Classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has been selected by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) as the first foreign recognized organization (RO) for maritime labor inspection.
“We are very pleased to be the first foreign recognized organization authorized by MLIT for maritime labor inspection in Japan,” Akira Akiyama, ABS Vice President of Japan, Pacific Division said.
Maritime Labor Convention’s provisions include minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship – conditions of employment, accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering, health protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection. They also include compliance and enforcement of ILO Maritime Labor Convention, 2006 (MLC), ratified in August 2013.
The law requires ships (excluding fishing vessels and noncommercial vessels) of more than 500 gross tons that are engaged in international voyages to undergo maritime labor inspection by the state or a recognized organization to verify that living and working conditions meet MLC requirements that valid certificates are being carried onboard.