Version 3: March 2016

MARITIME LABOUR CONVENTION, 2006

A Guide to the implementation of the MLC in Australia

A Guide to the implementation of the MLC, 2006 in Australia

Contents1. Introduction 1

1.1 Termsanddefinitions 1

2. Overview of the MLC, 2006 2

2.1 Title1–Minimumrequirementsforseafarerstoworkonvessels 2

2.2 Title2–Conditionsofemployment 2

2.3 Title3-Accommodation,recreationalfacilities,foodandcatering 2

2.4 Title4–Healthprotection,medicalcare,welfareandsocial securityprotection 3

2.5 Title5–Complianceandenforcement 3

3. Implementation of the MLC, 2006 in Australia 4

4. Is your vessel subject to the MLC, 2006? 5

4.1 RegulatedAustralianvessels(RAV) 5

4.2 Australiandomesticcommercialvessels(DCV) 5

4.3 Foreign-flaggedvesselsinAustralianports 6

5. Certification of regulated Australian vessels 7

5.1 Applicationandcertificationprocess 7

5.2 WhathappensiftheROfindsthevesseldoesnotcomply? 8

5.3 InterimMaritimeLabourCertificate 8

5.4Maintainingcomplianceandongoinginspections 9

5.5Renewalinspections 9

5.6Validityofcertificates 9

5.7 Certificationflowcharts 9

FlowchartforobtainingaMaritimeLabourCertificate 10

FlowchartforobtaininganInterimMaritimeLabourCertificate 11

6. Who is a ‘Seafarer’? 12

7. Demonstrating compliance - Australian vessels 14

7.1 Minimumage 14

7.2 Medicalcertification 14

7.3 Qualificationofseafarers 14

7.4 Seafarers’WorkAgreements(seafarersemploymentagreements) 15

7.5 SeafarerRecruitmentandPlacementServices 16

7.6 Hoursofworkandrest 16

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7.7 Manninglevelsforthevessel 17

7.8 Accommodation,foodandrecreationalfacilities 17

7.9 Healthandsafetyandaccidentprevention 17

7.10Onboardmedicalcare 18

7.11Onboardcomplaintprocedures 19

7.12Paymentofwages 19

8. Port State control in Australia 20

MLCPortStateinspectionflowchart 21

9. Onshore complaints 22

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1. IntroductionTheMaritime Labour Convention, 2006(MLC,2006ortheConvention),developedbytheInternationalLabourOrganization(ILO),isthefourthpillarofinternationalmaritimelawalongwith:theInternational Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea(SOLAS),the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping(STCW);andtheInternationalConventionforthePreventionofPollutionFromShips(MARPOL).

TheMLC,2006istheresultofatripartitenegotiationbyrepresentativesofgovernment,employersandworkers.TheConventionestablishescomprehensiverightsandprotectionsofworkfortheworld’sseafarersandaimstoachievedecentworkarrangementsforseafarersandsecureeconomicinterestsinfaircompetitionforqualityshipowners.

TheMLC,2006consolidatesandupdates38existingILOconventionsandenteredintoforceinternationallyasamandatoryinstrumenton20August2013.

TheapplicationoftheMLC,2006issetoutinArticleII,sections4and6oftheConventionandstatesthattheMLC,2006essentiallyappliestoallcommercialvessels.However,thecompetentauthorityofanILOmemberStatemaymakedeterminationsabouttheapplicationoftheConventiontovesselsoflessthan200grosstonnagethatdonotproceedoninternationalvoyages.TheConventiondoesnotapplytofishingvessels,vesselsoftraditionalbuild(suchasdhowsandjunks),warshipsornavalauxiliariesorvesselsnotordinarilyengagedincommercialactivities.

TheAustralianMaritimeSafetyAuthority(AMSA)isthecompetentauthorityresponsibleforregulationoftheConventionanditsrequirementsinAustralia.

ThepurposeofthisGuideisto:

• assistvesselownersandseafarersandtheirrepresentativeorganisationsinunderstandinghowAustraliaisimplementingtheMLC,2006,and

• provideinformationonthemechanismsforthesurveyandcertificationofavesselundertheMLC,2006.

