Meeting: Marine Engineers and Minister of Defense on National Sovereignty, Waivers, and MLC 2006

Key meeting between the Marine Engineers Center and Minister of Defense Sandra Lazo: National Sovereignty, Waivers, and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.

The Marine Engineers Center held an important meeting with the Minister of Defense, Sandra Lazo, in an encounter marked by the significance of the topics addressed for the maritime sector and national sovereignty. The agenda focused on three fundamental pillars: national sovereignty, the situation of waivers, and the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.

The discussion on national sovereignty highlighted the Marine Engineers Center's concern regarding the strategic role of the merchant navy and the need to strengthen the training and employment of Uruguayan professionals in the sector. Possible action lines to promote the development of a national merchant fleet were explored.

Regarding waivers, the challenges and implications of temporary extensions granted to certain vessels were thoroughly analyzed. The Marine Engineers Center expressed its commitment to maritime safety and stressed the necessity of ensuring that any exception is granted under strict and transparent criteria, without compromising professionalism and the quality of onboard workforce standards.

Finally, the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 was a central point of the conversation. The Marine Engineers Center reaffirmed its commitment to upholding maritime workers' labor rights and emphasized the importance of effective and uniform implementation of the Convention on all vessels operating under the Uruguayan flag or in jurisdictional waters. Mechanisms to strengthen supervision and ensure fair and safe working conditions for marine engineers and seafarers were discussed.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from both parties to maintain a fluid and constructive dialogue to address these crucial issues. The Marine Engineers Center positively valued the openness and willingness of the Minister of Defense to listen to the sector's concerns and explore joint solutions that benefit naval professionals, the maritime industry, and Uruguay's national sovereignty.