Consultation on the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)

Consultation on the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)

The International Labour Organization's Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 sets out the minimum rights that seafarers should expect in the workplace.

Every ship over 500 gross tonnage working in international waters or between ports of different countries has to have a maritime labour certificate which confirms compliance with the provisions of the MLC.

The MLC incorporates and builds on 68 existing maritime labour conventions and recommendations to enshrine decent working and living conditions for all seafarers. It is designed to sit alongside other key regulations in the maritime industry, such as the IMO standards on ship safety, security and quality ship management (SOLAS, STCW and MARPOL). Whereas those existing regulations focus on the vessel and its operation, the MLC deals with your rights as a seafarer.

However, the MLC sets out minimum requirements and some countries that ratify the Convention, including the UK, may have higher standards.

The UK government has launched the first phase of its consultation on ratification and RMT are working hard to ensure that introduction of the MLC improves the statutory rights and protections of all seafarers working in UK jurisdiction.

Read the RMT Response (PDF File)

MLC 2006 Document (PDF File)

Useful Links

ITF guide for seafarers to the MLC http://www.itfseafarers.org/publications.cfm/detail/23556

General info from ITF on the MLC http://www.itfseafarers.org/ILOMLC.cfm

Please see RMT circular below

Dear Colleagues

Consultation on the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)

I draw your attention to the first phase of the above consultation launched by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on implementing the provisions of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 in domestic law.

The MLC has been described as a ‘Bill of Rights for Seafarers’ by the International Transport Workers’ Federation and we agree that this is a major step forward in statutory protection for seafarers.

However, we must ensure that the MLC improves all existing legal protections for our seafarer members. The first stage in the consultation process covers the following areas:

· Seafarer Compensation and Shipowner liability

· Crew Accommodation

· Food and catering

· Medical Care

There is a consultation paper for each section and letters outlining the key issues in each area are attached. An ‘MLC Consultation’ page is being built for the RMT website and will contain all related consultation documents. I will contact you again when that is ready. If you require hard copies of any of the consultation documents please call 0207 529 8819.

The consultation closes to submissions on 27^th July 2012. Members are encouraged to submit their views on the Maritime Labour Convention by Tuesday 17^th July to d.crimes@rmt.org.uk as your views will inform the union’s response to this important consultation.

There will be further consultations on the MLC’s proposed changes to the law on seafarer employment agreements, wages, repatriation, minimum age and health and safety later this year. We will alert colleagues when they are launched.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Crew accommodation consultation letter (PDF File)

Crew accom impact assess (PDF File)

Draft Explanatory note crew accom (PDF File)

Draft MGN crew accom (PDF File)

Draft MSN crew accom (PDF File)

Draft SI crew accom regs (PDF File)

Food and catering consultation letter (PDF File)

Draft explanatory memo food catering (PDF File)

Draft impact assess food and catering (PDF File)