Planning required to ensure Maritime Labour Convention compliance
Britannia P&I Club has issued a bulletin regarding Maritime Labour Convention. The Philippines became the thirtieth state to ratify the MLC on 20 August 2012, and consequently, the Convention will enter into force on 20 August 2013.
Whilst the minimum standards contained in the MLC should be met by shipowners, planning will be required to ensure compliance with the new certification, inspection and record keeping requirements. The Britannia Club recommends to work with flag state and classification society to ensure compliance with the provisions of the MLC. A checklist, reproduced with ISF permission, to help shipowners ensure MLC compliance is included in the Bulletin.
Ships
All ships over 500 GT engaged in international voyages, must be certified as being MLC compliant.The requirements do not apply to ships which navigate exclusively in inland waters.
Seafarers
The MLC applies to all seafarers. Where there is any doubt as to whether particular categories of persons are to be regarded as “seafarers”, the matter must be determined by the flag state after consultation with the relevant shipowners’ and seafarers’ organisations. Repair and maintenance squads, for example, who spend prolonged periods on board the ship may be regarded by the competent authorities to be seafarers under the MLC.
Certification
Ships greater than 500 GT trading internationally will need a Maritime Labour Certificate and a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC: see below) issued by the flag state and kept on board as well as displayed in a conspicuous place accessible by the crew.
The Maritime Labour Certificate
The Maritime Labour Certificate will follow an inspection by a recognised organization (RO) to ensure compliance with the MLC’s standards in accordance with the flag state’s national laws.
Certificates are valid for a maximum period of five years with the requirement for intermediate inspections to be held between the second and third year anniversary dates.
DMLC
In addition to the Maritime Labour Certificate there is also a requirement to carry on board and maintain a DMLC.The purpose of the DMLC is to ensure continual compliance with MLC standards, and to assist inspectors in checking that national requirements are properly implemented.
To view the Brittannia P&I Club Maritime Labour Convention bulletin,click here.
Source: Britannia P&I Club