AVARUA, COOK ISLANDS – June 25, 2025 – On this Day of the Seafarer, the Cook Islands proudly reaffirms its commitment to creating a safer and more respectful working environment for mariners worldwide. This year’s theme, “#HarassmentFreeShip,” resonates strongly with the significant progress made at the recent International Labour Organization (ILO) Special Tripartite Committee (STC) in Geneva, where the Cook Islands played an active role in strengthening protections against violence and harassment at sea.
In a landmark decision in April 2025, the STC adopted crucial amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006), a move hailed as a major victory for seafarers’ rights. The Cook Islands delegation was present and voted in favor of all proposed changes, underscoring the nation’s dedication to fostering a culture of dignity and safety within the global maritime industry.
The comprehensive amendments to the MLC 2006 now introduce explicit and robust requirements to protect seafarers from all forms of bullying, harassment, and violence. Key among these new provisions are:

• Legal Prohibitions: Member States are now mandated to enact and enforce laws that expressly prohibit and prevent any form of harassment and violence on board vessels.
• Zero-Tolerance Policies: Shipowners will be required to implement and uphold zero-tolerance policies, which must include clear and accessible complaint procedures and measures to protect the privacy and well-being of those who come forward.
• Enhanced Training: The Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) will be updated to include mandatory training modules focused on recognizing, preventing, and effectively responding to harassment and bullying.
• Protection Against Retaliation: The amendments provide stronger safeguards to ensure that seafarers who report incidents of harassment or violence are protected from any form of retaliation.

These pivotal changes, which are expected to enter into force by December 2027, represent a collective global effort to address a critical issue that has long impacted the well-being of those who work at sea. The Cook Islands’ proactive participation and support for these amendments demonstrate its leadership and unwavering commitment to ensuring that every seafarer has the right to a safe and inclusive workplace.
As the world celebrates the invaluable contributions of seafarers today, the Cook Islands stands with the international community in advocating for a future where every ship is a harassment-free environment, ensuring a safe, dignified, and respectful workplace for all seafarers.