Although not expected to enter into force until at least the end of 2011, the world’s first Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) certification has been issued to Thenamaris Ships Management’s vessel, the M/T Seacrown, following inspections by classification society DNV.
The International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) MLC 2006, to be a pillar in the international maritime regulatory framework in establishing a level playing field for seafarers’ working and living conditions, will not receive EU ratification until the end of 2010 with the expectation of entering into force in 2011.
However, due to the major challenges posed by the new Convention, ship owners are being urged to act now to adopt the necessary protocol to obtain certification and comply with the new standards well ahead of the implementation deadline.
Towards the latter part of last year, DNV’s MLC inspectors joined Thenamaris Ships Management onboard the M/T Seacrown to verify that the product carrier was in compliance in all the 14 areas which the Convention specifies must be inspected before certificates can be issued.
“We feel that the convention rightly focuses on the most precious asset of our shipping community – our seafarers,” highlighted Mr Vordonis, an Executive Director of Thenamaris. “We took the initiative to work with DNV to ensure our shore-and vessel-based systems are consistent with the new rules well ahead of compliance deadlines.”
“We congratulate Thenamaris for achieving an industry first,” said Georg Smefjell, Head of DNV Maritime Management Systems and in charge of MLC. “And we encourage other ship owners to begin working towards compliance with MLC 2006 – make use of the time available before entry into force and develop and implement effective measures to ensure compliance.”