Note:ThisGuideisadvisoryanddesignedtoprovideadistinctionbetweenthedifferentelementsofrelevantlegislationandtheConvention.ThisGuideshouldnotbereadinisolationandinterestedpartiesareadvisedtoconsultapplicablelegislationandtheConventionwhenconsideringtheapplicationoftheMLC,2006.

AnyquestionsrelatingtotheMLC,2006shouldbeforwardedtoLabourConventions@amsa.gov.au

Additionaladvicemayalsobefoundinindustryguidelinessuchas:

• InternationalShippingFederation’sGuidelinesontheapplicationoftheILOMaritimeLabourConvention

• ILOGuidelinesforPortStateControlOfficers

• ILOGuidelinesforFlagStateInspections.

CopiesoftheMLC,2006andtheILOguidelinescanbedownloadedfromtheInternationalLabourOrganization’sMaritimeLabourConventionwebsitewww.ilo.org.

1.1 TermsanddefinitionsThetermsanddefinitionsusedintheGuidearefromtheMLC,2006,theNavigation Act 2012,andMarineOrder11.ReadersshouldconsidertherelevantlegislationandtheConventioninconjunctionwiththisGuide.

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2. OverviewoftheMLC,2006Since20August2013,ILOmemberStatesthathaveratifiedtheConvention(availableontheILOwebsite)regulatetherequirementsoftheMLC,2006throughtheirflagStateandportStateresponsibilities.

ThemainbodyoftheMLC,2006(theRegulationsandtheCode)isgroupedinfivemainsubjectareasreferredtoas‘Titles’.

2.1 Title1–MinimumrequirementsforseafarerstoworkonvesselsTitle1identifiestheminimumstandardstobemetforaseafarertoworkonavessel,including:

i. minimumage-nopersonsundertheageof16canbeemployedonavessel

ii. seafarersundertheageof18 -maynotbeemployedtodoworklikelytojeopardizetheirhealth/safety -requirementforadditionalattentiontohealth/safetyforyoungseafarers -prohibitedtoperformnightwork,exceptwheredefinedbynationallaws

iii.medicalcertificate - seafarersaretobecertifiedasmedicallyfitbyadulyqualifiedmedicalpractitioner - forvesselsoninternationalvoyagesseafarersmedicalcertificatesmustbeinEnglish - validityofamedicalcertificateisgenerally2years,or1yearforseafarersunder18. - colourvisiontestsarevalidfor6years

iv. seafarersmustbetrainedorcertifiedascompetenttoperformtheirdutiesandhavesuccessfullycompletedshipboardpersonalsafetytraining

v. seafarerrecruitmentandplacementservicesaresubjecttoregulationandaudit.

2.2 Title2–ConditionsofemploymentTitle2isintendedtoensurethatseafarershaveaseafarers’employmentagreement(workagreement)whichcontainsspecificminimumemploymentconditionsforallseafarersincluding:i. wagesii. hoursofworkandrestiii.entitlementtoleaveiv. repatriationandcompensationrightsv. accesstotraining,skillsdevelopmentandfurtheremploymentopportunities.

2.3 Title3–Accommodation,recreationalfacilities,foodandcateringTitle3relatestothelivingconditionsonboardavessel:i. accommodationstandards,includingroomsizesandtheirfixturesii. heating,cooling,lighting,ventilationandnoiselevelsiii.sanitaryandlaundryfacilitiesiv. requirementsformessroomsandrecreationroomsv. requirementsforhospitalaccommodationvi.foodandcatering.

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2.4 Title4–Healthprotection,medicalcare,welfareandsocial securityprotectionTitle4setsrequirementstoprotectthehealthofseafarersandensuretheirpromptaccesstomedicalcareonboardavesselandashore:

i. medicalandessentialdentalcareonboardandashore: - therighttovisitmedicalservicesashoreatnocost - shipowners’liability/provisionoffinancialsecurity

ii. medicaltreatmentonboardbyappropriatelytrainedpersonnel

iii. carriageofmedicalequipmentandmedicines - workplacehealthandsafetyprotectionandaccidentprevention

v. accesstoshorebasedwelfarefacilities

iv. socialsecurityprotection.

