MLC Update in December 2024:

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 amendments set to enter into force on December 23, 2024, introduce several important changes to improve working and living conditions for seafarers. Here are the key new amendments:

Recreational Facilities:

Social connectivity: Ships must provide appropriate social connectivity for seafarers.

Internet access: Shipowners are required to provide reasonable access to ship-to-shore telephone communications and internet access, where available.

Reasonable charges: Any fees for using these communication services should be reasonable in amount.

Drinking Water Provision

Free drinking water: Good quality drinking water must be provided to seafarers free of charge.

Meal quality: Food provided must be nutritious, balanced, of sufficient quantity and quality.

Cultural considerations: Meals should be prepared with regard to the religious and cultural practices of the seafarers on board.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Appropriate sizing: All seafarers must be provided with appropriately sized personal protective equipment.

Gender considerations: This requirement takes into account the increasing number of women seafarers, ensuring PPE is suitable for all crew members.

Additional Amendments

Financial security: Certificates of financial security may now include the name of the registered owner of the ship if different from the shipowner.

Medical care: Provisions for prompt disembarkation of seafarers needing immediate medical care and repatriation of deceased seafarers’ remains.

Fatality reporting: All deaths of seafarers must be recorded and reported annually to the ILO, with relevant data published.