Notice to Shipowners, Ship Operators, Managers, Masters, Owners’ Representatives and Recognised Organisations by the Merchant Shipping Directorate.

The Merchant Shipping Directorate draws the attention of all concerned to the entry into force of the 2014 amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, on 18 January 2017.

The amendments deal with more stringent financial security requirements in respect of crew repatriation and for compensation for death and disability. Maltese ships will therefore need to carry certification to show that the appropriate cover is in place. There is no need for Malta to issue additional certification.

One is to note that the Declarations of Maritime Labour Compliance Parts I and II (DMLC) and the Maritime Labour Certificates (MLC) issued in accordance with the Convention prior to 18 January 2017, will continue to be recognised, until the first renewal inspection following entry into force of the amendments.

The recognised organisations authorised by Malta should include in the MLC checklist the two financial securities and verify these requirements during the initial, intermediate and renewal inspections. Consequently, the new amendments to the DMLC and MLC will be reflected from the first renewal inspection after the 18 January 2017.

In order to ensure the uninterrupted operation of Maltese ships, it is important that a copy of the relevant certificate or other documentary evidence of financial security issued by the respective P&I Club or insurer, is posted in a conspicuous place on board where it is available to the seafarers. Where more than one financial security provides cover, the document provided by each provider shall be carried on board.

The text of the 2014 amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, adopted by the Special Tripartite Committee of the International Labour Organisation may be downloaded from:
http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/—ed_norm/—relconf/documents/meetingdocument/wcms_248905.pdf

For further details, contact us on:

Tel: (00356) 21 651387
Fax: (00356) 21 651384
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.combinedmaritime.com