The Isle of Man Ship Registry has announced that it has been included in the United Kingdom’s adoption of the International Labour Organisation’s Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC). This is the final piece in the jigsaw for the Isle of Man to give effect to this important Convention and a very important milestone for the Island.
The MLC 2006 is expected to become the fourth pillar of the international maritime legal regulations, ensuring decent working and living standards for seafarers and conditions of fair competition for ship-owners.
Dick Welsh, Director of the Isle of Man Ship Registry said:
‘This concludes a long process and is a very important milestone for the Isle of Man. It demonstrates our commitment to the International Labour Organisation and ensures that seafarers receive fair treatment, pay and conditions.
It also helps maintain the Register’s status as amongst the most highly rated and respected in the world for the quality of its fleet.
‘The Ship Registry team and our counterparts in the United Kingdom have worked closely together to make sure the Convention extended to the Isle of Man before its entry into force and I am pleased that they have managed to achieve this’.
He continued:
’From our involvement during the tripartite debates to establish the Convention in Geneva in 2006, to the UK’s agreement, this has been a very challenging project, but one which the Isle of Man has been fully supportive of. The hard work will now continue while we make sure we get all of our ships inspected and certified by August next year. The Isle of Man has already been very proactive with MLC guidance and training, and I am confident that with the support of our owners and operators, we will achieve this within the timeframe.’
The Isle of Man Ship Registry has already taken steps to prepare for, and implement, their inspection obligations under the Convention. It is currently on track to ensure that the employment and working conditions for the seafarers serving on its 500 plus vessels comply in all respects.
