Ireland ratifies the Maritime Labour Convention

Ireland’s ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention which sets standards for working and living conditions for seafarers, will cover both Irish-flagged ships and international ships calling at Irish Ports.

Dublin Port: The MLC covers both Irish-flagged vessels and international ships calling into Irish ports. Photo Gillian Mills

Effective from July 21, 2015 work is now underway to inspect and certify Irish ships, according to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Pascal Donohue and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton.

A Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance – Part I has been issued to all Irish-flagged vessels of 500 Gross Tonnage or more operating internationally, and ship owners have completed Part II. Work is also underway preparing for port State control inspections for foreign-flagged ships in Ireland when the Convention enters into force here.

“I’m delighted that Ireland has now ratified this Convention which underlines our commitment to maritime safety and to improved living and working conditions for seafarers. Implementation will improve Ireland’s international maritime reputation, as well as ensure that seafarers enjoy better conditions and that the shipping sector generally becomes a more secure and socially responsible sector,” remarked Minister Donohoe.

Also welcoming ratification, Minister Richard Bruton said the Convention should lead to more secure, better-protected and responsible maritime employment. “Ireland is fully behind the ILO’s efforts (International Labour Organization) to define international labour standards in this important sector.”