Maritime Labour Convention to come into force August 2013

The Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC) which aims to secure basic rights and minimum standards of work for seafarers will come into force in August 2013.  The MLC required ratification by at least 30 member states of the International Labour Organisation with a total share in the world’s gross tonnage of ships of 33% or more.  It will come into force 12 months after ratification.  With the Philippines ratifying on 20th August 2012 bringing the total number of ratifying states to 30, the MLC will now come into force in August 2013.  The MLC will introduce a requirement for shipowners to enter into Seafarers Agreements with the crew and for an onboard complaints procedure to be in place. 

For more information please contact Martin Sinclair or Nicola Gray or call 01224 632 464.