The Maritime Labour Convention

The Maritime Labour Convention (2006) provides a minimum labour standard for the shipping industry. It contains provisions on conditions of employment, accommodation and recreational facilities, food and catering, health protection, medical care and social security protection, inspection and enforcement.

Maritime labour certificate and declaration of maritime labour compliance

Traficom issues Finnish ships of 500 gross tonnage or over engaged on international voyages a maritime labour certificate. The certificate is issued for a time not exceeding five years. On the owner's request, maritime labour certificates may be issued to other ships as well. 

A declaration of maritime labour compliance shall be attached to the maritime labour certificate. The declaration consists of the following two parts:

• Part I (DMLC-I) identifies the list of matters to be inspected in accordance with the Convention, provides a reference to the national legal provisions and clearly indicates any exemption granted to the ship. Part I is drawn up by Traficom.

• Part II (DMLC-II) identifies the measures adopted to ensure ongoing compliance with the national requirements between inspections and the measures proposed to ensure that there is continuous improvement. Part II is drawn up by the shipowner and certified by Traficom.