1. Tim Springett Head of Employment Chamber of Shipping
The Shipowners’ View
Tim Springett
Head of Employment
Chamber of Shipping
MLC Shipowner Training
MCA, 2011

2. Why shipowners supported the MLC
What it will mean in practice
What shipowners need to do
What concerns do shipowners have?
How can these be overcome?
How the Chamber of Shipping can help

3. A global level playing field
Protects good operators
“No more favourable treatment” clause
Likely to become charterers’ requirement

4. Visibility of ILO Tripartite structure gives us greater influence
ILO now a key player in maritime sector

5. Seafarer’s Bill of Rights?
Seafarers’ obligations
Conditions of employment
Enforcement authorities’ rights
Shipowners’ rights!

6. Article IV Every seafarer has the right to:
a safe and secure workplace that complies with safety standards
fair terms of employment
decent working and living conditions on board ship
health protection, medical care, welfare measures and other forms of social protection

7. What it will mean in practice
For UK-flag operators - no major changes in standards
All seagoing ships – all seafarers
Flag states will adjudicate in borderline cases
Complying – and demonstrating compliance

8. What shipowners will need to do
Pick a ratifying flag state
Complete Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance Part II based on contents of Part I
Set out procedures for ensuring and demonstrating ongoing compliance
Apply for any substantial equivalents/ exceptions that might be necessary

9. Demonstrating compliance
Make documentation clear and easy to follow
Enable inspectors to visit shore offices
Provide facilities on-board for crew members to be interviewed
Establish effective on-board complaint procedures

10. What documents will ships need to carry?
Copy of the Convention
Maritime Labour Certificate
Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance
Seafarer Employment Agreements
On-board complaint procedures
ISM documentation

11. What concerns do shipowners have?
“Gold-plating”
Failure to utilise flexibility
Unclear instructions
Excessive bureaucracy
Over-zealous inspections
Unfounded complaints and wrongful detentions

12. How to overcome the difficulties
Remember the joint ownership of MLC
Alert MCA to problems
Take action early
Aim is to guarantee minimum standards

13. How the Chamber can help
We were there!

14. How the Chamber can help
Involved in MCA Tripartite Working Group on UK Implementation
Involved in training for surveyors
Providing regular information for members individually and collectively
Representations to MCA

15. Conclusion Guarantor of decent work for seafarers
Not a stick for beating good operators
If it works well – everybody can benefit

16. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!