The scope of application of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006

On 20 August 2013 the International Labour Organization’s Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) entered into force internationally. For the UK it will become effective on 7 August 2014, a year after ratification.

Some label the MLC a “bill of rights” for seafarers while others refer to it as the “fourth pillar of quality shipping” due to the fact that it complements three crucial IMO conventions, namely SOLAS, STCW and MARPOL. This article takes a closer look at the application of the MLC under English law. The core terms “ship”, “seafarer” and “shipowner” are analysed.