MLC & LYC

Question 1

What is the Maritime Labour Convention?

Answer 1

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) is an International Labour Organisation convention which came into effect in 2014. It sets minimum requirements for nearly every aspect of working and living conditions for seafarers, and is often referred to as the seafarers bill of rights.

It consists of five titles:
- Minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship
- Conditions of employment
- Accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering
- Health protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection
- Compliance and enforcement

Question 2

Main points from MLC

Answer 2

1. Minimum Age
2. Medical Certification
3. Qualification of Seafarers
4. SEA’s
5. Recruitment or placement services
6. Hours of Work & Rest
7. Manning Levels
8. Accommodation & Recreational Facilities
9. Food & Catering
10. Health & Safety
11. Onboard Medical Care
12. Complaints Procedure
13. Payment of Wages
14. Injured Seafarers and Repatriation and care of the family

Question 3

Who does MLC not apply to?

Answer 3

• Pleasure vessels.
• Fishing vessels.
• Ships of traditional build.
• Warships or naval auxiliaries.
• Vessels which are not ordinarily engaged in commercial activities.

Question 4

Contents of an SEA

Answer 4

• Full name, birthplace and date of birth
• Name and address of shipowner
• Place and date where the agreement is entered into
• Capacity
• Termination date or port (if definite period)
• Maximum period of service onboard
• Repatriation
• Wages
• Manner in which wages must be payed
• Paid Leave
• Hours of work
• Grievance and disciplinary procedures
• Health and social security benefits
• Any pension benefits
• Compensation which shipowner will pay for any loss of personal property arising from loss of the ship
• Details of any collective bargaining agreemen

Question 5

MLC titles

Answer 5

Title 1: Minimum requirements to work on a ship
- Minimum age (16)
- Medical certificates
- Training and qualifications
- Recruitment and placement

Title 2: Conditions of employment
- SEAs
- Wages
- Entitlement to leave
- Repatriation
- Compensation after loss or foudnering
- Manning levels
- Career and skill development

Title 3: Accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering
- Crew accommodation and recreational facilities
- Food and catering

Title 4: Health protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection
- Medical care aboard ship and ashore
- Shipowners liability
- Health and saety protection and accident prevention
- Access to shore based welfare facilities
- Social security

Title 5: Compliance and enforcement
- Flag State responsibilities
- Port State responsibilities
- Complaints procedures for seafarers

Question 6

What are the requirements for seafarers with regards to MLC?

Answer 6

• All seafarers must be above the age of 16 years.
• Valid training and competency certificates are available for all seafarers (STCW)
• If a recruitment agency is used, this agency must be operated in accordance with the MLC.

Question 7

What seafarers rights does the MLC uphold?

Answer 7

• Right to Safe Working Environment
• Right to Decent Working and Living Conditions
• Right to Basic Health and Social Security
• Right to fair terms of Employment - SEA, Complaints procedure etc.

Question 8

What is the criteria for an ENG1 Medical Certificate?

Answer 8

• Certificate issued by a qualified medical practitioner
• Valid for no more than 2 years
• Be in English
• Provide details of hearing, sight and color vision - Color vision tested at least once every six years
  Include a statement that the seafarer is fit for duties
  Foreign Medical carts - Check MSN 1815
  In emergency seafarers may join with expired cert (1 month) Provided the previous cert was full full term

Question 9

What are the food and catering standards as per MLC?

Answer 9

• Food Hygiene Level 2 course for anybody preparing / handling food
• The galley is clean and hygienic, including storage areas.
• Galley and Store inspections not less than once per week
• Food should be of good quality and quantity a balance of carbohydrate, protein, fat, fiber and vitamins. - Control of sugar, salt and fat intake
• Hot food kept above 63C & cold below 5C
• Fresh water system - Refilled every 6 months, tanks inspected / maintained every 12 months - Considered good practice for chlorine dosing at 0.2mg / liter
• Food and drinking water is free of charge
• The cook is over 18 years of age and qualified (ships cook cert)
• Ships less than 10 crew do not require a cook

Question 10

What are the leave and repatriation entitlements for seafarers under MLC?

Answer 10

• Minimum annual leave with pay based on 2.5 days accrued per month served.
• Additional 8 days bank holiday allowance
• Flag states provision for repatriation are onboard
• Repatriation after:
• Maximum 12 months onboard
• As stated in the SEA
• After termination for justified reason
• Illness or injury - Repatriation costs covered by ship-owner

Question 11

What are the onboard Medical care standards as per MLC?

Answer 11

• Ships Medical Stores, Store List
• Controlled drugs with register
• Medical publications onboard (Ship captains medical guide)
• Medical log of treatment given
• Medical care including essential dental care is available and free of charge
• Ships hospital is clean and hygienic - For medical use only
• Medical equipment and supplies are to flag state’s requirement