Inspection and certification to ILO Maritime Labour Standards

Lloyd's Register will provide global maritime labour inspection and certification services to the shipping industry in accordance with those international standards set by the forthcoming ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006).

We will also support the practical implementation of this new convention through training, seminars and a voluntary assessment programme to suit individual client needs whether it be for existing ships or new ship construction.

What is the new ILO Maritime Labour Convention?

How can Lloyd's Register help?

The MLC, 2006 is expected to enter into force in 2012. But this could happen sooner, because the Convention will come into force 12 months after the date on which 30 ILO Member States, representing 33% of the total world gross tonnage of ships, have ratified it.

We have already undertaken trial inspection work and numerous evaluation studies against the full requirements of the MLC, 2006. We have also been working with shipowners, shipyards and a number of organisations to identify a practical approach to the implementation of the MLC, 2006.

The MLC, 2006, is a complex piece of legislation. One of the areas it focuses on is onboard practical inspections and the possibility that, in the future, ships may be detained on labour related issues. In light of this, shipowners will need to proactively protect their interests.

Voluntary assessment programme

To help the shipping industry prepare for this legislation, we have developed a voluntary assessment programme for shipowners, shipyards and operating companies. Our voluntary assessment programme makes reference to the need for national requirements to be identified through Flag State Declarations of Maritime Labour Compliance Part I (DMLC Part I). In anticipation of Flag States ratifying the Convention and issuing DMLCs, we can help you by inspecting your ships against this programme and issuing you with a 'statement of compliance'.

Our voluntary assessment programme addresses the onboard inspection criteria associated with the Convention. Our voluntary assessment programme is based on inspection best-practice and can be downloaded from the related documents on the right.

We are also preparing an international programme of seminars, workshops and training programmes to support your needs and help you prepare for the implementation of the MLC, 2006.

Download our voluntary assessment programme checklists from the related documents on the right. Alternatively, contact one of the below for further information.