The Maritime Labour Convention 2006 and its incorporation into Maltese legislation was the focus of a recent Malta Maritime Law Association seminar at the Chamber of Commerce’s Exchange Buildings in Valletta.

Around 90 participants representing a cross section of the local maritime industry were welcomed by MMLA president Ann Fenech.

Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen Ivan Sammut explained that the MLC had combined best practices and standards of previous conventions with new technology to achieve both favourable working conditions for seafarers and secure economic interests in fair competition for quality shipowners.

While the MLC sets the standards, it was up to the flag states to provide the national legislation. Malta was the 34th state to ratify the MLC at the beginning of this year. Mr Sammut explained that the legislative process transposing the Convention in the Laws of Malta was in its final stage. The legal instrument, the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) Rules 2013, had been drafted and circulated to the public for consultation and Guidelines for the Implementation of the MLC 2006 can be downloaded from the website of the Merchant Shipping Directorate within Transport Malta.

Mr Sammut explained the regulations included in the MLC and while many were already provided for in the present legislation, some required changes from the industry.

Mr Sammut referred to the guidelines which helped shipowners adapt to the new obligations so that all vessels would comply by August 20 when the MLC will enter into force.