New legislation due to come into force

[C2 RIBS]

This will affect anyone who employs crew

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 is due to come into force on August 1st 2013. It is an International set of regulations that will be applicable to all Commercial boats, regardless of tonnage or Flag State.


In addition to substantial changes being required to the construction of crew accommodation onboard vessels, the MLC also requires major operational changes to take place. The purpose of these changes is to provide legal protection to the employees onboard (the crew), in order to bring existing ship regulations more in-line with those regulations that exist ashore.

Covers, rest periods, hours of work. complaints proceedures and loads more

[Skippy John]

MLC 2006 does come into force in August 2013 but i'm afraid that the UK will not have signed up for it with IMO as they are in teh process of changing something like 56 pieces of legislation (or some other huge number!) For those who operate commercially in the UK watch teh MCA web site but basically you won't have a problem because they have no Regs to enforce!

For those who operate outside of UK I suggest that, if you're a member of BMF or NWA, you contact the Association and ask for guidance and advice before 20th Augst which is the effective date of MLC 2006 throughout the world (except UK of course!) As an alternative you can contact your local MCA Marine Office for guidance and advice

Out of interest, if your commercially operated vessel is less than 200gt then MCA will most probably grant 'substantial equivalence' and provide the necessary document.

Hope this helps

[C2 RIBS]

Cheers for that- we are preparing a briefing document on legislation which will be available to PCA members very soon in website members area