ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) of 2006 Enters Into Force 20 August 2013

The ILO Maritime Labour Convention will enter into force on 20 August 2013. Ships of 500 gross tons and above, flagged with ratifying Administrations, are required to obtain a Maritime Labour Certificate (MLC) (or in some cases a Statement of Compliance) from the Administration, or a Recognized Organization authorized to act on its behalf, by the entry into force date applicable to the particular ratifying State (see link to ILO MLC website below), or upon delivery for new ships delivered thereafter. A foreign ship, regardless of flag, in the port of a State which has ratified the Convention may be subject to a port State control inspection for the purpose of reviewing compliance with the requirements of the Convention; making it advisable that ships have documentation onboard evidencing compliance with the requirements of the Convention even if the ship's flag Administration has not ratified the Convention. This can be done by preparing a DMLC Part II evidencing compliance with the requirements of the Convention and obtaining an MLC Statement of Voluntary Compliance. Some non-signatory flag Administrations have issued advice/instructions in this regard. Owners of affected ships are advised to contact the flag Administration(s) of their ships for instruction/advice.

  • More information is available on the ILO website
  • ABS International Regulatory News Update