MLC Certification

{{Organized version}}

MLC 2006 Certification Process

Initial Certification

1. Gap Analysis
   • Shipowners/managers conduct a gap analysis of ship and company policy against flag state regulations.
   • Discuss any concerns with the relevant Recognized Organization (RO) or Inspector.
2. Documentation and Familiarization
   • Develop documented procedures to comply with MLC 2006 requirements.
   • Ensure the Master is familiar with MLC 2006 requirements and implementation responsibilities.
3. DMLC Part I
   • Request ship-specific Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) Part I from the Administration.
   • An additional fee may be required for exemption reviews.
   • Administration issues DMLC Part I and sends a copy to the RO.
4. DMLC Part II
   • Shipowners/managers complete DMLC Part II.
   • Submit DMLC Part I and II to RO for review and acceptance.
5. Initial Inspection
   • Arrange initial MLC inspection with RO after DMLC review and acceptance.
6. Certification
   • Upon satisfactory inspection, RO issues Short-Term ML Certificate (valid up to 5 months) and approves DMLC Part II.
   • Keep originals of DMLC Part I, II, and Short-Term ML Certificate on board.
   • RO forwards copies to Administration.
7. Full-Term Certificate
   • Apply to Administration for Full-Term ML Certificate within 3 months of initial inspection.
   • Administration issues Full-Term ML Certificate valid for 5 years from initial inspection date.

Interim ML Certificate

1. Eligibility
   • Issued for new ships on delivery, flag changes, or when shipowner assumes responsibility for a new ship.
2. Process
   • Conduct gap analysis against flag state regulations.
   • Discuss concerns with RO or inspector.
   • Develop documented procedures and ensure Master’s familiarity.
   • Request ship-specific DMLC Part I from Administration.
   • Arrange interim MLC inspection with RO (DMLC Part II not required).
3. Certification
   • RO issues Interim ML Certificate valid for 6 months (non-extendable).
   • RO forwards copies to Administration.

Intermediate Inspection

1. Timing
   • Between second and third anniversary dates for 5-year certificates.
2. Process
   • Scope and depth equal to renewal inspection.
   • RO endorses ML Certificate after satisfactory inspection.
   • RO submits endorsed certificate and report to Administration within 30 days.
3. Validity
   • ML Certificate invalid if intermediate inspection not carried out.

Renewal Inspection and Certification

1. Requirements

• All national requirements implementing MLC 2006 must be verified during renewal inspection (5.6.1)

2. Timing of Renewal Inspection and Certificate Validity

A. Inspection within 3 months before expiry

• RO issues Short-Term ML Certificate valid for 5 months (5.6.2)
• Administration issues new Full Term ML Certificate valid for 5 years from expiry of existing certificate (5.6.3)

B. Inspection more than 3 months before expiry

• New ML Certificate valid for up to 5 years from date of renewal inspection completion (5.6.5)

C. Inspection after expiry

• New Certificate valid from inspection completion date to max 5 years from existing certificate expiry (5.6.7)

3. Application Process for Full Term ML Certificate

• Shipowners must apply to Administration within 3 months of renewal inspection (5.6.4)
• Application should include:
  • Report of renewal inspection
  • Short-Term ML Certificate from RO

4. Extension of Certificate Validity

• Applicable when ship is not in port at certificate expiry
• Extension granted to allow ship to reach verification port
• Maximum extension: 3 months
• Requires documented evidence from Administration
• RO must review evidence before endorsing extension (5.6.6)

Certificate Invalidation and Withdrawal

1. Invalidation Reasons
   • Required inspections not carried out.
   • Certificate not endorsed at intermediate inspection.
   • Change in shipowner/manager responsibility.
   • Flag change.
   • Substantial modifications to structure or equipment.
   • Amendments to national laws not considered.
2. Withdrawal
   • Administration or RO may withdraw certificates for serious or frequent uncorrected deficiencies

Key Terms:

• MLC: Maritime Labour Certificate
• RO: Recognized Organization
• Administration: Maritime authority issuing the certificate