2nd February 2013

Marine Labour Convention (MLC) 2013

Marine Labour Convention (MLC) 2013. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has now received the 30th ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)  2006.  This means that the MLC will come into force on 20th August 2013 and will be applicable to all commercial vessels of 500 gross tons or more.  The convention will therefore apply to all UK commercial Sunseeker Charter Yachts of 500 tons.

The MLC provides the 4th pillar of International Maritime Law the others being SOLAS, MARPOL and STCW and effectively aligns Sunseeker Yacht Crew and other Super Yacht Crew with existing employment law ashore.  The key requirments are:

• Health and Safety
• Contract of Employment consistent with business rather than Articles ALC YT (1d) based
• Minimum standards for accomodation and catering on board with a focus on “personal space”, no more shared cabins
• Employee benefits consistent with shore based staff including – healthcare, medical care, welfare and other social benefits.
• Safe Manning Levels
• Crew Certification

Clearly this legislation will have an impact upon the future design of crew accommodation and facilities on new build Sunseeker Yachts for Commercial Charter and other Commercial Super Yacht Charter vessels.

MLC 2006 will be underpinned by Flag State and Port State control and there will no longer be a “no more favourable treatment clause”.