Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, in a nutshell
By N.F. Tioco Jr., Editor-in-Chief

The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) is an important new labor Convention that was adopted by the international Labor Organization (ILO) in February 2006 in Geneva, Switzerland. It aims to achieve decent work conditions for the seafarers and create conditions of fair competition for the shipowners. Once it enters into force, it will be the fourth “Pillar” in the international maritime regulatory regime for quality shipping. The other “pillar” are the SOLAS, STCW and MARPOL.
It will enter into force one year or twelve months after 30 Member countries with a total share in the world gross tonnage of ship 33 percent have ratified it.
At present, only 24 Member countries have so far ratified it and these are Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Gabon, Kiribati, Latvia, Liberia, Luxembourg, Marshall Island, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Saints Kitts, and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, and Tuvalu. These 24 countries represent 56% of the world’s gross tonnage.
Once the Convention is in force , all ship which trade internationally must meet its requirements whether their flag States have ratified it or not. Ships will be subjected to inspection. Inspectors’ powers are the same as those under ISM or MARPOL, including the power to detain ships that do not comply.The following ships shall be inspected and certified to be in compliance with the requirements of the Convention and shall have a Maritime Labour Certificate (DMLC) Part I and Part II in English:

1. Ship of 500 gross tonnage or over, engaged in international voyages;

2. Ships of 500 gross tonnage or over, operating from a port or between ports, in another country; and

3. Other ships as may be voluntarily requested by a shipowner.

The Decision by the OLI to move forward to create this major new maritime Labour Convention was the result of a joint resolution in 2001 by the international seafarers’ and ship owners organization with the support of their governments.
 They pointed out that the shipping industry is “The world’s first genuinely global industry” which “Requires an international regulatory response of an appropriate kind – global standards applicable to the entire industry.
Manning Agencies shall be referred to in the Convention as “Private recruitment and placement services” and they must earn a certificate based on ISO principles (Part I) and compliance with requirements in the Maritime Labour Convention (Part II).