2.5 Title5–Complianceandenforcementi. Regulation5.1detailsflagStateresponsibilitiesforimplementationandenforcement: - generalprinciples - RecognisedOrganisations - certification - inspections - reporting - complaintprocedures - investigations - marinecasualties.

ii. Regulation5.2setsportStateresponsibilitiesforenforcementonforeignvessels: - inspections - certificationvalidity,clear/reasonablegrounds - moredetailedinspection(MDI) - deficiencies/detention - complainthandlingprocedures(onshore) - investigations - reporting.

iii. Regulation5.3specifieslaboursupplyingresponsibilities

- Establishmentofaninspectionandmonitoringsystemforprivateseafarerrecruitmentand placementservices.

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3. ImplementationoftheMLC,2006inAustraliaInAustraliatheMaritime Labour Convention, 2006hasbeenimplementedprimarilythroughtheNavigation Act 2012andassociateddelegatedlegislation(MarineOrders).

TheNavigation Act 2012 and Marine Order 11 (Living and working conditions on vessels).

Note:TheaccommodationrequirementsprescribedinMarineOrders-Part14,issue1(Accommodation)asinforceon30June2013,SectionC1oftheNSCVorILOConventionsNo.92and133applytovesselsconstructedpriorto20August2013.

OthercommonwealthlegislationandMarineOrdersthatencompassaspectsoftheMLC,2006,are:• TheOccupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993• TheFair Work Act 2009• TheSeafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992• MarineOrder9(Health–medicalfitness)• MarineOrder15(Construction–fireprotection,firedetectionandfireextinction)• MarineOrder21(Safetyofnavigationandemergencyprocedures)• MarineOrder28(Operationsstandardsandprocedures)• MarineOrder70(Seafarercertification)• MarineOrder71(Mastersanddeckofficers)• MarineOrder72(Engineerofficers)• MarineOrder73(Ratings)AllMarineOrderscanbeaccessedontheAMSAwebsite:www.amsa.gov.au/vessels/standards-regulations/marine-orders/

Commonwealthlegislationandregulations(includingMarineOrders)areavailableattheAustralianGovernmentComLawwebsite:www.comlaw.gov.au

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4. IsyourvesselsubjecttotheMLC,2006?ThefollowingsectionprovidesguidanceindeterminingtheregulatoryrequirementsforownersofcommercialvesselswhichareeitherregisteredinAustralia,visitAustralianportsoroperateinAustralianwaters.

4.1 RegulatedAustralianvessels(RAV)RegulatedAustralianvessel(RAV)isdefinedinsection15oftheNavigation Act 2012.

Asoutlinedinsection3ofthisGuide,therequirementsoftheMLC,2006havebeenimplementedinAustraliathroughseveralpiecesoflegislation.CompliancewithallrelevantlegislationwillensurethataregulatedAustralianvesselmeetsitsobligationsundertheMLC.

MarineOrder11capturesandconsolidatesmanyofthestandardsandrequirementsforcertificationthatwereintroducedintoAustralianmaritimeregulationasaresultoftheConvention’sratification.

Section6ofMarineOrder11appliestheOrdertoallregulatedAustralianvessels.

HoweveronregulatedAustralianvessels:

a.that:

i. arecertifiedtooperateexclusivelyinareaswhereportlimitsapplyorintheGreatBarrier MarineParkregion;or

ii. isinaNSCVservicecategoryclass1C,1D,1E,2C,2D,2E,3A,3B,3C,3D,3E,4C,4Dor 4Easdefinedinsection3.5.1ofPartBoftheNSCV;and

b.onwhichtheemploymentoftheseafarersissubjecttotheFair Work Act 2009.

OnlytheprovisionsoftheOrderspecifiedinSection6(3)apply.

Important: Vessel operators are urged to seek clarification if any doubt exists as to whether Marine Order 11 applies to their vessel in part or in full.

DetailsonwhichvesselsrequireMaritimeLabourCertificationiscontainedwithinSection5ofthisGuide.

Note:WithrespecttoregulatedAustralianvesselsthatareFloatingProductionandStorageOffloadingUnits(FPSO)andFloatingStorageUnits(FSU)theMLC,2006isappliedbyvirtueofChapter2oftheNavigation Act 2012.WheretheActisdisallowedbyvirtueoftheapplicationoftheOffshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006(OPGGSA)NavigationActrequirements,includingthoserelatedtotheMLC,2006,willceasetohaveeffectfortheperiodthevesselissubjecttoOPGGSA.Ifthevessel‘disconnects’andisnolongersubjecttoOPGGSAthentheNavigationAct2012andtheMLC,2006isapplicable.

