On 18 January 2017 amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) entered into force requiring shipowners to display certificates issued by an insurer or other financial security provider confirming that insurance or other financial security is in place for the cost and expense of crew repatriation, as well as up to four months contractually entitled arrears of wages and entitlements following abandonment (MLC Regulation 2.5.2). A further certificate will be required for liabilities for contractual claims arising from seafarer personal injury, disability or death (Regulation 4.2).
At the time of entry into force, 81 states had ratified the Convention representing 81% of world gross tonnage. The Amendments did not enter into force in all these states on 18 January 2017 and not all states have finalised their implementing legislation. An ILO Press Release summarises the consequences of the Amendments.
Skuld started issuing MLC Certificates in December 2016 and more information is available from the following sources:
IG Circular dated 8 February 2018
This International Group circular provides a reminder about the potential exposure of members, coassureds and joint members under the MLC Extension Clause 2016 in relation to Certificates issued under Regulation 2.5.2.
Skuld Circular dated 16 November 2016
This circular contains:
- information about the application process with regarding application process
- Application form
- MLC Extension Clause
- IG MLC FAQs
IG Circular dated 7 October 2016
This International Group circular contains:
- information about the entry into force of the MLC amendments
- MLC Certificates
- MLC Extension Clause
- IG MLC FAQs
IG Circular dated 23 June 2016
This circular provided an interim report on measures being taken to enable Clubs top provide financial security.
Information for members and seafarers regarding the certification and the terms of financial security.
This section of the website provides general background information about MLC including an up to date list of ratifying states with dates of entry into force, ILO FAQs .