UK-based classification society Lloyd's Register has developed a voluntary assessment programme, designed to support the practical implementation of the forthcoming ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) on new and existing ships.
LR notes that, while not yet mandatory the MLC is a significant development in international shipping described as a 'bill of rights' for maritime labour, is expected to come into force by 2012. But ratification may take place even earlier.
The convention has been drafted to help ensure that all seafarers, regardless of their nationality and the flag of the ships they work on, can enjoy decent working and living conditions. Lloyd's Register believes that the MLC, 2006 will have a direct and positive impact on crew recruitment and retention and maritime safety - key issues for all those involved in shipping. The new convention sets minimum standards on issues such as conditions of employment, accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering, health and safety protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection issues. Detailed requirements of the convention aim to tackle issues associated with the causes of fatigue, occupational accidents, recruitment, employment opportunities and working and living conditions for an estimated 1.2 million seafarers.
Roland Ives, Lloyd's Register's ILO Development Manager, commented, "The convention will affect nearly all operators. Its compliance and enforcement provisions will ensure that MLC, 2006 requirements are to be respected even on ships flying the flag of countries that have not ratified it, thus helping establish a level playing field. In the future it may be possible for port state control to detain any ship for non-compliance on a labour related issue. This convention represents a major international initiative to eliminate sub-standard shipping and is a positive development for those operators who support the recruitment and retention of well motivated seafarers."