MARITIME LABOUR
CONVENTION (MLC)

Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), according to the ILO or
International Labour Organisation, provides a broad perspective to the
seafarer’s rights and fortification at work. The maritime regulation will
finally enter into force on August 20th, 2013.

Vessels must be over 500 GRT to carry the MLC certificate. For vessels
under 500 GRT, guidelines recommend the vessels to be voluntarily
complying with the convention and as documented by the flag states.

Under MLC, 2006, the ship owners are required to submit a DMLC or Declaration of
Maritime Labour Compliance to their respective flag states which form a party to the
convention.

The flag states accordingly issue the MLC Certificate to the fleet flying their flag
following, surveys, inspections, paperwork and approvals.
Contents of MLC, 2006
1. Minimum Requirements for seafarers to work on ships
 Minimum
age
 Medical
certificate
 Training
and certifications
 Recruitment
and placement
2. Conditions of Employment

Seafarer’s Employment Agreement

Wages

Hours of rest and hours of work

Entitlement to leave

Repatriation

Seafarer compensation for ship’s loss or foundering

Manning levels

Career and skill development and opportunities for seafarer’s employment
3. Accommodation, Recreation, Food and Catering

Accommodation and recreational facilities

Food and catering
4. Health Protection, Medical Care, Welfare and Social Security
Protection

Medical care on board and ashore

Ship owner’s liability

Health and safety protection and accident prevention

Access to shore-based welfare facilities

Social Security
5. Compliance and Enforcement
 Flag
state responsibility
 Authorization
 Maritime
labour certificate and declaration of maritime labour compliance
 Inspection
 Onboard
 Port
of recognized organizations
and enforcement
compliance procedures
State Responsibilities
 Marine
Casualties
Certification
 DMLC

The flag state draws ship specific DMLLC which contain reference to the national
laws
 DMLC

part 1
part 2
The shipowner shall develop and implement measures to ensure on-going
compliance with the national requirement in the ship-specific
 MLC