UK MCA issues Marine Guidance Note
UK MCA has issued Marine Guidance Note to outline changes in shipowner liabilty folowing the implementation of the Maritme Labour Convention (206) MLC, in connection with:
- the loss or foundering of the ship;
- financial security to asure compensation in the event of death or long-term disabiltyof a seafarer due to ocupational injury; and
- liabilty for burial/cremation costs.
The shipowner must provide financial security a contract of insurance or other security adequate to ensure that the shipowner wil be able to meet any liabilties the shipowner may have under UK law or under Seafarer Employment Agrements (SEA) to provide compensation in the event of death or long term disabilty to seafarers arising from occupational injury, illnes or hazard.
It is expected that in the overwhelming majority of cases this wil take the form of an insurance or policy or mutual type cover to met this liabilty. While the requirement does not preclude arangements other than insurance, it is not expected that alternative arangements wil normaly contain the necesary features tomet the obligation.
It is therefore recommended that any proposed alternative be discused with the Maritme and Coastguard Agency (MCA) well in advance of business decisions being taken.
Further details may be found by reading the UK Marine Guidance Note MGN 480
