What MLC requirements have to be fulfiled for newbuildings?

With the entry into force of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 all new ships (that is ships that have the keel laid after entry into force) and flagged to a ratifying state must be built in accordance with the requirements in the new convention. It must be noted that it is the laying of the keel and not the date of the contract that will determine which requirements that have to be complied with.

Regulation 3.1 in MLC 2006 has to be approved during newbuilding phase or if the ship is substantially altered. In addition will some requirements in regulation 3.1 be checked during the onboard inspection.

The requirements related to accommodation are basically about:

• the size of rooms and other accommodation

• heating and ventilation

• noise and vibration and other ambient factors

• sanitary facilities

• lighting

• hospital accommodation