1.6 FAL And MLC (Challenge Questions)

Question 1

Find out if the USA has ratified MLC.

Answer 1

USA has not rectified MLC.

Question 2

How is MLC implemented in Australia?

Answer 2

Through Marine Order 11

Question 2

Describe the checks you as the Master, will undertake as part of your MLC self-audit.

Answer 2

1. Check MLC and DMLC I & ii
2. Check all Officer certificates
3. Check all crew certificates
4. Check all medical certificates
5. Check all rest hours
6. Check the work schedule
7. Accommodation inspection
8. Ensure compliant forms are available to the crew

Question 3

Name one aspect of MLC that you have observed in your sea career. Describe how it impacted you as an individual.

Answer 3

Weekly Accommodation Inspection.

• Carried out by Master weekly.
• Checks on the crew cabins, recreation room, hospital, messroom, galley and provision store.
• Gather feedback from crew on the living situations onboard.

Question 4

Using Regs4ships in the web resource below, find the manning company’s obligation with regard to MLC.

Answer 4

Recruitment and Placement: Manning companies must ensure that seafarers are recruited and placed on ships in compliance with the requirements of the MLC, including ensuring that seafarers have valid certificates and appropriate qualifications for the positions they are hired for.

Seafarers’ Employment Agreements (SEA): Manning companies are responsible for providing seafarers with written employment agreements that comply with the MLC, detailing the terms and conditions of their employment, including wages, working hours, leave entitlements, repatriation, and social security benefits.

Wages and Benefits: Manning companies must ensure that seafarers receive their wages in a timely manner, as specified in their employment agreements and in accordance with the MLC. This includes payment for overtime work and other additional entitlements.

Working and Living Conditions: Manning companies are required to ensure that seafarers are provided with safe and decent working and living conditions on board ships, including adequate accommodation, food, drinking water, and medical care.

Health and Safety: Manning companies must promote a safe working environment for seafarers, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, providing appropriate training and equipment, and addressing occupational health hazards.

Social Security and Welfare: Manning companies should facilitate access to social security benefits and welfare services for seafarers, including medical care, repatriation assistance, and support for families left behind.

Compliance and Oversight: Manning companies are responsible for ensuring compliance with the MLC’s requirements and monitoring the conditions of employment on ships they manage. This may include conducting audits, inspections, and investigations as necessary.

Question 5

Find the difference between the rest hours requirements of MLC and STCW.

Answer 5

MLC is relavent for all the crew.
STCW is relavant for all watchkeepers onboard.

MLC has more flexbility for the rest hours while STCW are more stringent in that aspect due to operational safety that is required.