12 December 2024
This consultation views on two Statutory Instruments (SI) and accompanying guidance for implementation of the MLC 2006, amendments 2022 into UK law.
The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) MLC 2006, sets out minimum international standards for living and working conditions for seafarers. It was adopted in 2006 and came into force internationally in August 2013. The purpose of the MLC is to promote decent living and working conditions for seafarers and the minimum standards include a wide range of issues such as hours of work and rest, medical fitness and care, accommodation and leisure time and port and flag state inspection duties. The inspection requirements mean that ships flagged to countries that have not ratified the MLC must meet the convention standards when visiting ports of MLC compliant states or face sanctions following port state control inspection.
This consultation seeks views on implementing four of the most recent amendments made to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (‘the MLC’) into UK legislation.
The purpose of implementing the MLC 2006, amendments 2022 is to further the UK’s commitment to seafarer welfare and the minimum standards set by the ILO by:
a) bringing UK legislation into line with the minimum global standards for recruitment and placement services, social connectivity and balanced food, and
b) amending legislation to ensure it remains in step with the current MLC minimum standards fulfilling the UKs international obligations as a ratifying country, and
c) enforcing these global minimum standards on non-UK registered ships that call at UK ports
The changes include ensuring that seafarers on placement do not have to fund a journey home should a placement fail, regular reliable access to the internet (especially to allow access to digitalised training and managing financial affairs), provision of healthy balanced food and clarifying the financial responsibility for the ship.
Anyone may respond to this consultation and consideration will be given to all responses. The MCA and British Marine will be particularly interested to hear from shipping companies, recruitment and placement services, small vessel owners, seafarers and cadets.
In particular, your views are sought on the associated costs, impacts and any potential gaps or unintended consequences.
A link to the full consultation including consultation response forms can be found HERE.
British marine would specifically like to hear from members who may be affected by these changes and the associated costs and ongoing requirements. This can be done by contacting the technical team technical@britishmarine.co.uk
The consultation is open from 11 December 2024 to 22 January 2025. A summary document of the proposed changes can be found HERE.