Course Overview
MLC, also known as Maritime Labour Convention, is an international labour convention adopted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). MLC 2006 recommends minimum working and living standards for all seafarers. Widely known as seafarers’ bill of rights, MLC 2006 was adopted by the government, employer and worker representatives at the ILO conference in February 2006. MLC 2006 is unique because it aims to achieve decent work for seafarers and to secure economic interests through fair competition for quality ship owners.
Besides establishing decent working and living conditions for all seafarers worldwide, the overall objectives of MLC 2006 include ensuring commitment of governments and ship owners towards better working and living conditions for seafarers; putting in place control and enforcement mechanisms to ensure fair competition; setting minimum required standards such as employment conditions, accommodation, recreation facilities, food and catering, health and medical care; etc. This Zoe training course will empower you with complete information and knowledge about MLC 2006. Further, this course will help you analyse your organisation’s practices, policies and guidelines with respect to working and living conditions of employees (seafarers) and make amendments, where necessary, to ensure compliance with universally recognised and accepted standards.
Why This Course Is Required?
The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, often called the “Seafarers’ Bill of Rights,” establishes minimum standards for working and living conditions on ships, covering over 1.5 million seafarers worldwide and ratified by 100+ countries, making comprehensive training essential for maritime professionals to ensure compliance with MLC requirements on health, safety, and fair employment. The complexity of maritime operations requires specialized knowledge in MLC regulations, employment agreements, and compliance procedures to prevent vessel detentions, fines exceeding $100,000 per incident, and reputational damage while ensuring sustainable maritime operations.
The essential need for comprehensive training in MLC compliance is underscored by its role as the global standard for seafarer welfare where proper understanding of employment conditions, accommodation standards, and enforcement mechanisms is crucial for preventing exploitation and maintaining fair competition in the maritime industry. Maritime professionals must master the principles of seafarer employment agreements, understand health and safety protection requirements, and apply proper compliance procedures to ensure adherence to international standards while protecting both seafarer rights and organizational interests.
Research demonstrates that the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, often called the “Seafarers’ Bill of Rights,” establishes minimum standards for working and living conditions on ships covering over 1.5 million seafarers worldwide and ratified by 100+ countries, with non-compliance leading to vessel detentions, fines exceeding $100,000 per incident, and reputational damage, while global shipping handles 90% of world trade requiring understanding of MLC to prevent exploitation and promote sustainable maritime operations.
Course Objectives
The main objective of this ILO Maritime Labour Convention course is to empower marine professionals with:
- Complete information and knowledge of MLC 2006
- The necessary exposure and experience to be able to audit and check the organisation’s policies and guidelines regarding working and living conditions of seafarers in relation with those set out by MLC 2006
- The required confidence to undertake the implementation of international standards within one’s organisation and to ensure continuous compliance and adherence to the same in the long run
- The exposure, experience and capability to undertake critical roles within or outside one’s organisation because of the awareness of international regulations and legislations
- The confidence and perspective to conduct audits to confirm sustained achievement of goals and objectives and complete compliance with guidelines and requirements as per MLC 2006
- Additional skills and knowledge to explore other opportunities and avenues for work
- The necessary confidence, exposure, experience and skillset to help one’s organisation get recognised globally as being compliant with international standards, thus contributing to organisational success
- A sense of satisfaction to be able to help seafarers get what they deserve
- Advanced competency in developing and implementing seafarer employment agreements that meet international standards
- Expertise in conducting MLC compliance inspections and managing port state control interactions
- Enhanced understanding of flag state and port state responsibilities under MLC framework
- Skills in managing seafarer welfare programs and addressing workplace grievances
- Proficiency in integrating MLC requirements with existing maritime safety management systems
Master MLC compliance excellence and drive maritime welfare standards. Enroll today to become an expert in ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), Regulations, Compliance and Seafarers Employment Agreement!
Training Methodology
Every training course at Zoe Talent Solutions is closely reviewed before the start of each training session to ensure that the content and topic is most relatable to the training audience. The trainer is always a highly qualified expert in the relevant domain.
The training framework includes:
- Expert-led presentations and lectures delivered by highly qualified maritime law and compliance experts
- Group discussions, activities, and role-plays that foster equal participation between trainer and trainee
- Case study discussions covering real-world MLC compliance scenarios and challenges
- Experiential learning that forms an important part of the practical learning aspect
- Hands-on experience with MLC documentation, employment agreements, and compliance procedures
The training method includes presentations, lectures, discussions, group activities, role-plays and case study discussions, which fosters equal participation by the trainer and trainee. This immersive approach fosters practical skill development and real-world application of MLC principles through comprehensive coverage of compliance requirements, employment standards, and enforcement procedures.
Like all Zoe Talent Solutions’ courses, this course follows the very successful ‘Do–Review–Learn–Apply Model’, creating a structured learning journey that transforms MLC knowledge into operational excellence through systematic practice and implementation.
Who Should Attend?
This ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), Regulations, Compliance and Seafarers Employment Agreement course is designed for:
- Senior authorities and officials of the marine industry who need to completely understand the requirements and benefits of MLC 2006 to drive inclusion of the same in the organisations’ operations
- Investors who may be interested to know the benefits and facilities being offered to employees, which will directly impact/influence their performance and motivation at work
- Policymakers who would be responsible to frame or make amendments to policies in accordance with MLC 2006
- Legal officers and advisors who need to know the requirements and expectations of MLC 2006, in order to make correct judgements and pass correct decisions in the event of disputes
- Human resource professionals and other marine professionals working at various levels who interact with seafarers for their work and other requests
- Seafarers who need to know what privileges and opportunities they deserve and how to make the best of these
- Any other professional who would be interested to know more about MLC 2006
Organisational Benefits
Marine organisations will benefit in the following ways if their professionals undertake this ILO Maritime Labour Convention course:
- Employees well-informed and well-read about MLC 2006 and its applicability and importance to their organisation
- More seamless implementation of MLC 2006 regulations and processes because of experienced employees to take these forward
- Happier employees (seafarers) because of improved working and living conditions
- Higher brand value and credibility because of adherence to internationally acclaimed and recognised standards
- Better employer branding because of more benefits and safety offered in tandem with international standards and requirements
- Economic development and growth of the organisation because of happier and more motivated employees
- Regular audits at no additional costs to keep a check on operations and operational adherence to MLC convention guidelines and regulations
- Better and more transparent policies and guidelines revolving around working and living conditions of seafarers
- Reduced risk of vessel detentions and regulatory penalties through comprehensive compliance management
- Enhanced competitive advantage through demonstrated commitment to seafarer welfare and international standards
- Improved recruitment and retention of quality seafarers through superior working conditions
- Strengthened relationships with port state authorities and regulatory bodies through proactive compliance
- Enhanced operational efficiency through systematic implementation of MLC requirements
- Better risk management and insurance positioning through demonstrated safety and welfare standards
Studies show that organizations adhering to MLC through trained staff reduce risks of labor disputes and port state control detentions, potentially saving millions in operational delays, while improving seafarer retention by 20-30% through better welfare, enhancing safety records to attract quality contracts, and ensuring alignment with international standards for global competitiveness.
Empower your organization with MLC expertise. Enroll your team today and see the transformation in maritime compliance and seafarer welfare!
Personal Benefits
Marine professionals taking this ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) course will benefit in the following ways:
- Detailed understanding of MLC 2006 and its benefit and importance to one’s organisation
- Increased understanding, knowledge and confidence to play an important role in helping one’s organisation transition to the regulations of MLC 2006 or sustain processes and guidelines in agreement with those set out by MLC 2006
- Greater understanding and skill to play an important role in devising and implementing policies and procedures related to working and living conditions of seafarers, in line with the expectations of MLC 2006
- More avenues and opportunities to successfully demonstrate one’s potential, knowledge and skill to secure more opportunities for career growth and development
- Increased awareness and exposure to conduct regular compliance audits and devise next steps for non-compliance
- Enhanced potential to contribute to the overall economic development of the organisation
- A sense of satisfaction to help seafarers receive what they deserve
- Advanced expertise in maritime law and international compliance standards
- Enhanced career prospects in maritime management and regulatory compliance roles
- Improved ability to manage complex employment and welfare issues in maritime settings
- Greater competency in stakeholder management and regulatory interface
- Increased capability to lead organizational change and compliance improvement initiatives
- Enhanced understanding of global maritime industry standards and best practices
Course Outline
The ILO Maritime Labour Convention course includes the following topics necessary to thoroughly understand MLC 2006:
Module 1 – Conventions Influencing MLC 2006
- Forced Labour, 1930
- Freedom of Association & Protection of the Right to Organize, 1948
- Right to Organize & Collective Bargaining, 1949
- Equal Remuneration, 1951
- Abolition of Forced Labour, 1957
- Discrimination (Employment and Occupation), 1958
- Minimum Age, 1973
- Worst Forms of Child Labour, 1999
- Consolidation of 68 ILO maritime conventions and recommendations
- Fourth pillar of international maritime law alongside SOLAS, MARPOL, and STCW
- Global standards applicable to the entire shipping industry
- No more favorable treatment clause for non-ratifying states
Module 2 – Regulation 1: Minimum Requirement for Seafarers to Work on Ships
- Regulation 1.1: Minimum age
- Regulation 1.2: Medical certificate
- Regulation 1.3: Training and qualifications
- Regulation 1.4: Recruitment and placement
- Age verification procedures and documentation requirements
- Medical fitness standards and periodic health assessments
- STCW compliance and professional competency requirements
- Ethical recruitment practices and placement service standards
