Enforcement of MLC Regulations

The primary authority responsible for monitoring compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) work and rest hour regulations, along with other maritime labor standards, is the Flag State of the vessel, thereafter the Port State Control.

Flag State Control:

Inspection: The Flag State conducts regular inspections of its ships to ensure that they are in compliance with international and national maritime laws, including MLC standards.

Certification: Ships often carry a Maritime Labour Certificate and a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance as proof of meeting MLC requirements. These documents are subject to inspection.

Enforcement: The Flag State has the authority to detain ships, impose fines, or take other legal actions against vessels that do not comply with the MLC regulations.

Reporting: Detailed records of work and rest hours must be maintained and made available for inspection by the Flag State authorities.

Port State Control:

Secondary Inspections: When a vessel enters the jurisdiction of another country, the Port State Control may also carry out inspections to ensure compliance with international laws, including MLC standards.

Detainment: Port State authorities have the power to detain foreign ships in port if they are found to be in violation of international regulations, including those relating to work and rest hours.

Company Responsibility:

While the Flag State is the primary authority, it is the responsibility of the ship operator to ensure that they are in compliance with all MLC regulations. Advanced HR and Payroll systems, like those provided by Adonis HR, help ship operators maintain this compliance efficiently. However, the systems as such can not be certified for MLC compliance, as it is the practical use of any system that has to be presented and authorized by the applicable authority.

Note: While some companies may get a general Flag State approval for electronic signature and paperless management of the time sheets, as in the Adonis Time & Attendance Module, this might not be approved by other flag standards and port control authorities. Keep in mind that it is the way the ship can document the practical result of the use of a T&A system that will be subject for a control by the designated authorities.