MLC 2006 Certification & Compliance
Maritime Labour Convention | Crew Welfare | Seafarer Rights
Achieve world-class seafarer welfare and legal compliance with expert MLC 2006 solutions for shipping companies, ship managers, and operators. Lawful Journey delivers end-to-end MLC 2006 certification support—from gap analysis and DMLC drafting to pre-inspection, audit, and crew welfare system implementation.
The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006), sets international standards for seafarer rights, working conditions, accommodation, health, and welfare aboard ships. MLC certification is mandatory for most commercial ships and is enforced through flag state and port state inspections. Lawful Journey helps shipping companies achieve, maintain, and demonstrate full MLC compliance, ensuring your vessels operate safely, lawfully, and with the highest crew welfare standards.
- Protect seafarer rights with compliant contracts, wage systems, and welfare programs
- Get expert support for MLC inspection, certification, and renewal
- All required documentation including DMLC Parts I & II, onboard manuals, and records
- Ensure port state and flag state compliance, avoiding detentions and penalties
Why Choose MLC 2006 Certification & Compliance?
MLC 2006 compliance is critical for ship operators—affecting legal trading, insurance, crew morale, and reputation. Non-compliance can lead to costly delays, detentions, fines, and loss of business. Lawful Journey’s maritime experts have guided fleets worldwide to smooth MLC certification, with proven processes and a practical, hands-on approach to both initial certification and ongoing compliance.
MLC Specialists
Our team includes ex-flag surveyors, marine superintendents, and crewing managers with in-depth MLC, ILO, and maritime regulatory experience.
End-to-End Compliance
We handle everything—DMLC drafting, crew contract review, accommodation inspection, food/water safety, and medical/welfare systems.
Documentation Excellence
DMLC Part I & II preparation, checklists, manuals, employment agreements, wage records, and more—fully audit-ready and flag-approved.
Crew Training & Awareness
Workshops, onboard briefings, and management coaching on seafarer rights, grievance redressal, and welfare best practices.
Pre-Inspection & Internal Audit
Mock MLC audits, gap analysis, and action plans to ensure smooth flag state inspection and zero deficiencies.
Worldwide Recognition
Compliance with all major flags and classification societies for unrestricted international trading and port access.
Who Needs MLC 2006 Certification?
MLC 2006 certification applies to most commercial ships of 500 GT and above on international voyages, as well as ships operating between ports of different jurisdictions. MLC covers shipowners, managers, crewing agencies, and applies to all seafarers employed or engaged on such ships.
Vessels Requiring MLC Certification
- Cargo ships of 500 GT and above
- Passenger ships and ferries
- Tankers (oil, chemical, gas)
- Offshore support & drilling units
- Special purpose ships as per flag
Responsible Parties
- Shipowners and operators
- Ship managers and crewing companies
- Employers of seafarers
Key Compliance Areas
- Minimum age, medical certification, and qualification of seafarers
- Seafarers’ employment agreements and wage protection
- Hours of work and rest
- Accommodation, food, and recreational facilities
- Health protection, medical care, welfare, and social security
Step-by-Step MLC 2006 Certification Process
Step 1: Gap Analysis & Audit
Review current policies, contracts, onboard conditions, and practices versus MLC 2006 requirements. Detailed audit and gap report with prioritized action plan.
Step 2: Documentation & DMLC Preparation
Draft and update all required documents including DMLC Part I (by flag state) and DMLC Part II (by company), crew contracts, wage records, and complaint procedures.
Step 3: Training & Awareness
Train crew, officers, and shore staff on MLC requirements, rights, welfare procedures, and recordkeeping.
Step 4: Onboard & Office Implementation
Implement and verify compliance: crew accommodations, catering, medical care, social protection, rest hours, and welfare systems.
Step 5: Pre-Inspection & Mock Audit
Conduct a full internal MLC audit to ensure compliance and address deficiencies before flag or class inspection.
Step 6: Flag/Class MLC Inspection & Certification
Coordinate with flag state/class society for official MLC inspection. Address any findings, complete inspection, and obtain MLC Certificate and DMLC.
Step 7: Ongoing Support & Renewal
Annual review, document updates, crew refresher training, and support for MLC certificate renewal and port/flag audits.
Key Documents Required for MLC 2006 Certification
Core MLC Documents
- Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) Part I: Prepared and issued by flag state authority, outlining national requirements.
- DMLC Part II: Prepared by shipowner, describing onboard measures to ensure MLC compliance.
- Seafarers’ Employment Agreements: Signed contracts for all seafarers, with clear terms and rights as per MLC.
- Wage Records: Monthly wage statements, evidence of payment, and any deductions.
- Hours of Work and Rest Records: Up-to-date log showing compliance with limits and rest requirements.
- Crew Complaints Procedure: Clear documented process for reporting and resolving complaints.
Accommodation, Health & Welfare
- Accommodation Inspection Checklist: Detailed check of cabins, sanitary facilities, ventilation, and recreation spaces.
- Food and Catering Records: Meal plans, food safety logs, and proof of clean, nutritious catering onboard.
- Medical Care & First Aid Records: Medical chest logs, certificates, and crew medical fitness certificates.
- Repatriation & Social Security Records: Evidence of repatriation arrangements and seafarer social security coverage.
Shore-Based Support & Legal Compliance
- Company MLC Policy Manual: Management commitment, policy statement, and management responsibilities.
- Internal Audit Reports: Annual MLC self-inspection, audit findings, and corrective actions.
- Flag/Port State Inspection Reports: Records of official MLC inspections and any corrective measures taken.
Why Choose Lawful Journey?
MLC Experts
A seasoned team with real-world experience in MLC audits, crew management, and maritime law—supporting fleets globally.
Complete Certification Support
From initial audit to DMLC drafting, document delivery, inspection, and post-certification support.
Crew Welfare Focus
Ensuring your crew enjoys safe, healthy, fair working and living conditions in line with MLC and ILO standards.
Fast, Hassle-Free Process
Typical initial MLC certification in 30-60 days (readiness dependent), minimizing risk of detention or delay.
Port State Control Protection
Our systems and pre-inspection help you avoid port state detentions and ensure uninterrupted global operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006), is an international treaty that protects seafarers’ rights and sets minimum working and living standards on ships. It covers employment, accommodation, medical care, welfare, and social protection. MLC certification is mandatory for most ships and essential for legal trading and crew recruitment.
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The MLC Certificate is issued by the flag state administration or a recognized organization (RO) on their behalf after successful inspection and approval of DMLC Parts I & II.
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DMLC Part I is issued by the flag state and outlines national MLC requirements. DMLC Part II is prepared by the shipowner, describing measures to ensure MLC compliance onboard. Both are needed for certification.
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Typically, the MLC Certificate is valid for up to five years, with at least one intermediate inspection during this period. Renewal and annual internal audits are required.
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Non-compliance can result in inspection deficiencies, port state detention, fines, or trading restrictions. Lawful Journey’s mock audits and documentation support ensure you pass on the first attempt.
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We manage annual reviews, update documents, train crew, and support all required renewals, ensuring your MLC certification stays valid and your ships trade without interruption.
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It applies to most commercial vessels of 500 GT and above on international voyages. Some smaller or domestic vessels may also require MLC compliance depending on flag or trading area.
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