Panama and Norway ratified the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) few days ago. In addition big flag states like Liberia, Marshall Islands and Bahamas ratified the Convention late 2008.

The ratification processes are continuing this year and it is clear that the major flag states are in favour of the ratification. The tonnage requirement (30 % of World GT) is already there. Owners from the 5 ratifying states should use time wisely in order to prepare for the convention’s requirements.

With this in mind and the fact that the EU has recommended member states to ratify by December 2010 leaves no doubt that it is time for the industry to start preparing for the entry into force of this new Maritime Labour Convention. Shipowners will have to develop and implement effective measures to ensure ongoing compliance with the Convention in order to have their ships certified.

The requirements in the MLC are quite clear even if there are some areas where the Flag States will need to make choices.

The ILO Guidelines for Flag State and Port State Inspections were adopted last year contributing to the international basis for a uniform and effective implementation and enforcement of the Convention.

Georg Smefjell, head of DNV’s Maritime Labour Convention Team says: “We encourage customers to start their work now - at least to understand the requirements and evaluate and plan the work needed in order to have measures in place and implemented on board and ships certified in due course.”

“At this stage little is known about the Flag States’ choices and there is a possibility that some revisions will be necessary when the choices are made. It is however clear that a majority of requirements will remain as in the MLC and we hope and believe that Flag States will as far as reasonable remain true to the wording of the Convention - so that it will provide universal coverage and a level playing field that the developers of the Convention intended,” he adds.

DNV has developed the following services which can assist customers in preparing for the Convention:

• training in MLC requirements
• extended document review (gap analysis)
• issuance of a voluntary document of compliance with Convention requirements)

For further information contact your local DNV Office or send an e-mail to MLC@dnv.com