Germany: GL Launches E-learning Tool for Maritime Labour Convention, 2006

As the date of entry into force of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006) rapidly approaches, shipowners, managers, crewing agencies and seafarers are starting to familiarise themselves with the new requirements. With some 55,000 seagoing vessels requiring certification of compliance and the regulations impacting on every level of an organisation, this preparation is a massive task. To support the maritime industry in this Germanischer Lloyd (GL) has developed a comprehensive E-Learning tool for the MLC 2006 in CD form, the first such tool covering the convention.

Regulations governing working and living conditions for seafarers will become mandatory for nearly every seagoing ship trading internationally with the entry into force of the MLC, 2006. The convention sets out international regulations to provide seafarers with fair, safe and decent working and living conditions, and requires the awareness of all parties involved in the implementation of this new Convention.

GL´s E-Learning Tool touches on all relevant aspects of the MLC 2006. It explains, step by step, every single regulation of the convention. Olaf Quas, GL’s Global Head of Practice ISM/ISPS/MLC 2006, explains: “We have developed this e-learning tool to help individuals prepare themselves and where the main topics of the MLC 2006 are explained in a few words. This tool has been built with both the crew on board and shore based personnel in mind, but its portability and ease of use will be especially helpful for personnel who cannot easily visit a training seminar.” The E-Learing tool covers all of the regulations, including such subjects as:

– Hours of work and hours of rest

– Seafarers’ employment agreements

– On-board complaint procedures

Additionally, the tool provides valuable information and examples of how compliance with the MLC 2006 can be achieved, as well as numerous examples illustrating possible methods of implementation. It shows how a vessel’s owners and crew can prepare themselves for an inspection; clearly and concisely explaining the expectations auditors will have, what questions they will be asking, and how a ship’s crew can demonstrate compliance with the requirements.

The tool is designed to provide efficient support for all involved parties; making the MLC 2006 transparent and comprehensible, and to contribute to the smooth implementation of the new requirements.

To date 16 Member States have ratified the MLC 2006, with another 14 ratifications still pending. Although the exact date of entry into force of this new Convention is not yet known, it is anticipated that full ratification will be achieved early in 2012. The MLC 2006 will then enter into force twelve months later.

[mappress]

Source: Germanischer Lloyd, August 11, 2011.