Module 3 – Regulation 2: Conditions of Employment
- Regulation 2.1: Seafarers’ employment agreement
- Regulation 2.2: Wages
- Regulation 2.3: Hours of work and rest
- Regulation 2.4: Entitlement to leave
- Regulation 2.5: Repatriation
- Regulation 2.6: Seafarer compensation for ship loss or foundering
- Regulation 2.7: Manning levels
- Regulation 2.8: Career and skill development or opportunities for seafarers’ employment
- Collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and trade union rights
- Wage protection and prompt payment guarantees
- Work-rest hour documentation and monitoring systems
- Safe manning certificates and competency requirements
Module 4 – Regulation 3: Accommodation, Recreational Facilities, Food and Catering
- Regulation 3.1: Accommodation and recreational facilities
- Regulation 3.2: Food and catering
- Minimum space requirements and accommodation standards
- Recreational facility specifications and entertainment provisions
- Food quality standards and cultural dietary requirements
- Galley equipment and food storage safety standards
Module 5 – Regulation 4: Health Protection, Medical Care, Welfare and Social Security Protection
- Regulation 4.1: Medical care on the ship and ashore
- Regulation 4.2: Shipowners’ liability
- Regulation 4.3: Health and safety protection/accident prevention
- Regulation 4.4: Access to welfare facilities ashore
- Regulation 4.5: Social security
- Telemedicine and remote medical consultation capabilities
- Occupational health and safety management systems
- Shore-based welfare facility access and coordination
- Social security coverage and protection schemes
Module 6 – Regulation 5: Compliance and Enforcement
- Regulation 5.1: Flag state responsibilities
- Regulation 5.1.1: General principles
- Regulation 5.1.2: Authorization of recognized organizations
- Regulation 5.1.3: Marine labour certificate and declaration of marine labour compliance
- Regulation 5.1.4: Inspection and enforcement
- Regulation 5.1.5: Onboard complaint procedures
- Regulation 5.1.6: Marine casualties
- Regulation 5.2: Port state responsibilities
- Regulation 5.2.1: Inspections in ports
- Regulation 5.2.2: Ashore seafarer complaint handling procedures
- Regulation 5.3: Labour supplying responsibilities
- Maritime Labour Certificate (MLC) and Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC)
- Port State Control inspection procedures and detention criteria
- Flag state oversight and recognized organization authorization
- Complaint handling mechanisms and whistleblower protection
Module 7 – Rights of Seafarers under MLC 2006
- Safe and secure workplace complying with standards
- Fair terms of employment
- Decent working and living conditions on-board
- Health protection, medical care and other welfare measures
- Freedom of association and collective bargaining rights
- Protection against discrimination and equal treatment principles
- Right to repatriation and financial security guarantees
- Access to shore-based welfare facilities and communication
Module 8 – Exceptions to MLC 2006
- Ships for fishing or similar pursuits
- Ships of the traditional build (dhows and junks)
- Warships or naval auxiliaries
- Vessel size limitations and gross tonnage thresholds
- Coastal trading vessels and domestic operations
- Government-operated non-commercial vessels
- Ships engaged in research and scientific activities
- Substantially equivalent provisions and national flexibility
- Consultation requirements with maritime social partners
Real World Examples
The impact of ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), Regulations, Compliance and Seafarers Employment Agreement training is evident in leading implementations:
- Panama Ship Registry Compliance Program (Panama)
Implementation: As the world’s largest ship registry, Panama implemented comprehensive MLC compliance programs through mandatory inspections and standardized seafarer employment contracts, establishing systematic procedures for vessel certification and ongoing compliance monitoring across over 8,000 registered vessels.
Results: The implementation achieved a 40% reduction in MLC violations and significant improvements in crew welfare standards, enhanced compliance rates through systematic inspection and certification procedures, and strengthened Panama’s reputation as a quality flag state, demonstrating how comprehensive MLC training enables exceptional maritime compliance and seafarer welfare outcomes. - Maersk Line MLC Excellence Implementation (Global)
Implementation: Maersk, a global shipping giant, integrated comprehensive MLC requirements into its fleet operations through systematic policy development, enhanced seafarer training programs, and comprehensive welfare improvement initiatives that exceed minimum MLC standards across their international fleet operations.
Results: The implementation achieved zero vessel detentions in 2023 and enhanced seafarer training programs that boosted crew satisfaction scores by 25%, improved operational efficiency through proactive compliance management, and strengthened competitive positioning through demonstrated commitment to seafarer welfare, showcasing how systematic MLC training enables superior maritime operations and crew management. - Singapore Maritime Authority MLC Initiative (Singapore)
Implementation: Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority enforced comprehensive MLC compliance through digital employment agreements, systematic welfare audits, and enhanced port state control procedures that set new standards for maritime labor compliance in Asian ports.
Results: The initiative achieved a 35% drop in seafarer complaints and established Singapore as a model for effective MLC enforcement in Asia, enhanced port efficiency through streamlined compliance procedures, and improved seafarer welfare through systematic monitoring and enforcement, demonstrating how comprehensive MLC training enables superior regulatory enforcement and maritime welfare standards.
Be inspired by industry-leading MLC achievements. Register now to build the skills your organization needs for maritime compliance excellence!
