FILIPINO SHIPOWNERS ASSOCIATION
PRESS RELEASE
AUGUST, 17, 2012
PHILIPPINES COMPLETES CAST OF 30
RATIFYING THE MARITIME LABOR CONVENTION
The Senate of the Philippines, on 13 August 2012, unanimously passed
Resolution No. 829 concurrencing in the ratification of the Maritime Labor Convention
2006 (MLC 2006). With twenty two (22) Senators voting in favour, none against and no
abstentions, the said Resolution was passed on third and final reading. The instrument of
ratification will now be immediately sent and lodged by the Department of Foreign
Affairs with the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland.
There have been 29 countries so far that have lodged their instruments of
ratification with the ILO and with the 30th ratification by a member state completing the
required minimum number of countries to do so, the MLC 2006 is expected to enter into
force in 2013. Early on in the ratification process, the required 33% of total global
shipping tonnage had been previously achieved. Over the past two years, the maritime
world has been anxiously awaiting the attainment of the total number of states concurring
with this convention. With the concurrence by the Philippine Senate last August 13, the
Philippines now expects to be considered as the 30th member state to have ratified the
Convention and serve as the final catalyst for its effectivity and implementation. This
ratification is an important milestone for the maritime industry and it is fitting that the
Philippines, as the world’s leading provider of maritime professionals, is the country that
completes the cast of 30. The Philippines now, therefore, joins a community of nations
that is committed to uplift the working conditions and general welfare of the Seafarer.
The ILO MLC addresses a wide range of matters concerning shipowners’
responsibilities for the seafarers’ welfare including contractual arrangements, working
hours, health and safety, accommodations and catering standards, among others. There is
also a requirement for ships to maintain a Declaration of Maritime Labor Compliance.
An important aspect of the Convention is its enforcement by the flag state
administrations and their issuance of the Maritime Labor Certificate after the conduct of
inspection and determination of compliance. In this regard, the consequent and necessary
actions that the Philippines Government will now have to undertake will surely keep the
Philippines’ maritime industry sector busy in the subsequent months. There is important
work ahead and a need to complete all efforts under all circumstances in order that the
Philippines’ position as the primary source of able and qualified maritime professionals
for the world’s merchant fleet is maintained.
Since 2000, when work began in Geneva at the ILO to assemble what is now
known as the “magna carta” for seafarers. The Filipino Shipowners Association has been
actively involved in the conceptualization, drafting and eventual adoption of the MLC
2006, including its subsequent ratification by the Philippines. The work is half done as
the Flag State administration must ensure that the MLC requirements are applied and
interpreted uniformly. The FSA of course, will continue to assist and be involved in this
respect and will join other industry partners in this global effort.