Maritime Labour Convention Wake Up Call

DNV believes the threshold entry-into-force requirement of 30 countries ratifying the MLC 2006 will be met very soon, calls for industry action

Sweden has become the 28th country to ratify the Maritime Labour Convention, and the threshold requirement for entry into force is expected to be fulfilled very soon. Shipowners, management companies, crew manning agencies and yards are encouraged to act now in order to handle the requirements effectively.

The Convention requirements are very detailed and cover a wide range of topics, and shipowners or ship managers operating ships must develop and implement measures to ensure compliance with the requirements and ensure that ships are inspected and certified within the deadlines or risk challenges from inspectors and port state control.

The convention has requirements in a vide variety of areas such as: minimum age, medical certification, qualifications, employment agreements, use of private recruitment and placement services, hours of work or rest, manning levels, accommodation and recreational facilities, food and catering, health and safety and accident prevention, medical care, complaint procedures and payment of wages. Experience shows that shipowners and managers will have to develop new or revise procedures in order to handle the Convention.

DNV is maintaining a strong involvement in the MLC work, and a team of DNV specialists located worldwide is ready to assist clients in all aspects of handling the Convention requirements.