The Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC), Also Known as the Seafarers Bill of Rights, Sets out the Minimum Rights for the Seafarer
Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC 2006) is an international agreement that revised and replaced most of the existing International Labour Organization (ILO) maritime labor instruments and recommendations adopted since 1920. MLC 2006 consolidates and updates more than 68 international labor standards related to the maritime sector adopted over the last 80 years.
MLC 2006 was entered into force on August 20, 2013 and addresses a wide range of matters including shipping companies obligations regarding seafarers contractual arrangements, oversight of manning agencies, working hours, health and safety, crew accommodation, catering standards, and seafarers welfare. The adoption of MLC in 2006 was the product of five years work carried out as a tripartite process involving governments, seafarers’ trade unions and ship-owners organizations.
Every ship over 500 gross tonnage operating in international waters or between ports of different countries has to have a Maritime Labor Certificate in compliance with the MLC. Ships below 200 GT, that are not carrying out international voyages, can be excluded by the flag State from some of the requirements if they are already covered by national laws.
MUST READ
- STCW Guide for Seafarers (Requirements & Certifications)
- STCW Code (IMO STCW Code)
MLC 2006 Guidelines, Regulations and Code
The MLC 2006 Convention comprises of three different and related parts - the Articles, the Regulations and the Code. Regulations and Code are organized into general areas under five Titles.
Note: Includes MLC 2006 Amendments of 2014 (In Force) / 2016 (In Force) / 2018 (In Force)
Title 1: Minimum Requirements for Seafarers to Work on a Ship
- Regulation 1.1 - Minimum Age
- Regulation 1.2 - Medical Certificate
- Regulation 1.3 - Training and Qualifications
- Regulation 1.4 - Recruitment and Placement
Title 2: Conditions of Employment
- Regulation 2.1 - Seafarers Employment Agreements
- Regulation 2.2 - Wages
- Regulation 2.3 - Hours of Work and Hours of Rest
- Regulation 2.4 - Entitlement to Leave
- Regulation 2.5 - Repatriation
- Regulation 2.6 - Seafarer Compensation for the Ship’s Loss or Foundering
- Regulation 2.7 - Manning Levels
- Regulation 2.8 - Career and Skill Development and Opportunities for Seafarers Employment
Title 3: Accommodation, Recreational Facilities, Food and Catering
Title 4: Health Protection, Medical Care, Welfare and Social Security Protection
- Regulation 4.1 - Medical Care On Board Ship and Ashore
- Regulation 4.2 - Shipowners' Liability
- Regulation 4.3 - Health and Safety Protection and Accident Prevention
- Regulation 4.4 - Access to Shore-Based Welfare Facilities
- Regulation 4.5 - Social Security
Title 5: Compliance and Enforcement
- Regulation 5.1 - Flag State Responsibilities
- Regulation 5.2 - Port State Responsibilities
- Regulation 5.3 - Labour-Supplying Responsibilities
YOU MAY ALSO CHECK:
ABS Certified MLC 2006 Online Courses
- Maritime Labour Convention (2006) for Ratings (ABS Certified Online Course): The aim of this course is to provide seafarers with the required information in order to comprehend the requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 for seafarers’ working and living conditions onboard.
- Maritime Labour Convention (2006) for Ashore Personnel (ABS Certified Online Course): This course aims to familiarize ashore personnel with the contents of the MLC 2006 and their responsibilities to ensure compliance.
- Maritime Labour Convention (2006) for Officers (ABS Certified Online Course): This course is for Deck and Engine Management staff who would like to learn more on the MLC requirements.
MLC Internal Auditor Online Training
- ISM ISPS MLC Maritime Internal Auditor Training Online: The training program, conducted entirely online, aims to cultivate the knowledge and abilities necessary for a comprehensive audit of an organizations' Management System as an Internal Auditor specializing in the ISM Code, ISPS Code, and MLC 2006.
Disclaimer: For general information purpose only - please check with ILO MLC 2006 for the latest requirements and accurate info
LAST UPDATED ON Sep 8, 2024