Insights

MLC 2006: The Human Element That Drives Detentions

The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC), adopted by the International Labour Organization and in force since 2013, is often called the seafarers' bill of rights. It consolidates earlier maritime labour standards into a single instrument covering decent living and working conditions at sea.

6 min read

What MLC requires

MLC sets minimum standards across areas including minimum age, seafarers' employment agreements, payment of wages, hours of work and rest, manning, accommodation and recreational facilities, food and catering, medical care and welfare, health and safety, and onboard complaint procedures.

How it is evidenced

Ships of 500 gross tonnage and over engaged on international voyages generally carry a Maritime Labour Certificate and a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC, in Parts I and II), which together show how the ship meets the convention.

Why it matters at inspection

MLC items, hours-of-rest records and employment agreements in particular, are frequent Port State Control findings and can lead to detention. Treating crew welfare with the same rigor as technical compliance protects both your people and your schedule.

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Port State Control: What It Checks and How to Be ReadyWhat a Real Internal ISM, ISPS and MLC Audit CoversWhy Full Document Review Beats Spot-Checks

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