For which ships is MLC certification required and which need only to be inspected?
MLC 2006 certificates are required for all ships of:
500 gross tonnage or over, engaged in international voyages; and
500 gross tonnage or over, flying the flag of a Member (ratifying country) and operating from a port, or between ports, in another country.
Ships from non-ratifying states shall be met by the ”No more favourable treatment” ensuring inspections for compliance on such ships.
Inspection will be carried out for:
Ships where Maritime Labour Certificate (MLC) are required, i.e. above 500 gross tonnage engaged in international voyages or flying the flag of a Member and operating from a port, or between ports, in another country.
Ships where inspection are required, but not MLC, i.e. ships below 500 gross tonnage that flying the flag of a Member.
Ships from non ratifying states and where the shipowner wants inspection/MLC.
The matters that must be inspected and found to meet national laws and regulations or other measures implementing the requirements of the Convention before a MLC can be issued are:
Minimum age
Medical certification
Qualifications of seafarers
Seafarers’ employment agreements
Use of any licensed or certified or regulated private recruitment and placement service
Hours of work or rest
Manning levels for the ship
Accommodation
On-board recreational facilities
Food and catering
Health and safety and accident prevention
On-board medical care
On-board complaint procedures
Payment of wages
The Maritime Labour Certification is the responsibility of the flag state administration and DNV intend to be authorized by most major flag State Administrations for MLC.