Panama ratifies seafarer labor treaty

Panama ratifies seafarer labor treaty Panama, the world's largest ship registry, has ratified the 2006 Maritime Labor Convention, reports the International Labor Organization.
   The treaty sets comprehensive international requirements for seafarers’ working and living conditions and will “promote a level playing field for quality shipping in the rapidly growing maritime sector,” the ILO said.
   Panama, with nearly 25 percent of the world’s merchant fleet flying its flag, is the fourth major shipping country in the world to ratify the convention in addition to Liberia, the Republic of Marshall Islands and the Bahamas, the next three largest states. The ILO noted that this means that seafarers working on more than 40 percent of the world’s merchant fleet will be covered by the work requirements of the convention when it enters into force.
   The ratification by the four leading flag states means that one requirement for passage has been met — that at least 33 percent of the world gross tonnage must approve the treaty. The convention will come into force when it is ratified by at least 30 countries. ILO said it expects that will happen by 2011.