The theme of this special issue is concerned with The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006), the so-called ‘super ILO Convention’, a 'one stop shop' Convention that consolidates and updates more than 65 international labour standards related to seafarers adopted over the last 80 years. It is estimated that the rules will apply to more than 1.2 million seafarers in at least 69,000 vessels. MLC covers the minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship, conditions of employment, hours of work and rest, wages, leave, repatriation, accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering, occupational safety and health protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection.
MLC 2006 will come into force 12 months after ratification by at least 30 ILO member countries with a total share of at least 33 per cent of the world’s gross tonnage of ships. Given that, all EU members are obliged to ratify the Convention at the latest on 31st of December 2010, the MLC 2006 is expected to be in force in mid-2011.
MLC represents a considerable change to the regulation of working conditions for seafarers and there are important challenges on behalf of the ship owners as well as regulatory authorities. Ship owners and manages should amend charter parties, draft new on-board procedures, reviewing employment contracts and crew management agreements. Moreover, masters and senior officers need to be trained to ensure that the vessel is compliant with MLC, including aspects such as dealing with crew grievances and monitoring working-time limits. The Convention also establishes a strong compliance and enforcement mechanism based on flag State inspection and certification of seafarers’ working and living conditions.
The special issue welcomes papers on all issues related to labour standards in shipping and the prospects and challenges that lie ahead with the MLC being in force.
Potential topics include but are not restricted to:
- Health and safety in shipping
- Crewing
- Education and training
Submission deadline: 30 March 2010
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