MLC 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.
• An 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. Requirements

• All national requirements implementing MLC 2006 must be verified during renewal inspection.

2. Timing of Renewal Inspection and Certificate Validity

A. Inspection within 3 months before expiry

• RO issues Short-Term ML Certificate valid for 5 months.
• Administration issues new Full Term ML Certificate valid for 5 years from expiry of existing certificate.

B. Inspection more than 3 months before expiry

• New ML Certificate valid for up to 5 years from date of renewal inspection completion.

C. Inspection after expiry

• New Certificate valid from inspection completion date to max 5 years from existing certificate expiry.

3. Application Process for Full Term ML Certificate

• Shipowners must apply to Administration within 3 months of renewal inspection.
• Application should include:
  • Report of renewal inspection
  • Short-Term ML Certificate from RO

4. Extension of Certificate Validity

• Applicable when ship is not in port at certificate expiry.
• Extension granted to allow ship to reach verification port.
• Maximum extension: 3 months.
• Requires documented evidence from Administration.
• RO must review evidence before endorsing extension.

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.

Key Terms:

·         MLC: Maritime Labour Certificate

·         RO: Recognized Organization

·         Administration: Maritime authority issuing the certificate