4.2 Australiandomesticcommercialvessels(DCV)AustraliancommercialvesselsthatarenotaregulatedAustralianvesselaredomesticcommercialvessels(DCV)andaresubjecttotherequirementsoftheMarine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act, 2012,(theNationalLaw).

TheguidanceinthispublicationisintendedforRAV’sandforeignflaggedvessels.SeafarersrightsandemploymentprinciplesthatareapplicabletoDCV’sarecapturedwithintheNationalLaw,theMarineOrderassociatedwiththisAct(MarineOrders501-507)andtheNationalStandardforCommercialVessels(NSCV).

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FurtherinformationrelatingtotheregulatoryrequirementsforAustralianDCVscanbefoundonthedomesticcommercialvesselpageatAMSA’swebsite:www.amsa.gov.au/domestic/

4.3 Foreign-flaggedvesselsinAustralianportsArticleV,paragraph7,oftheConventionrequireseachsignatoryMemberStatetoenforcetherequirementsofMLC2006insuchawaythatshipsthatflytheflagofaStatethathasnotratifiedtheConventionareprovided‘nomorefavourabletreatment’whenintheportofasignatoryMemberState.

WithinAustralia,thismeansthatallforeign-flaggedvesselswillbesubjecttotheportStateinspectionsdetailedinRegulation5.2oftheConvention,irrespectiveofwhethertheirflagStatehasratifiedtheConventionornot.WheretheflagStatehasnotratifiedtheMLC,2006suchvesselsmustbeabletoprovidedocumentaryevidenceofcompliancewithitsregulationsandstandards.

TheportStatecontrolinspectionwillexamineallthematterslistedinAppendixA5-IIIoftheMLC,2006.

FurtherguidanceonportStatecontrolinspectionsiscontainedwithinSection8ofthisGuide.

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5.CertificationofregulatedAustralianvesselsRegulatedAustralianvesselsof500GTandoverthatareproceedingonanoverseasvoyageorforuseonanoverseasvoyagearerequiredtoobtainMLC,2006certification.

Vesselsnormallyengagedinoverseasvoyagesthataremorethan200GTbutlessthan500GTdonotrequirecertification.However,thevesselwillstillneedtobecompliantwiththerequirementsoftheMLC,2006andMarineOrder11.AMSAadvisesthatownersshouldconsiderthecarriageofMLC,2006certificatestoavoidpossibledelaysinforeignports.

ForthepurposeoftheMLC,2006Regulation5.1.2,AMSAappointedRecognisedOrganisations(ROs)havebeenauthorisedas‘Issuingbodies’.ThisauthorisationpermitsROstoconductinspectionsandissueAMSAstatutorycertification,includingMaritimeLabourCertificates.

RecognisedOrganisationsarelistedinMarine Order 1 (Administration).

Acurrentlistisalsoavailableatwww.amsa.gov.au/vessels/ship-safety/flag-state-administration/

5.1 ApplicationandcertificationprocessTheprocessofapplyingforMLC,2006certification,andthesubsequentissueoftheMaritimeLabourCertificate,shouldgenerallyfollowthestepsbelow.

1. Thevesselowner(s)makesapplicationtotheirselectedROforMLC,2006inspectionandcertification.

1.1 TheownersubmitsallrelevantinformationtotheROforappraisal.

1.2 UsingtherequirementsintheDMLCPartItemplateasaguide,whereexemptionsorequivalentsaretobesought,thevesselownermustprovideevidence,includingevidenceofconsultationwithshipownerandseafarerorganisationsasrequiredbytheMLC,2006.

1.2.1 ExemptionsareonlypermittedwherespecificallyallowedinTitle3oftheMLC,2006andMarineOrder11.

1.3 TheROshouldreviewanyrequestsforexemptionsorequivalentstoensuretheyarecompleteandsubstantiatedbeforeforwardingontoAMSA.

1.4 TheownermustalsocompletePartIIoftheDeclarationofMaritimeLabourCompliance(DMLCPartII)andsubmittotheROforreviewandendorsement.

1.4.1 MoredetailedguidanceonhowtocompletePartIIoftheDMLCisprovidedintheInternationalShippingFederation’s,GuidelinesontheapplicationoftheILOMaritimeLabourConvention.

