MLC 2006 Certification Process

Initial Certification

1. Gap Analysis
   • Shipowners/managers conduct a gap analysis of ship and company policy against flag state regulations.
   • Discuss any concerns with the relevant Recognized Organization (RO) or Inspector.
2. Documentation and Familiarization
   • Develop documented procedures to comply with MLC 2006 requirements.
   • Ensure the Master is familiar with MLC 2006 requirements and implementation responsibilities.
3. DMLC Part I
   • Request ship-specific Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) Part I from the Administration.
   • Additional fee may be required for exemption reviews.
   • Administration issues DMLC Part I and sends a copy to the RO.
4. DMLC Part II
   • Shipowners/managers complete DMLC Part II.
   • Submit DMLC Part I and II to RO for review and acceptance.
5. Initial Inspection

   Arrange initial MLC inspection with RO after DMLC review and acceptance.

6. Certification
   • Upon satisfactory inspection, RO issues Short-Term ML Certificate (valid up to 5 months) and approves DMLC Part II.
   • Keep originals of DMLC Part I, II, and Short-Term ML Certificate on board.
   • RO forwards copies to Administration.
7. Full-Term Certificate
   • Apply to Administration for Full-Term ML Certificate within 3 months of initial inspection.
   • Administration issues Full-Term ML Certificate valid for 5 years from initial inspection date.

Interim ML Certificate

1. Eligibility

   Issued for new ships on delivery, flag changes, or when shipowner assumes responsibility for a new ship.

2. Process
   • Conduct gap analysis against flag state regulations.
   • Discuss concerns with RO or inspector.
   • Develop documented procedures and ensure Master’s familiarity.
   • Request ship-specific DMLC Part I from Administration.
   • Arrange interim MLC inspection with RO (DMLC Part II not required).
3. Certification
   • RO issues Interim ML Certificate valid for 6 months (non-extendable).
   • RO forwards copies to Administration.

Intermediate Inspection

1. Timing

   Between second and third anniversary dates for 5-year certificates.

2. Process
   • Scope and depth equal to renewal inspection.
   • RO endorses ML Certificate after satisfactory inspection.
   • RO submits endorsed certificate and report to Administration within 30 days.
3. Validity

   ML Certificate invalid if intermediate inspection not carried out.

Renewal Inspection and Certification

1. Inspection

   Verify all national MLC 2006 requirements.

2. Timing and Validity
   • If completed within 3 months before expiry: RO issues 5-month Short-Term ML Certificate.
   • If completed more than 3 months before expiry: New certificate valid for up to 5 years from inspection date.
   • If completed after expiry: New certificate valid for up to 5 years from previous expiry date.
3. Full-Term Certificate
   • Apply to Administration within 3 months of renewal inspection.
   • Administration issues new 5-year Full-Term ML Certificate.
4. Extensions

   Up to 3 months if ship not in port at expiry (for completing voyage to inspection port).

Certificate Invalidation and Withdrawal

1. Invalidation Reasons
   • Required inspections not carried out.
   • Certificate not endorsed at intermediate inspection.
   • Change in shipowner/manager responsibility.
   • Flag change.
   • Substantial modifications to structure or equipment.
   • Amendments to national laws not considered.
2. Withdrawal

   Administration or RO may withdraw certificates for serious or frequent uncorrected deficiencies.