in which a relevant on-board inspection is carried out by the local Port Authority is analyzed in order to emphasize the complexity of the process, the usual cases of non-compliance and the reasons why they continue to exist. My thesis concludes with the presentation of thoughts on the positive impact of the Convention but also of concerns regarding its incomplete effectiveness while at the same time ways are proposed for more efficient implementation of the provisions of the M.L.C. 2006 that are beneficial for seafarers. The methodology of my research is based on both secondary sources of information such as Greek and foreign literature, foreign articles published on the internet, Greek and foreign websites, national legislation and international maritime standards as well as primary sources, namely the concentrated material from relevant inspections conducted by me. The research concluded that the provisions of the Convention, although beneficial, the results of their implementation are below expectations for reasons that do not relate so much to the content of the provisions but are related to deeper causes including the economic conditions experienced by Greek society, the degree of familiarization of seafarers with labour and maritime legal standards as well as the prevailing culture in the field of Greek merchant shipping. The margins for further improvement are obvious and the taking of appropriate measures is imposed.