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criminalisation, with growing recognition of the need for fair treatment when incidents occur.%u2022 New measures addressing bullying and sexual harassment, marking an important cultural shift within the industry.These achievements are positive and meaningful, but they coexist with ongoing deficiencies, inconsistent enforcement, and a widening gap between the Convention%u2019s promises and the everyday realities crews report.The enforcement challenge: Where progress still falls shortThe MLC gives seafarers the right to a safe and secure workplace, yet its enforcement depends heavily on flag States, port state control (PSC), and the rigour of inspections. Too often, shortcomings in these areas weaken the Convention%u2019s impact.Grey zones in the MLC %u2014 loosely worded or insufficiently defined provisions %u2014 create space for inconsistent interpretation. This leaves seafarers vulnerable to inadequate working conditions, excessive hours, unpaid wages, or insufficient access to welfare and medical support.The Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) is intended to serve as a basic indicator of compliance, but it cannot replace robust, detailed PSC inspections. Documentation must never become a substitute for verifying the reality on board.From the EU vantage point, this anniversary is an opportunity to reinforce Europe%u2019s capacity to enforce the MLC effectively and consistently. The European Transport Workers%u2019 Federation (ETF) has long highlighted the untapped potential of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to enhance MLC compliance. Specifically, the EMSA can provide standardised, advanced training for EU PSC inspectors to enable them to conduct in-depth MLC-focused inspections, particularly regarding hours of work and rest, wage payment and records, social security coverage, and other deficiencies warranting detention. It can also encourage structured cooperation among EU port state authorities through the systematic exchange of information, best practices, and emerging challenges, thereby strengthening the overall enforcement ecosystem. Finally, the ETF strongly supports the development of an EMSA guidance document to address ambiguous MLC provisions by clarifying the interpretation of vague MLC requirements, listing the most frequently detected deficiencies by flag, and outlining flag-specific documentation and certification rules. Such a document would significantly enhance the quality and consistency of MLC enforcement across the European maritime space.May 2026 247