REGULATION news


Amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention: Key changes and an overview of the significant updates


Recent amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, are set to come into effect in December 2024. Key changes include modifications to recruitment, repatriation, recreational facilities, food and catering, medical care, and accident prevention.


The International Labour Conference, in its 110th session, adopted a series of significant amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. These changes, expected to come in effect in December 2024, are designed to strengthen the rights of seafarers and ensure a safer, fairer, and more secure work environment in the maritime industry.


MGN 651 (M) Bilge alarms on cargo ships 24m or more in length and under 500GT This MGN issued by the UK Maritime &


Coastguard Agency explains the new legal requirement for cargo ships that are 24m or more in length and less than 500GT to be fitted with bilge water level detectors and alarms.


Applicable from 28 July 2023, this Marine Guidance Note explains the new legal requirement for cargo ships that are 24m or more in length and less than 500GT to be fitted with bilge water level detectors and alarms. This mandatory requirement has been introduced following several incidents in which ships have become flooded due to an undetected ingress of water occurring in bilge spaces and implements a recommendation of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) following the flooding and sinking of a grab hopper dredger Abigail H. The fitting of bilge alarms in the prescribed manner is intended to improve the safety of affected ships, their crews and the marine environments in which they operate.


Read the MGN in full at https://bit.ly/457YbpO.


Major changes to the Maritime Labour Convention include revisions to regulations concerning recruitment and placement, repatriation, recreational facilities, food and catering, medical care onboard and ashore, health and safety protection, and accident prevention. Below is a brief overview of the most relevant updates:


Updated Repatriation Protocols


The changes also seek to streamline and fortify the repatriation process, ensuring that seafarers’ rights to a prompt return are upheld. These amendments delve deeper into the responsibilities of various state actors, thus ensuring an ample approach to repatriation.


Revamped Recreational Facilities and Amenities


These amendments underscore the importance of social connectivity in the provision of amenities and recreational facilities for seafarers. The updates highlight the significance of ship-to-shore communication and steady internet access throughout voyages.


Updated Food and Catering Regulations


These amendments bring about essential changes to the food and catering regulations, ensuring seafarers’ nutritional needs are met adequately. The revisions strive to ensure that the provision of food and water supplies aligns with the specific requirements of seafarers and the nature of their voyages.


Expanded Medical Care Provisions


These revisions broaden the range of medical care provided to seafarers, including a framework on the provision of treatment ashore. The changes also outline new guidelines regarding the repatriation of deceased seafarers.


Enhancing Safety Protection and Accident Prevention Measures The amendments aim to improve health and safety protection measures, reduce the risk of exposure to harmful factors, and ensure the provision of appropriate personal protective equipment.


52 | ISSUE 106 | DEC 2023 | THE REPORT


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