Under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (‘MLC’):
- Each flag state must have an inspection system to ensure that its ships meet the requirements of the MLC.
- After a successful inspection the ship will be given a Maritime Labour Certificate and a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance which lists the way in which the country’s laws comply with the MLC and sets out how the ship complies with those laws.
- The following areas need to be inspected the flag state:
- minimum age;
- medical certification;
- qualification of seafarers;
- use of private recruitment agencies;
- work and rest hours;
- manning levels;
- accommodation;
- recreational facilities;
- food and catering;
- health and safety;
- medical care;
- complaints procedures; and
- payment of wages.
- A current valid certificate must be posted on board a ship for the seafarer to read.
- If a complaint is received about a ship, it must be investigated by the flag state.
- If a flag inspector finds a serious breach of the MLC, he may stop the ship leaving port.
See Regulation 5.1 of the MLC.
For more information
See the ILO Frequently Asked Questions (section C5.2) at http://www.ilo.org/global/standards/maritime-labour-convention/what-it-does/faq/WCMS_177371/lang–en/index.htm
July 2014