MLC: The Managers' Perspective
Fleet Management Limited Director Captain Nagarajan M. S. recently wrote an analysis of the Maritime Labor Convention in the firm's quarterly newsletter. We think it provides a clear explanation of what steps shipmanagers and flags are taking to prepare for the convention's entry into effect this August.
Maritime Labor Convention 2006
A unique piece of legislation which has wide ranging implications for every one working in the maritime industry has been ratified and comes into force on 20th August 2013. It replaces 40 regulations and 29 recommendations covering all aspects of life on board and labor rights.
The international labor organization has worked with various maritime bodies and crew unions to finalize this piece of legislation.
With its advent seafarers can look forward to fair terms of employment and guarantee of secure, safe and decent working conditions when on board the vessels.
Owners will benefit from consistent regulations across the board with everyone having to comply thus making a level playing field with PSC’s empowered to inspect and intervene to ensure implementation.
It is believed that this will give a fresh start to the maritime industry and prepare it for continuing its role in world trade in the twenty first century. A satisfied labor force ensures a better result for all is the maxim.
The convention itself is split into five titles viz., minimum requirement/conditions of employment/accommodation, recreation and food/health, medical welfare, social security/compliance and enforcement.
To show compliance with the rules both the flag state and the operator are to make declarations which will be maintained on board the vessels. Flag declarations are called declaration of maritime compliance part I and operator declarations are called declaration of maritime compliance part II. The way it works is that the part II is prepared based on the part I declaration received from the Flag. Flags which have not ratified include Hong Kong, however the rules for inspection remain consistent even if a flag has not ratified the convention. Hong Kong Flag has made a draft declaration which will be used to ensure that the ships flying Hong Kong Flag are not handicapped.
Since the ratification, industry has been busy preparing itself for the convention coming into force. At Fleet too, pace has been hectic with part I declarations being obtained from most flags, part II declarations prepared and three ships successfully audited. Audits are being planned for other ships as well.
Masters and staff on board Fleet Ships will be trained prior to boarding and those on board with the help of videos and presentations to keep on top of the regulation and continue to fly the Fleet Flag High.
Capt. M. S. Nagarajan
Director and General Manager
FML Hong Kong
