The Maritime Labor Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) is an international labor convention adopted by the International Labor Organization (ILO). It contains a set of standards that can be applied globally and consolidates all but four existing conventions (Seafarers' Identity Documents 2003 (Convention No. 185), 1958 Convention (Convention No. 108) , Seafarers' Pensions Convention, 1946 (No. 71) and the Minimum Age (Trimmers and Drivers) Convention, 1921 (No. 15). It aims to improve the working conditions of seafarers in the world by establishing standard rights for all seafarers while also protecting the economic interests of shipowners (MLC 2006). It provides the basic global standards and each country is free to formulate laws that establish the level of protection. The MLC, 2006, also known as the Seafarers' Bill of Rights, was adopted by government, employer and worker representatives at a special ILO forum in February 2006. The MLC is. entered into force in August 2013, 7 years after its development. This has been done to ensure that it brings real change to the maritime industry. capacity building, it would therefore take five years to be ratified by the required minimum number of 30 Member States with a gross vessel tonnage of at least 33%. The aim was to ensure that the Convention had the strong support of the maritime sector – particularly flag States – before its entry into force (ILO, 2013).2. Objective of the ConventionThe Convention aims both to broadly safeguard the rights of seafarers and to protect the economic interests of shipowners through fair competition. It is also a guide to maritime labor rights and global governance in general... middle of document ...... reasonable/fair employment conditions, decent living and working conditions on board, health care health, health protection, social security and social services. It also protects the economic interests of shipowners through fair competition by providing a level playing field for shipowners who commit to providing decent living and working conditions for seafarers. The promotion of seafarers' rights associated to international cooperation is likely to stimulate international trade. and competition between shipowners. The commitment of governments and shipowners is essential to ensure effective and successful implementation of the convention in order to achieve its objectives. It was expected that as countries ratified the MLC 2006, existing conventions would be phased out to pave the way for the implementation of the new convention..