MLC,2006formsincludingDMLCPartsIandIIareavailableattheAMSAwebsite: www.amsa.gov.au/forms-and-publications/international/forms/Seafarers/index.asp

2. TheROmaythenconductaformalinspectionofthevessel.Theinspectionwillcoverthe14areassubjecttogeneralinspection,asdetailedinAppendixA5-IoftheMLC,2006.

3. WhentheROverifies,followinginspection,thatthevesselanditsarrangementscomplywiththeMLC,2006andMarineOrder11,theROshallforwardtheapplication,includingrequestsforexemptions/equivalents,theendorsedDMLCPartIIandtheinspectionreporttoAMSA.

3.1 AMSAassessesthecontentoftheapplication,includingtheRO-endorsedDMLCPartII,anyrequestsforexemptions/equivalentsandtheinspectionreport.

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3.2 Ifanyfurtherinformationorclarificationisrequiredonanexemption/equivalencerequestoranyotherdocumentation,AMSAwillliaisewiththeROwhoshouldconsultthevesselowner.

a. Withregardtoexemptions/equivalents,whenAMSAissatisfiedthattherequestedexemption/equivalenceisvalidandtheoutcomeoftheconsultationwiththerepresentativeorganisationsissatisfactory,theROwillbeinformedaccordingly.

b. Thedetailsoftheexemptions/equivalentsgrantedwillbeinsertedintherelevantsectionoftheDMLCPartIbyAMSA.Ifrequired,theownermayneedtoreviewandresubmittheDMLCPartIItotheRO.

4. WhenAMSAissatisfiedthattheDMLCPartIIandtheinspectionreportareadequate,theDMLCPartI,includinganyexemptions/equivalents,isfinalised,signedandissued.AMSAwillissuethesignedDMLCPartIinsoftcopythroughtheRO.TheoriginalDMLCPartIwillbeforwardedtothevesselowner.

5. TheROwillissueaMaritimeLabourCertificate(AMSAForm318)andprovideittothevesselowner.

6. TheROwillensurethatacopyoftheMaritimeLabourCertificateisforwardedtoAMSA.

5.2 WhathappensiftheROfindsthevesseldoesnotcomply?IfduringtheinspectiontheROidentifiesareasthatarenotcompliantwiththeMLC,2006orMarineOrder11,theywillconsultwithAMSA.

Wheretheissuesonnon-compliancearesuchthatanexemptionorequivalentsrequestistobeconsidered,theprocedurerequiredbySection5.1paragraph1.2aboveistobefollowed.

Oncecompleted,theownerwillneedtoreviewandresubmittheexemptionorequivalentsrequestandDMLCPartII.Thecertificationprocesswillthenrestartfromparagraph1.3ofSection5.1above.

5.3 InterimMaritimeLabourCertificateAnInterimMaritimeLabourCertificatemaybeissuedinaccordancewithStandardA5.1.3,sections5to7,ofMLC,2006.AMaritimeLabourCertificatemaybeissuedonaninterimbasisunderthefollowingcircumstances:

• Newvesselsondelivery;

• Whenavesselchangesflag;or

• Whenavesselownerassumesresponsibilityfortheoperationofavesselwhichisnewtothatvesselowner.

ThevalidityoftheInterimMaritimeLabourCertificatemaynotexceedaperiodof6monthsandmayonlybeissuedsubjecttoverificationthat:

• Thevesselhasbeeninspected,asfarasreasonableandpracticable,forthe14areassubjecttogeneralinspectioninAppendixA5-IoftheMLC,2006;

• ThevesselownerhasdemonstratedthatthevesselhasadequateproceduresinplacetocomplywithMarineOrder11;

• TheMasterofthevesselisfamiliarwiththerequirementsofMarineOrder11;and

• ThevesselownerisintheprocessofdevelopingaDMLCPartIIandhassubmittedrelevantinformationtoAMSAforthedevelopmentofaDMLCPartI,whichmayincludearequestforexemptionsorequivalents.

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AfullinspectioninaccordancewithStandardA5.1.3paragraph1shallbecarriedoutpriortotheexpiryoftheInterimMaritimeLabourCertificatetoenableissueofafull-termMaritimeLabourCertificate.

Nofurtherinterimcertificatewillbeissuedfollowingtheinitial6-monthperiod.ADMLCPartIneednotbeissuedfortheperiodofvalidityoftheinterimcertificate.

