Internet access for seafarers while at sea and strengthening
requirements for a balanced, nutritious and varied diet could
become maritime law in 2025.
These are two of the latest amendments proposed under the
Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC), upon which a consultation
has now been launched, enabling you to find out more information
and share your views.
The MLC sets the minimum international standards for living and
working conditions for seafarers and is reviewed, updated and
consulted on regularly.
The latest changes proposed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency
(MCA) reflect lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic,
including the need for seafarers to remain in touch with friends
and family through social media and messaging apps while at
sea.
The health of a seafarer impacts their work and safety which is
why the need for a ‘balanced' diet is also a proposed
requirement. Bringing national guidance into law and clarifying
what is meant by ‘balanced' will ensure seafarers have access to
a range of meals with a mix of carbohydrates, protein, fat,
fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Other proposed regulations include providing seafarers with
adequate information around how to protect themselves from
monetary loss, and a more robust system to clarify who is
financially accountable for a vessel.
A consultation on these amendments has now been launched, where
you can find out more information and share your
views.
MCA Head of Seafarer Safety and Health Oliver Mallinson said:
We are dedicated to protecting our seafarers so we must do
everything we can to ensure their living and working conditions
meet a certain standard.
As always, our MLC amendments reflect the ever-evolving needs of
the seafarer, and we hope the latest additions can help seafarers
to connect with loved ones more easily, as well as supporting
their health during their time onboard. Make sure your voice is
heard by responding to the consultation.
The consultation on the amendments to the MLC has launched today,
11 December, and will last six weeks, ending on 22 January.
For more details and to take part visit Consultation on
implementation of the MLC 2006, amendments 2022.
