7 ships detained for MLC-related deficiencies in first month of implementation

Source:http://www.parismou.org

During the first month of implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006), seven ships were detained for MLC-related deficiencies.

On Aug 20 this year, MLC, 2006 entered into force and became a relevant instrument for the Paris MoU, thus making the MLC requirements officially subject to Port State Control (PSC).

According to a latest media release, it means that 10% of the total number of detentions (68) in the Paris MoU area in this period was MLC 2006 related.

The detentions were imposed by four different port States: Canada (two ships), Denmark, the Russian Federation and Spain (three ships). The detained ships were flying the flag of Cyprus (two ships), Liberia, the Netherlands, Panama (two ships) and Tanzania.

A total of 4,260 deficiencies have been recorded during the first month of MLC implementation. About 490 deficiencies out of the 4,260 recorded (11.5%) were related to any of the ILO Conventions listed as relevant instrument.

Of the 494 deficiencies, 30 (6,1%) were considered to be serious enough to be a ground for detention. 23 of those 30 (76.7%) were related to breaches of the MLC and resulted in the detention of seven  individual ships.

Pic courtesy: http://www.safety4sea.com/

The total number of detentions was 68 during 1,532 inspections, which resulted in a detention rate of 4,4%.

The MLC, 2006 applies to all ships engaged in commercial activities. International certification is required for all ships of 500GT and over, making international voyages. 

The requirements of the MLC, 2006 have to be implemented on board at the entry into force date 20 August 2013.

Only the member States of the Paris MoU who have ratified the MLC,2006 on or before 20 August 2012 are entitled to conduct PSC inspections on MLC, 2006 requirements from 20 August 2013. As a result the twelve member States -- Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the Russian Federation, Spain and Sweden --have started enforcing the MLC  2006.

Eom.Saravanan