Antigua and Barbuda revises the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 Guidance

The Antigua and Barbuda Maritime Administration has issued a circular revising the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 Guidance.

This document (No. 2016-001 (Rev. 2)) was published on 31 May 2023 and is addressed to all ship owners, operators, masters, and officers of Antigua and Barbuda flagged ships, and recognized organizations.

It applies to all Antigua and Barbuda-flagged ships.

The Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC), which came into force internationally in August 2013, sets standards for seafarers' working conditions.

Port State Control (PSC) enforces these standards, with inspections based on the Declarations of Maritime Labour Compliance Parts I and II.

Part I outlines national law requirements, while Part II details the shipowner's measures to comply.

The circular clarifies that the MLC applies to all seafarers and ships engaged in commercial activities, including smaller vessels.

Antigua and Barbuda's regulations align with the MLC, with additional provisions and substantial equivalences specified.

Ships of 500 GT or more must carry a Maritime Labour Certificate, while voluntary certification is recommended for smaller vessels.

The circular also addresses medical certification standards, the definition of a seafarer, and the responsibilities of the shipowner.

Proper completion of the Declarations of Maritime Labour Compliance is crucial, with varying levels of detail required depending on the shipowner's arrangements for compliance.

Overall, the circular aims to ensure adherence to the MLC and promote the welfare of seafarers.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Maritime Labour Convention 2006 Guidance