Two years after the approval at the 103rd International Labor Conference (ILC), the Amendments to the Code of the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC, 2006), adopted in 2014, have been confirmed will enter into force on January 18, 2017.
The now confirmed amendments aim to ensure better protection for seafarers and their families in the case of abandonment, death and long-term disability.
Ratifying Members had been given until July 18, 2016 to formally express their disagreement with the 2014 Amendments. There was wide support for the new provisions, ILO said, though two governments stated they shall not be bound by the amendments, unless and until they subsequently notify their acceptance.
When they come into force, in January 2017, the 2014 Amendments will require that a financial security system be in place to ensure that shipowners ensure compensation to seafarers and their families in the event of abandonment, death or long-term disability of seafarers due to an occupational injury, illness or hazard. Mandatory certificates and other evidentiary documents will be required to be carried on board to establish that the financial security system is in place to protect the seafarers working on board.
