Norwegian maritime training specialist Seagull AS is extending its suite of Distance training packages in anticipation of the entry into force of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) in August 2013.

The Convention has been ratified by 32 countries which represent 60% of global tonnage and on entry into force it will replace 37 existing ILO maritime conventions and related recommendations adopted since 1920.

Seagull has developed a DNV SeaSkill Certified MLC 2006 Distance Course package to help maritime personnel to comply with the MLC. The package is divided into three target groups:

·         Shore based personnel

·         Senior Officers and Masters

·         Junior Officers and Ratings

“Seagull’s package of training modules was introduced to allow all shipping companies, operators, ship managers and other shipping office staff and senior officers onboard ship to acquire knowledge and manage compliance,” says Lance Savaria, Seagull Director, Sales and Marketing. “As entry into force approaches, we have responded to the need for all parties involved to be fully trained in their responsibilities.”

The first of the modules, CBT #191 MLC 2006 – Introduction, was launched in 2010 with analysis of the Convention’s background, structure and content, the role of the ILO and inspection criteria and certification.

This was followed by CBT #192 MLC 2006 – Onboard Responsibilities, which provides details of how to achieve, manage and maintain compliance with MLC 2006 onboard ship. The module is aimed at all senior officers onboard ship and particularly those at STCW management level. It also addresses validity of certification and the consequences of non-compliance by the vessel.

The latest module CBT #193 MLC 2006 – Shipowner’s Responsibilities is aimed at owners, ship managers and operators and offers details of the requirements to achieve, manage and maintain compliance with the Convention. It addresses the areas of responsibility for shipping company office staff dealing with seafarers’ employment conditions and crew facilities onboard ship. It also covers flag state inspection and certification issues and the consequences of non-ratification. A pre-requisite for this module, as with CBT #192, is completion of Seagull CBT #191 or other familiarization with MLC 2006. Each of the modules lasts approximately one hour.

The supplementary Module CBT #197 MLC 2006 – Basic Support has been added to assist Junior Officers and Ratings in maintaining compliance with their part of the convention onboard.

MLC 2006 establishes minimum requirements for seafarer working conditions and sets out their rights to decent conditions of work, including conditions of employment, hours of work and rest, accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering, medical care, welfare and social security protection.

MLC 2006 is subject to port state control, including the potential for more detailed inspections if ships are thought not to comply, and the possibility of detention in serious cases of non-compliance or where hazardous conditions exist.