MLC Certification Process – with memorization technique

MLC Certification Process

Initial Certification

1. Conduct gap analysis against flag state regulations
2. Discuss concerns with Recognized Organization (RO) or Inspector
3. Develop documented procedures for MLC 2006 compliance
4. Request ship-specific Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) Part I from Administration
5. Complete DMLC Part II
6. Submit DMLC Part I and II to RO for review
7. Schedule initial MLC inspection with RO
8. Upon satisfactory inspection, RO issues Short-Term ML Certificate (valid up to 5 months)
9. Apply to Administration for Full-Term ML Certificate within 3 months of initial inspection
10. Administration issues Full-Term ML Certificate (valid for 5 years)

Interim Certification

1. Applicable for new ships, flag changes, or new shipowner responsibility
2. Conduct gap analysis against flag state regulations
3. Discuss concerns with RO or inspector
4. Develop documented procedures for MLC 2006 compliance
5. Request ship-specific DMLC Part I from Administration
6. Arrange interim MLC inspection with RO (DMLC Part II not required)
7. RO issues Interim ML Certificate (valid for 6 months, non-extendable)

Intermediate Inspection

1. Conducted between second and third anniversary dates of the certificate
2. Scope equal to renewal inspection
3. ML Certificate endorsed by RO after satisfactory inspection
4. RO submits endorsed certificate and inspection report to Administration within 30 days

Renewal Inspection

1. Verify all national requirements implementing MLC 2006
2. If completed within 3 months before expiry, RO issues Short-Term ML Certificate (valid for 5 months)
3. Apply to Administration for new Full-Term ML Certificate within 3 months of renewal inspection
4. Administration issues new Full-Term ML Certificate (valid for 5 years from expiry of existing certificate)

Certificate Invalidation

ML Certificate and DMLC become invalid if:

• Required inspections are not carried out
• Certificate not endorsed at intermediate inspection
• Shipowner/manager changes
• Ship changes flag
• Substantial modifications made to structure or equipment
• Amendments to national laws not considered

Notes for Oral Examination

1. Key Players: Understand roles of shipowners/managers, Administration, and Recognized Organizations (ROs)
2. DMLC Parts: Know difference between DMLC Part I and Part II
3. Certificate Types: Familiarize with Short-Term, Full-Term, and Interim ML Certificates
4. Inspection Types: Explain initial, interim, intermediate, and renewal inspections
5. Timelines: Remember key timelines for certificate applications
6. Invalidation Causes: Memorize circumstances that can invalidate an ML Certificate and DMLC
7. Intermediate Inspection: Understand its importance and timing
8. Renewal Process: Know procedures for renewal inspections
9. Extensions: Be aware of limited circumstances for certificate extensions
10. Withdrawal: Understand conditions for certificate withdrawal

MLC Certification Process as a flow chart

graph TD
    A[Start] --> B[Conduct gap analysis]
    B --> C{Concerns from gap analysis?}
    C -->|Yes| D[Discuss with RO or Inspector]
    C -->|No| E[Prepare documented procedures]
    D --> E
    E --> F[Request DMLC Part I from Administration]
    F --> G[Administration issues DMLC Part I]
    G --> H[Complete DMLC Part II]
    H --> I[Submit DMLC Part I & II to RO for review]
    I --> J[RO reviews and accepts DMLC Part II]
    J --> K[Schedule initial MLC inspection]
    K --> L[Satisfactory initial inspection]
    L --> M[RO issues Short-Term ML Certificate]
    M --> N[RO approves DMLC Part II]
    N --> O[Keep originals on-board]
    O --> P[RO sends copies to Administration]
    P --> Q[Apply for Full-Term ML Certificate]
    Q --> R[Administration issues Full-Term ML Certificate]
    R --> S[Keep Full-Term Certificate and DMLCs on-board]
    S --> T[End]