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MLC Certification

3 min read
shipsengineering@shafi
Marine Engineer

{{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