Hi everyone,
I’m posting as Maris here but I’m Emma Christie, the HSEQ Coordinator for Maris and the other companies within GRML.
Hopefully this post goes some way to being an olive branch to head off posts about unreasonable demands from agencies/ companies/ contractors/ employers which is entirely the spirit behind it!
This type of request will become more and more frequent as the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 comes in to force in the UK from August 2014. It has slowly been implemented across various flag states and now, with the UK ratifying it from August 2014, you will find more and more ship owners request that those contracting their vessels ensure the Convention is applied. Some clients may have been asking for this as far back as 2010.
At the same time, to support this, Recruitment Agencies are being asked to certify as Private Recruitment and Placement Services (RPS or SRPS), (something which Maris is about to do, hence why the OP caught my eye).
I had a scout about and couldn’t find any mention of MLC 2006 anywhere so I don’t know if anyone has had a full explanation from their employer or agency for their reasons – sorry if I am repeating previous information, and apologies if this turns into a huge post! (Maybe Admin can take the info and make it sticky somewhere?) I am also by no means an expert but I have posted links to sources of information where you can research the implications.
MLC 2006 is being widely described as the Seafarers Bill of Rights and consolidates the huge number of different Flag State and Country standards and conventions. It aims to achieve decent working and living conditions for all Seafarers onboard vessels where the MLC has been ratified. You can read more here http://www.ilo.org/global/standards/maritime-labour-convention/what-it-does/WCMS_219665/lang–en/index.htm
In simple terms the Convention classes a Seafarer as ‘any person who is employed or engaged or works in any capacity on board a ship to which this Convention applies’.
A ship would be defined as ‘a ship, other than one which navigates exclusively in inland waters or waters within, or closely adjacent to, sheltered waters or areas where port regulations apply’
So you should be able to see why things are changing so drastically – previously vessels would sign on non-maritime crew as specialists etc. loop-holing around all of the various Flag State regulations and allowing them to carry certification which wasn’t necessarily maritime based.
When it comes to Medicals and Training there are 2 very important bits of information:
1. Seafarers shall not be permitted to work on a ship unless they have successfully completed training for personal safety on board ship. This is the kicker as, when you look into the wider regulations and guidelines, you find the following ‘Training and certification in accordance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW), as amended, is to be accepted as meeting those requirements.’ Put simply – not OPITO.
2. Medicals – Prior to beginning work on a ship, seafarers must hold a valid medical certificate attesting that they are medically fit to perform the duties they are to carry out at sea. OGUK or similar Oil & Gas industry medicals are not applicable: ‘Certificates issued in accordance with, or meeting the substance of the applicable requirements, under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW), as amended, are to be accepted as meeting these requirements.’ Even the good old MCA provide this guidance on their website http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga07-home/workingatsea/mcga-healthandsafety/mcga-medicalcertandadvice/mcga-ukog-medicals.htm
In the main this Convention should improve conditions for everyone on board the vessels where you work (as long as it’s MLC 2006 certified). Agencies and companies should be making you aware if the vessel you are going to board is not MLC 2006 certified so you can make informed decisions.
You’ll be asked to start carrying documentation onboard (if you don’t already) and may be given declarations to take with you stating that you are carrying everything from your CV to a Seaman’s Book.
Yes, there will be initial costs – and not just to the workers – huge amounts of money and time resource are being pumped into this worldwide by everyone it affects.
Like I said, I’m not an expert, I’ve just spent a great deal of time implementing this for Maris, so it would be a good idea to discuss this with your employers/agencies etc.
Stay Safe
.
