The International Labour Organization (ILO) has recently published a handbook offering guidance on implementing the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006 Model National Provisions.

The guidance has been developed to assist ILO Members to implement their responsibilities regarding social security for seafarers. It is intended to provide the necessary background on the subject of social security as well as practical information and guidance to government administrations concerned with implementing the MLC, 2006 in their country and to social partners when assisting in doing so.

You can access the handbook via the ILO website here.

About the Convention

Sweden recently became the 28th member country and the eighth member of the European Union to ratify the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006). Sweden's ratification is another step to achieving the Convention requirement for ratification by at least 30 members with a total share of the world gross tonnage of at least 33 percent.

The 28 Members who have signed now represent more than 56 per cent of the world gross tonnage of ships. This exceeds the tonnage requirement for MLC to come into force, but two more member countries are required. These two remaining ratifications should be achieved before year end 2012. Once complete, the Convention will then come into effect 12 months later.

Source : ILO