5.4MaintainingcomplianceandongoinginspectionsSpecificdetailsontherequirementsformaintainingcomplianceincludingongoinginspectionsiscontainedinDivision16ofMarineOrder11.

VesselsthatarecertifiedinaccordancewiththeConventionwillberequiredtoundergoanintermediateinspectionbetweenthesecondandthirdanniversaryoftheinitialcertificationdate.AMSAhasdelegatedthisresponsibilitytoROs.

Anintermediateinspectionwillbeconductedinamannersimilartotheinitialinspectioninthattheownerofavesselwillneedtodemonstrateongoingcompliancewiththe14areassubjecttogeneralinspectionlistedinAppendixA5-IoftheConvention.

5.5RenewalinspectionsArenewalinspectionisrequiredpriortotheexpirydateofaMaritimeLabourCertificate.

Whenapplyingforarenewal,thevesselowner(s)makesapplicationtotheirselectedROforinspectionandcertificationofthevesselandtheproceduredetailedinpart5.1abovewillapply.

5.6ValidityofcertificatesSection86ofMarineOrder11detailsinstanceswhereMaritimeLabourCertificatesandInterimMaritimeLabourCertificatesmayceasetobevalid,including:

• ongoinginspectionsarenotcompletedwithinspecifiedtimeframes

• acertificateordeclarationisnotendorsedaccordingly

• thevesselchangesflag

• whenanownerceasestoassumeresponsibilityfortheoperationsofavessel

• whenasubstantialalterationismadetothestructureorequipmentcoveredinTitle3oftheMLC,2006andwithsection37ofMarineOrder11.

AMaritimeLabourCertificatemayalsobewithdrawnbyAMSAwherethereareseriousbreachesofMarineOrder11ortheConvention.

5.7 CertificationflowchartsTheflowchartsshownonthefollowingpagesillustratetheprocedureforinspectionandcertificationofregulatedAustralianvesselsasrequiredbytheMLC,2006.

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FlowchartforobtainingaMaritimeLabourCertificate

ROshallforwardtheapplication,includingrequestsforexemptions/

equivalents,theendorsedDMLCPartIIandtheinspectionreporttoAMSA

ROreviewsanyrequestsforexemptionsorequivalentstoensuretheyarecompleteandsubstantiatedbefore

forwardingontoAMSA

VesselownerappliestoROfor inspectionandcertification

UsingtherequirementsintheDMLCPartItemplateasaguide,whereexemptionsaretobesought,thevesselownermustprovideevidence,includingevidenceofconsultationwithshipownerandseafarerorganisationsasrequiredbytheMLC

ROconductsphysicalinspection

OwnermustcompleteDMLCPartIIandsubmittotheROforreviewand

endorsement

AMSAassessestheapplication

TheDMLCPartI,includinganyexemptions/equivalentsisfinalised,signedandissued.ROissuesthe

MaritimeLabourCertificate

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FlowchartforobtaininganInterimMaritimeLabourCertificate

VesselownercompletesDMLCPartIIasfaraspossibleandappliestoROfor

inspectionandcertification

ROissuesinterimMLC

ROsendscopiesofMLCdocumentstoAMSA

ROconductsinspectionofthe14areasandassessesifvesselownercan

demonstrateadequateprocedurestocomplywithconvention.

ROmustalsoadviseAMSAwheretheremaybeanyexemptionsorequivalence

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6. Whoisa‘Seafarer’?TheMLC,2006generallyappliestoallseafarers.Therearetraditionallyrecognisedseafarerroles(deckandengineerofficersandintegratedratings)wherethoseperformingsuchroleswillclearlyfallwithinthedefinitionofseafarer.However,theremaybeothersituationswhereitisnotclearwhetherornotanindividualisaseafarerandassuchwhethertherelevantprovisionsoftheNavigation Act 2012andMarineOrdersapplytothatperson.

Section14oftheNavigation Act 2012defines‘seafarer’asanypersonwhoisemployedorengagedorworksinanycapacity(includingthatofmaster)onboardavesselonthebusinessofthevessel,otherthanthefollowing:

a. alicensedpilotofthevessel(actingassuchapilot);

b. anownerofthevesseloraperson(exceptthemaster)representingtheowner;

c. lawenforcementpersonnel(intheircapacityaslawenforcementpersonnel);

d. ifthevesselisaspecialpurposevessel—specialpersonnelinrelationtothevessel;

e. apersontemporarilyemployedonthevesselinport;

f. apersonprescribedbytheregulations.

