Lloyd’s Register has provided an update on the 2022 Amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) which will enter into force on 23 December 2024.
According to Lloyd’s Register, some of these amendments require actions by the Member States, whilst others are to be applied by the MLC Shipowner. Shipowners are advised to review their processes in relation to the following:
- Standard A3.1 and Guideline B3.1.11: Make sure that recreational facilities on board include social connectivity, adapted to the special needs of seafarers, including reasonable access to ship-to-shore telephone communications, where available, and internet access. Any charges for the use of these services being reasonable in amount.
- Standard A3.2: Provide food and drinking water free of charge and make sure that meals provided are nutritious, balanced, of sufficient quantity and quality. Food is to be prepared in hygienic conditions and with regard to the religious and cultural practices of the seafarers on board.
- Standard A4.3: Make sure that all seafarers are provided with appropriately sized personal protective equipment as a means to prevent occupational accidents, injuries and diseases on board.
- Appendix A2-1 & Appendix A4-1: The certificate(s) or other documentary evidence of financial security required under Standard A2.5.2 and A4.2.1 may now include the name of the registered owner of the ship instead of, and if different to, the name of the shipowner.
Lloyd’s Register also notes that at the time of issue of this Class News, it is not apparent that Member States will issue any instructions or amendments to the DMLC Part I which could necessitate changes to the DMLC Part II or other shipowner procedures. Shipowners are advised to keep a close check on any Member State publications relevant to their ships, and make sure that their procedures adequately address the above amendments.
To remind, Paris & Tokyo MoU on Port State Control will launch a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CiC) from 1st September 2024 to 30th November 2024 on Crew Wages and Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA). Employers preparing the SEA should ensure that the required elements [(a) to (e)] of Standard A2.1(1)/MLC 2006 have been satisfied and recorded.
