Guinea-Bissau – DMLC Part I

C26008 | 20 January 2026

Notice to: Ship Owners / Managers / Operators

The Guinea-Bissau International Ships Registry (G-B I.S.R.) has issued Marine Circular  Nr. 01/2026, which entered into force on 15 January 2026.

The Circular introduces the revised Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) – Part I (Rev. 02) issued by the Registry and should be read in conjunction with G-B I.S.R. Marine Circular No. 04/2025, which establishes the background, implementation framework, inspection, and certification procedures for the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), as amended.

The revised DMLC Part I is attached as an Annex to the Circular and incorporates the following mandatory inspection items under the MLC, 2006:
• Regulation 1.3 – Qualifications of Seafarers.
• Regulation 5.1.5 – On-board Complaint Procedures.
• Regulation 2.2 – Payment of Wages.

The inclusion of these Regulations does not introduce new obligations beyond those already applicable under the MLC, 2006, as amended, but clarifies their implementation within the national framework of the G-B I.S.R. and ensures transparency for shipowners, seafarers, Recognized Organizations, and Port State Control authorities.

Points to Note:

Validity of the DMLC Part I Certificate

The DMLC Part I shall be issued with a maximum validity period of five (5) years from the date of issue and is aligned with the maximum validity of the Maritime Labour Certificate, as provided under Standard A5.1.3 of the MLC, 2006. However, the DMLC Part I may be reissued by the Administration before the expiry of the five-year period in the event of any of the following:
a. change of flag;
b. change of shipowner, manager, or operator;
c. change of vessel name or IMO particulars;
d. amendments to national legislation or administrative requirements forming the basis of the DMLC Part I;
e. substantial alterations to the vessel affecting matters covered by the DMLC; or
f. any other circumstance requiring revision of the national requirements declared therein.

Whenever a revised DMLC Part I is issued, the shipowner is required to prepare and submit a corresponding revised DMLC Part II for review and approval by the recognized RO, to ensure continued compliance.

Applicability and Transition

The revised DMLC Part I (Rev. 02) applies to:
a) all newly certified G-B I.S.R. vessels subject to MLC certification; and
b) existing G-B I.S.R. vessels at the time of their next MLC renewal inspection, or earlier upon application by the shipowner.

Existing DMLC Part I certificates issued by the Administration shall remain valid, provided they continue to accurately reflect the applicable national requirements.

Inquiries

Any inquiries relating to the Marine Circular may be addressed to the G-B I.S.R – Operation Department:
• Email: ops@gbi-lb.org,
• Tel.: +30 210 4537950, +30 210 4537194

Act now

Ship Owners/Managers/Operators of Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessels should take note of the contents of Marine Circular Nr. 01/2026, and be guided accordingly.