MARITIME LABOUR CONVENTION (MLC)

Published: 8 March 2017

Updated: 2 December 2020

It aims to achieve minimum on board working conditions covering a wide range of matters, including working hours, health and safety, crew accommodation, seafarers’ welfare and seafarers’ contractual arrangements. The new labour standards contained in the Convention consolidate and update more than 68 international labour standards related to the maritime sector adopted over the last 80 years.

The MLC entered into force on 20 August 2013. In April 2014 the International Labour Organisation (ILO) agreed several amendments to the MLC to implement the principles agreed back in 2009 by the joint IMO/ILO financial security working group. These amendments entered into force on 18 January 2017.

Ships that are subject to the MLC are now required to display certificates issued by an insurer or other financial security provider confirming that insurance or other financial security is in place for the cost and expense of crew repatriation, as well as up to four months contractually entitled arrears of wages and entitlements following abandonment (MLC Regulation 2.5.2, as amended). A further certificate will be required for liabilities for contractual claims arising from seafarer personal injury, disability or death (MLC Standard A4.2, as amended).

CLUB PUBLICATIONS

The publications produced by the Club on this subject can be reviewed on the knowledge base, in particular the November 2016 and October 2016 circulars, and International Group FAQs for members.

A link to the application form is under Useful Documents.

USEFUL DOCUMENTS

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