The first Asian country to ratify MLC 2006
Singapore has ratified the International Labour Organizations (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) with the full support of tripartite partners the seafarer unions and the National Trades Union Congress, as well as the maritime industry and the Singapore National Employers Federation.
This was announced yesterday on 14 June, by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower and Education Mr Hawazi Daipi, at the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, and the instrument of ratification was deposited earlier today.
In submitting the instrument of ratification, Mr. LOH Khum Yean, Permanent Secretary of Singapores Ministry of Manpower, stated: Singapore is pleased to ratify the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 with the full support of our tripartite partners. This is a significant step for Singapore, as we commit to applying the Conventions provisions to Singapore-registered ships and ships that call at our ports, as well as to achieve decent working conditions for seafarers.
As a responsible flag State, Singapore had actively participated in the discussions that led to the adoption of this important Convention, which consolidates and updates over 60 ILO Conventions and Recommendations. We look forward to it entering into force in due course.
Mr LAM Yi Young, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, said, Seafarers play a critical role in enabling shipping, world trade and the worlds economy. As a responsible maritime nation, Singapore is committed to enhancing and looking after the wellbeing of seafarers. The ratification of the MLC, 2006 is part of this commitment.
In receiving the instrument of ratification, Ms Cleopatra DOUMBIA-HENRY, Director of the ILO International Labour Standards Department, stated:
The ratification of the MLC, 2006, by Singapore, the worlds largest port State and one of the top ten flag States comes at a historic moment for our Organization as it celebrates the 100th Session of the International Labour Conference.This ratification sends a powerful signal to the global maritime community. Singapore is the first country of the Asian continent to have accepted the Seafarers Bill of Rights, and we all know how vital and important this continent is for maritime trade and the global economy. This strong expression of leadership by Singapore sends the right message to other countries to come on board to enable the worlds seafarers to benefit from this Bill of Rights and shipowners from a level-playing field.
According to 2010 data, Singapore ranks 7th among the flag States with the largest registered tonnage and has over 2500 vessels registered under its flag. Most importantly, the Port of Singapore is currently the busiest port in the world registering the largest container throughput for the fourth consecutive year.
With the ratification by Singapore of the MLC, 2006, 14 ILO member States have now ratified this important Convention, which sets out minimum standards and fair working conditions for seafarers worldwide.
While the first requirement for entry into force of the Convention coverage of 33 per cent of the world gross tonnage has already been attained, Singapores ratification is an important step towards achieving the second requirement: 30 ratifying countries. It is expected that the additional 16 ratifications will be obtained before the end of 2011, indicating that the MLC, 2006 will enter into force in 2012.
Source: ILO
