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 (2003 Seafarers' Identity Documents (Convention No. 185), 1958 Convention (Convention No. 108), Seafarers' Pensions Convention , 1946 (No. 71) and the Minimum Age (Trimmers and Stokers) Convention, 1921 (No. 15). It aims to improve the working conditions of seafarers worldwide by establishing standard rights for all seafarers while protecting the economic interests of shipowners (MLC 2006). It provides basic global standards and each country has the discretion to formulate them laws establishing the level of protection. The MLC, 2006, also known as the Seafarers' Bill of Rights, was adopted by representatives of government, employers and workers at a special forum of the ILO. in February 2006. The MLC came into force in August 2013, which was 7 years after its creation. This was done to ensure that it brought real change to the maritime industry. Time was also needed for capacity building consultations, therefore, it was expected that it would take five years to be ratified by the minimum required number of 30 Member States with a gross tonnage of ships of at least 33%. The concern 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. Purpose of the ConventionThe Convention aims both to safeguard the rights of seafarers in general 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...... half of the document ......reasonable/fair working conditions, decent living and working conditions on board, healthcare , health protection, social security and welfare services. It also protects shipowners' economic interests through fair competition, ensuring a level playing field for shipowners who are committed to providing decent living and working conditions for seafarers. Promoting seafarers' rights together with international cooperation could stimulate international trade and competition among shipowners. The commitment of governments and shipowners is crucial to ensure effective and successful implementation of the Convention to achieve its objectives. It was expected that as the MLC 2006 was ratified by countries, the existing conventions would be phased out to pave the way for the implementation of the new convention.