Inconsideringprescribingbyregulationthetypesofoccupationsthatarenotseafarers,AMSAfoundthatitwasessentiallydifficulttoprovideaprescriptivelistofoccupationsofpersonswhomaynotbeseafarers.ItwasagreedinconsultationwithAMSA’ssocialpartnersthattheapplicationandintentoftheConventionmayvaryfromcircumstancetocircumstance.

WheretheownersofavesselthatisrequiredtoholdaMaritimeLabourCertificateidentifythatanoccupationalgroupengagedorworkingonboardavesselmay,intheirview,notbeconsidered‘seafarers’forthepurposeoftheConvention,theymaymakeanapplicationtoAMSAwhowilldetermineonacasebycasebasis,whetherthatoccupationalgroupisexempt.

Recognisingthattheremaybeoccasionswherethisissuewouldarise,atits94thsessiontheILOpassedResolutionVII–InformationonOccupationalGroupsprovidingguidanceforAdministrationsintheirdeliberationsonthismatter.

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ThefollowingconsiderationstakenfromResolutionVII,shouldaccompanytheowner’sapplicationforDMLCPartIinrelationtothoseoccupationalgroups:

1. thecategory(occupationalgroup)orcapacityofthepersons;

2. thedurationofthestayonboardofthepersonsconcerned;

3. thefrequencyofperiodsofworkspentonboard;

4. thelocationoftheperson’sprincipalplaceofwork;

5. thepurposeoftheperson’sworkonboard;

6. whoisresponsibleforthelabourandsocialconditionsforthepersons;

7. whatformofworkagreementisinplaceforthepersons;

8. thevesselowner’sassessmentofthatworkagreementinrelationtothestandardscreatedbytheMLC,2006;

9. Whetherthepersonsareexpectedtoundertakedutiesrelatedtothesafetyorsecurityofthevesselorpollutionprotection.

WhereAMSAhasdeterminedthattheMLC,2006isnotapplicabletoanoccupationalgrouporpersonsemployedonboard,companiesareremindedoftheirobligationsundertheFair Work Act 2009regardingtheminimumtermsandconditionsformaritimeemployees.

InformationonhowtheFair Work Act 2009appliestothemaritimeindustry,the10NationalEmploymentStandardsandthesafetynetofminimumtermsandconditionsofemploymentcanbefoundontheFairWorkOmbudsmanwebsite:www.fairwork.gov.au

MaritimeIndustryFactSheet: www.fairwork.gov.au/resources/fact-sheets/workplace-rights/Pages/maritime-industry-fact-sheet.aspx

NationalEmploymentStandards:www.fairwork.gov.au/employment/national-employment-standards/pages/default.aspx

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7.Demonstratingcompliance-AustralianvesselsTheinformationcontainedinthissectionprovidesgeneralguidanceontheworkingandlivingconditionsthatmakeupthe14areascoveredinDMLCPartsIandIIandarethesubjectofMLC,2006flagStatecomplianceinspectionsrequiredbyAppendixA5-IoftheMLC,2006.

Note:Thissectionisprovidedasanaide-mémoiretoassistindemonstratingcompliancewiththeMLC,2006.Informationcontainedhereiniscurrentatthetimeofpublicationandownersareadvisedtoreviewthecurrentlegislation/marineorderbeforetakinganyaction.

7.1Minimumage

7.1.1 GeneralWhenemployingseafarersonaRegulatedAustralianVessel,ownersmustnot:

• employanypersonundertheageof16years

• employanypersonundertheageof18yearsinnightwork,orwherehealthandsafetyisjeopardised.

AMSAwillpermitseafarersundertheageof18yearstoworkbetweenthehoursof9pmand6amonlyiftheworkisreasonablyrequiredforthetrainingofthepersoninaccordancewithanapprovedtrainingprogram.

Seafarersundertheageof18yearscanonlyperformcertaintasksundersupervisionandinstruction.Thedetailsofthosetasksarelistedinschedule2ofMarineOrder11.

