Holly is the editor of Dockwalk. She grew up racing sailboats in England before switching to the world of superyachts and moving across the pond to Fort Lauderdale.
As the clock ticks toward December 23, 2024, captains and crew need to ensure their yachts are ready for the incoming amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006. Introduced in 2022, these updates were designed to improve seafarer welfare and will come into force by the end of this year. Focusing on key areas such as recruitment, repatriation, onboard connectivity, and health and safety, the amendments make compliance essential to avoid operational issues during inspections. The Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC), which comes in two parts, lies at the heart of demonstrating adherence to the MLC and must be updated to align with the new requirements.
Part I is issued by the flag state and outlines the regulations applicable to the yacht.
Part II is prepared by the yacht’s management or owner, detailing the onboard measures in place to meet those regulations.
Both parts will be under scrutiny in upcoming inspections to confirm the yacht aligns with the latest standards. Here’s what you need to know to prepare.
Updates to DMLC Part I
For captains and crew managing DMLC Part I, the process depends on when it was issued:
After July 2024: Your Part I remains valid and doesn’t need to be reissued.
Before July 2024: These documents are still valid but must be updated during your yacht’s next intermediate or renewal inspection conducted on or after December 23, 2024. If you prefer to get ahead, you can request an updated Part I from your flag state.
This means that while there’s no immediate rush, ensuring this document is flagged for review during upcoming inspections is essential.
Updates to DMLC Part II
For DMLC Part II, it’s all about implementing the new measures from the amendments by the enforcement date. Compliance with these measures will be verified during your next MLC inspection after December 23, 2024. As a captain or crew member, it’s worth checking that these changes are reflected in your procedures and practices onboard.The updated requirements touch on various aspects of seafarer welfare, so understanding the amendments is key.
What Are the 2022 MLC Amendments?
The latest updates to the MLC tackle areas that directly impact crew. These include improvements to recruitment practices, repatriation, onboard welfare, food, medical care, and health and safety. Here’s a breakdown of the changes that captains and crew should pay attention to:
Recruitment and Placement: Captains need to ensure new hires are informed about their rights under financial protection systems. This provides seafarers with a safeguard if recruitment agencies or shipowners fail to meet their contractual obligations.
Repatriation: If crew members are abandoned or need to be replaced, Member States (flag states, port states, and labor-supplying countries) are now required to coordinate repatriation quickly. Replacement crew must be afforded full rights under the MLC.
Internet and Connectivity: Onboard welfare now includes reasonable access to ship-to-shore communication and internet, with charges kept fair. This change acknowledges the importance of staying connected while at sea, reducing isolation and supporting mental health.
Food and Catering: Meals must be provided free of charge and cater to crew members’ religious and cultural preferences. Standards for hygiene and nutrition in food preparation are also more stringent, ensuring balanced and nutritious meals.
Medical Care: Captains must prioritize disembarkation for crew needing urgent medical treatment. Procedures for the repatriation of deceased crew have also been updated, ensuring respect for the wishes of the seafarer or their next of kin.
Health and Safety: Yachts are now required to provide appropriately sized personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize occupational risks. Additionally, all deaths of crew members must be investigated and reported, with findings contributing to a global database aimed at improving safety standards.
What Should Captains and Crew Do Now?
The timeline for compliance may seem generous, but the complexity of these updates means early preparation is crucial. Captains and crew should take the following steps:
Audit Your Current Documentation: Check when DMLC Part I was issued and whether it needs updating at the next inspection. Review DMLC Part II to ensure onboard practices align with the new requirements.
Review and Update Procedures: Work with management and owners to address gaps in compliance, from updating PPE provisions to ensuring free, varied meals meet new catering standards. Assess onboard internet access and its costs to meet crew connectivity needs.
Prepare for Inspections: Make sure the entire crew understands the changes and is prepared to demonstrate compliance during inspections.
Stay Informed: Flag states like the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) have issued detailed advisories to help vessels meet the new standards. Use these resources to stay ahead.
For more information, consult your flag state.