Social standards and working conditions

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) sets minimum requirements for working conditions and conditions of employment for seafarers. The convention prevents unfair competition in the maritime shipping industry. The MLC was implemented by the Netherlands in 2013.

The MLC applies worldwide to all seagoing ships used for commercial activities. For ships more than 500 Gross Tonnage a Maritime Labour Certificate (MLC Certificate) is required.

The Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance – Part I (DMLC- part I) will be issued by the Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate (NSI). The DMLC – part II must be made by the shipowner. 

The issuing of the MLC certificates has been outsourced to the seven recognized classification societies. The certificate can be issued as soon as both the DMLC part I and DMLC part II have been submitted.

More information on MLC can be found on the website of NSI.