MPA Singapore Circular 14/2013
MPA Singapore has issued Circular No.14/2013 regarding Application to MODU Code certified ships as well as persons on board. Singapore is a party to the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC), whichwill come into force on 20 August 2013. The MLC applies to all ships registered withthe Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) ordinarily engaged in commercial activities. MPA Circular provides updates on the application of the MLC to Singaporeships, as well as persons on board Singapore ships.
Application of the MLC to IMO’s MODU Code certified ships
The MLC Tripartite Working Group (TWG) had earlier agreed that the MLCwould not apply to Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs) as defined in theInternational Maritime Organisation (IMO) MODU Code. The TWG has furtherclarified that the MLC will not apply to Singapore ships which comply with theInternational Maritime Organization (IMO) MODU Code and hold a MODU SafetyCertificate. MPA will be adopting this position, and this would subsequently bereflected in our national legislation.
Application of the MLC to persons on board Singapore ships
Taking into account International Labour Organisation (ILO) Resolution VII,the TWG has agreed that the following categories of persons working on boardSingapore ships should not be regarded as seafarers for the purposes of applicationof the MLC.
- Harbour pilots
- Port workers
- Persons temporarily employed on the ship in port
- Guest entertainers
- Surveyors
- Ship inspectors
- Superintendents
- Scientists
- Researchers
- Divers
- Repair technicians
- Specialist offshore technicians
In addition, privately contracted security personnel should also not be regarded asseafarers for the purposes of application of the MLC.
Application of the MLC to Singapore ships navigating exclusively within theSingapore Port Limits
The MLC will not apply to a Singapore ship which navigates exclusively withinthe Singapore Port Limits. After the MLC comes into force, such ships will not begranted port clearance to leave Singapore Port Limits.
For more information, please click at MPA Singapore Circular No.14/2013
