MLC 2022 Amendments

Notice to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators / Surveyors / Auditors

C24059 | 05 November 2024

This Circular is issued to advise that the 2022 Amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) will enter into force on the 23rd December 2024.

Key amendments to note are:

Accommodation and Recreational Facilities (Standard A3.1)

• Recreational facilities, amenities and services, including social connectivity, as adapted to meet the special needs of seafarers are to be provided on board.

Recreational Facilities, mail and ship visit arrangements (Guideline B3.1.11)

• So far as is reasonably practicable, seafarers should be provided on board their ships with internet access, with charges, if any, being reasonable.

Food and Catering (Standard A3.2)

• Food and drinking water supplies, taking into consideration the religious requirements and cultural practices of those onboard are to be provided free of charge. Meals are to be adequate, varied, balanced, nutritious and prepared and served in hygienic conditions.

Health and Safety Protection and Accident Prevention (Standard A4.3)

• All seafarers are to be provided with appropriately sized personal protective equipment.

Evidence of Financial Security (Appendix A2-I)

• Certificate(s) or other documentary evidence of financial security (Regulations 2.5 & 4.2) may now include the name of the registered owner of the ship instead of, and if different to, the name of the shipowner.

The Panama Maritime Authority have made it clear in their Merchant Marine Notice MMN-06-2024-Rev-MR-June-2024 that DMLC Part I and II need not be revised. It is unclear whether other Flag Administrations may require any amendments to the DMLC Part I, necessitating changes to the DMLC Part II.

Provided Flag Administrations do not amend the vessel’s DMLC Part I, Dromon’s position at MLC inspections remains unchanged, nevertheless shipowners have to comply with the amendments to show readiness on or after 23 Dec 2024.

Act now

Ship Owners/ Managers/ Operators should ensure vessels comply with the 2022 MLC amendments, and any additional Flag State requirements arising from them.