1. ILS CONFERENCE – MARITIME LABOUR CONVENTION Safety Regulatory Issues: the Role of Recognised Organisations under the MLC 1

2. What is an RO? n In most cases, they are classification societies n The role of the RO is to carry out statutory tasks of the Flag State under formal delegation u Delegation means exaction of responsibility from the delegatee of the authority exercised by the delegator 2

3. What is an RO? (cont’d.) n Convention responsibility remains with the maritime administration n Classification societies are historically profit-oriented private organizations n Under the MLC, authorization must be given by the Flag State administration (“competent authority” by definition) to carry out inspection or certification functions 3