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The Maritime Labour Convention has entered into force since August 20th, 2013. So far, 64 have ratified the Convention representing 80% of the world’s fleet. The Convention establishes the minimum requirements for the seafarers’ working and living conditions.
MLC 2006 Components
During the initial phases of the implementation, the shipping industry has faced many challenges. On October 2013, 7 ships found non-compliant with the MLC. After one year, 185 ships were reported to have deficiencies. According to reports for Port State Controls and Classes, the most common MLC deficiencies are the following:
1. Compliance to Standard Employment Agreement
2. On-board Food Hygiene and Galley Management
3. Health and Safety
4. Training and Qualification
5. On-board Complaint Procedures
The most common deficiencies regarding Seafarers’ Employment Agreements are:
1. SEA did not reflect the DMLC Part II
2. SEA is missing some MLC requirements
3. No ship-owner liability cover could be produced
4. SEA is not available on-board
5. SEA only signed by one party
The most common deficiencies regarding Food and Catering are:
1. No food waste handling and treatment procedure
2. Conditions of the galley
3. Conditions of the cold rooms and storage rooms
4. No food hygiene and handling training
The most common deficiencies regarding Health, Safety and Accident Prevention are:
1. No risk assessments for noise, vibration, chemical handling
2. Incorrect operation of a safety committee
3. Poor practices witnessed
4. No accident investigation being carried out
5. Risk assessments not being used
The most common deficiencies regarding Seafarers Qualification are:
1. STCW originals not on board
2. No discharge book
3. No evidence of all 4 STCW basic training
4. No evidence of required tanker training
5. No evidence of required ECDIS training
The most common deficiencies regarding Complaints are:
1. Lack of awareness by crew
2. No flag state contact information
3. No on-board complaints procedure
4. Not supplied as stated in DMLC part II
Seafarers mostly complain for the following issues:
1. Timely payment of wages
2. Long working hours with minimal rest
3. Quality of food
4. Duration of employment contracts
5. Onboard Communication
Complying with the MLC is considered to be expensive. Companies need to invest on ship’s facilities and equipment, on upgrading of living conditions and on the improvement of working environment.
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At the MLC era, crew manager ‘s responsibilities are to:
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A Crew Manager must know the Maritime Labour Convention by heart and assist in compliance. Also a crew manager must orient and brief the crew before their joining date on their responsibilities while onboard.
Above article is an edited version of Marlon Rono’s presentation during 2014 SAFETY4SEA Forum
More details may be found by viewing his Presentation video
