SLMA, Labour Ministry Push for Stronger Seafarer Protections
Alusine Ahmed Kargbo The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) and the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security are working to strengthen legal protections for seafarers through the domestication of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, into Sierra Leone’s national laws.
The commitment was made during a meeting between the two institutions to discuss collaboration on incorporating the Convention into the country’s legal framework and improving standards for seafarers’ welfare and working conditions.
During the meeting, SLMA Deputy Executive Director Emmanuel B.A. Lansana outlined ongoing efforts to modernise the institution’s legal framework, established under the 2000 Act, and strengthen its operations in line with contemporary maritime governance practices.
He also highlighted reforms to the Merchant Shipping Act, 2026, which was passed by Parliament in June and received presidential assent on September 3, 2026. The revised legislation incorporates provisions from key international maritime conventions, including aspects of the MLC, while supporting regulations are being developed.
Lansana stressed the importance of a dedicated MLC Act to ensure the Convention’s provisions are fully incorporated into domestic law. He reaffirmed the SLMA’s commitment to working with the Ministry and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to advance the process.
The Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to support efforts to strengthen labour standards and protect seafarers’ rights and welfare.
Koroma proposed establishing a joint committee comprising representatives from the Ministry, the SLMA and other relevant institutions to coordinate the process, engage technical experts and develop a clear implementation plan.
Both institutions agreed to share the proposed concept note and hold a follow-up meeting to advance the work ahead of ILO engagements scheduled for June 2027.
The proposed domestication of the MLC is intended to strengthen legal protections for seafarers by addressing their employment conditions, welfare and rights in line with international labour standards.