Enhance Maritime Safety with MLC Certification in India

Ensuring the safety and well-being of your cargo and passenger ships weighing 500 tons or more is paramount. One of the key measures to achieve this is through MLC Certification in India.

Unveiling MLC Certification

What exactly is MLC Certification, and why is it crucial? The Maritime Labour Convention certification, established by the International Labour Organization (ILO), serves as a safeguard for seafarers. Implemented globally on August 20, 2013, the MLC sets forth the minimum requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, with the primary objective of guaranteeing the protection of seafarers during their work. This standard is geared towards enhancing living and working conditions on commercially operated vessels.

Transforming Maritime Working Conditions

The impact of Maritime Labour Convention MLC Certification extends beyond the ships themselves. It leads to a significant improvement in living conditions on board and onshore, working environments, employment conditions, as well as health and medical protections. This certification positions itself as a powerful tool to ensure quality shipping for seafarers, ships, and ship owners alike. Notably, the MLC standard not only benefits seafarers but also brings advantages for governments. Upon implementation, the Maritime Labour Convention ensures the basic rights of seafarers are diligently upheld.

Key Advantages of MLC Certification

Strengthening Stakeholder Relationships: MLC Certification fosters robust relationships between customers and workers, creating a positive impact on the industry’s overall reputation.
Promoting Collaboration: The collaborative work environment facilitated by MLC Certification leads to improved efficiency and productivity.
Enhancing Seafarer Working Conditions: Seafarers benefit from improved working conditions, ensuring their well-being and job satisfaction.
Socially Responsible Industry: The certification contributes to a socially responsible shipping industry by emphasizing working conditions and healthcare facilities.
Regulatory Compliance: MLC Certification ensures adherence to regulations and laws, preventing legal complications.
Increased Awareness of Seafarer’s Rights: Seafarers become more aware of their rights, contributing to a fair and just working environment.
Reduced Labor Turnover: Better working conditions and rights lead to lower labor turnover, providing stability to the industry.
Enhanced Reputation: Companies with MLC Certification enjoy an improved reputation, attracting more stakeholders and customers.

Understanding MLC Certification Requirements

Often referred to as “The Seafarer’s Bill of Rights,” the MLC outlines requirements and conditions for employment, encompassing five key titles:

Minimum Requirements for Seafarers: Including minimum age, medical certificates, training and certification, recruitment, and placement.
Working Conditions of Employment: Covering Seafarer’s Employment Agreement, hours of rest and work, entitlement to leave, repatriation, and compensation for ship’s loss.
Accommodation and Facilities: Addressing living conditions, food/catering facilities, and recreational facilities.
Health Protection and Social Security: Ensuring medical care and protection, with compliance and enforcement responsibilities outlined for port states, flag states, inspection, and labor supplying.

Navigating the MLC Certification Process

Implementing MLC Convention requirements involves a structured approach:

Gap Analysis – Inspection and Auditing: Assess the current state of compliance through inspection and auditing.
Developing Appropriate Documentation:
- MLC Manual
- Procedures & SOPs
- Formats & Records
Awareness Training: Educate relevant stakeholders on MLC standards and their importance.
Internal Auditing: Conduct internal audits to ensure ongoing compliance.
Certification Audit: Undergo a comprehensive audit, including inspections of working and living conditions, financial security for repatriation and ship owner’s liability, accommodations, and recreational facilities.

MLC 2006 does not apply to

Ships that only operate on inland waterways.
Ships operating in waters where only port regulations apply.
Ships engaged in fishing operations.
Traditional-style ships.
Naval ships and warships

The provisions of the MLC 2006 are directed at member countries that have either public or private seafarer recruitment and placement services operating in their territories. The MLC 2006 requires the establishment of a system for regulating crew-manning companies as well as the execution of specified matters in the form of laws, regulations, or other measures. DG Shipping is responsible for ensuring compliance with and implementation of MLC 2006 provisions in India.

It is mandatory for all types of commercial vessels of 500 GRT (gross registered tonnage) and above that trade globally to carry an MLC 2006 certificate and a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) to demonstrate that the ship complies with all of the convention’s guidelines.

Vessels over 500 GRT must carry the “MLC certificate,” whereas vessels under 500 GRT are issued a “statement of compliance” and are encouraged to voluntarily comply with the guidelines.

Partnering with Legal Babu for MLC Certification

Strength of Legal Babu – Your Trusted Consultancy Partner:

Internationally accepted consultancy with over 10+ years of extensive experience.
Qualified staff providing consultancy worldwide.
Expertise in MLC standards, offering training and complete knowledge about their implementation.
Assistance in adapting to industry strategy changes, regulations, and standard requirements.
Transparent costing with no hidden charges.
24X7 availability to support clients and customers.

Embark on the journey of MLC 2006 Certification with Legal Babu and enjoy the multitude of benefits it brings to your company. Get a quote today and ensure the safety and compliance of your maritime operations.