Guinea-Bissau – Shipowner’s Responsibility for MLC Compliance

C25036 | 08 July 2025

Notice to: Ship Owners / Managers / Operators / MLC Inspectors : 

The International Ship Registry of Guinea-Bissau (G-B I.S.R) has issued Marine Circular Nr.04/2025, which gives guidance on implementing the requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006.

The Circular:

• applies to all ships engaged in commercial activity that fly the Guinea-Bissau flag and fall under the scope of the MLC, 2006, as amended (except for ships engaged in fishing, traditional operations, or warships), and all seafarers serving on board those ships.
• gives the G-B I.S.R. inspection and certification procedures after the entering into force of the ILO MLC Convention, 2006, for Guinea-Bissau on 10-06-2025.
• notes that where a G-B I.S.R. Regulation is not as specific as the requirements found in the MLC, 2006, then G-B I.S.R. Marine Notices will guide compliance.

Points to Note:

Shipowner’s Responsible Person for MLC Compliance

The shipowner (manager or operator) must provide the Administration with the name, address, email, and emergency contact information of the person(s) with MLC responsibilities, including seafarer complaint resolution. This information shall be submitted in the special Form Code 452119-MLC-SRP and may be included with the documentation submitted by the shipowner for DMLC Part II. Changes should be sent by email or mail.

Shipowners shall designate a person within their organizations to oversee their MLC compliance and to act as a point of contact with G-B ISR and recognized organizations in case of Inspection, Complaint, Correction of deficiencies, Renewal or update of certificates.

Act now

Ship Owners/ Managers/ Operators/ MLC Inspectors are to review the contents of Marine Circular Nr.04/2025 and be guided accordingly.