Scope & Structure

The Maritime Labour Convention covers all:

• seafarers including Shipmasters
• all ships engaged in commercial activities (except warships, naval auxiliaries, fishing vessels, dhows or junks)

Ships over 500gt engaged in international voyages will be required to carry a Maritime Labour Certificate and a document issued by the flag state confirming compliance with the Convention provisions. Exclusions must be notified to the International Labour Organisation and after consultation with relevant social partners, for example, shipping exclusively in internal or inland waters.

The Convention is split into three parts – Articles, Regulations and the Code (Part A and B). The provisions cover five working Titles (dictating minimum standards) which are as follows:

Title 1. Minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship
Title 2. Conditions of Employment
Title 3. Accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering
Title 4. Health protection, medical care, welfare and social security
Title 5. Compliance and enforcement

Amendments can be made to the Convention to allow it to remain up-to-date with developments in the shipping industry.

The Code details provisions of the Convention and contains two parts – mandatory Part A and advisory Part B. However, provisions of Part B cannot be ignored and ratifying states must take due account of the requirements.