7.2MedicalcertificationAllseafarersemployedonaRegulatedAustralianVesselmustobtainaCertificateofMedicalFitnessissuedinaccordancewithMarine Order 9 (Health – medical fitness) 2010.ThecontactdetailsforbookinganAMSAmedicalexaminationare:

• Tollfree:1300277904• Phone:+61(0)392248510• Email:SeafarerMedicals@medibank.com.au

AlistofoverseasproviderscanbefoundonthequalificationssectionoftheAMSAwebsite.

AnAMSAmedicalmayonlybeobtainedfromamedicalpractitionerwhohasbeenapprovedbyAMSA.

7.3Qualificationofseafarers

7.3.1 GeneralSeafarersmustholdappropriateseagoingqualificationstoperformdutiesatseainaccordancewiththeInternationalConventiononStandardsofTraining,CertificationandWatchkeeping(STCW)ConventionortheNationalStandardforCommercialVesselsPartD(fornearcoastaloperationsoneligiblevessels).TherequirementsforobtainingandmaintainingunlimitedqualificationsarecontainedinMarineOrders70,71,72and73.TherequirementsforobtainingandmaintainingnearcoastalqualificationsarecontainedinMarineOrder505.

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ForownersofvesselsregisteredontheAustralianInternationalShippingRegisteradditionalinformationregardingCertificatesofEquivalencecanbefoundontheAISRsectionoftheAMSAwebsite.

7.3.2MarineCookUndertheMLC,2006,apersonemployedasacookonboardavesselmustbeover18yearsofageandsuitablyqualified.

MarineOrder11section60requirestheownerofavesseltoensurethatapersonworkingavesselasacookholdsacertificateofproficiencyasmarinecookissuedinaccordancewithMarineOrder70.TheymustalsoholdavalidAMSAMedicalandaCertificateofSafetyTraining.

Theownerofavesselmayapplyforanexemptionfromtherequirementabove.AMSAmaygrantanexemption:

(a) foraperiodupto1month;or

(b) untilthevesselarrivesatthenextconvenientportofcall.

Onavesselwithaprescribedmanningleveloflessthan10,thatduetothetradingpatterndoesnotneedtocarryafullyqualifiedcook,mustensurethattheperson,orpersons,processingfoodinthegalleyareappropriatelytrainedorinstructedinhygieneandfoodhandlingaspersection60ofMarineOrder11.

FurtherinformationcanbefoundonthequalificationssectionoftheAMSAwebsite:https://www.amsa.gov.au/forms-and-publications/International/forms/Seafarers/index.asp

7.4Seafarers’WorkAgreements(seafarersemploymentagreements)

7.4.1 GeneralSeafarersservingonboardaRegulatedAustralianVesselmusthaveasignedandcurrentworkagreementinaccordancewithsection21ofMarineOrder11.

Asampleworkagreementisavailableathttps://www.amsa.gov.au/forms-and-publications/international/forms/Seafarers/index.asp

Ownersshouldnotethattheformoftheworkagreementisnotprescribed,howeveritmustcontainasaminimumthedetailsrequiredbyschedule3ofMarineOrder11.

Aworkagreementneedstobesignedbyboththeseafarerandtheownerortheiragent.Atalltimesseafarersmustbegiventherighttoobtainadvicepriortosigningaworkagreement.Workagreementsmaybelinkedtoacollectiveagreementoranenterprisebargainingagreement.Specificguidanceonthecontentsoftheagreementsisbelow.

a. Dateofbirthorage:Normallythedateofbirthshouldbeinsertedinfull,onlyinexceptionalcircumstancesshouldtheseafarer’sagebeinserted,andonlywhentheseafarer’sdateofbirthcannotbeestablished.Theownershouldalwaysusetheagethattheseafarerisatthetimeofsigningtheagreement.

b. Capacityinwhichtheseafareristobeemployed:Thisrequiresaspecificandcleardescriptionoftheoccupationtypeanddutiesthattheseafareristoperform.Iftheseafarerchangespositiononboardthevesselthenanewagreementwillneedtobesigned.

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c. Wages:TheOwnerofavesselmustensurethatwagesarepaidatleastmonthlyandthateachseafarerisgivenapayslipdetailingpaymentsmadeincludingadditionalpaymentsandtherateofexchangeusedifpaymenthasbeenmadeinacurrencydifferentfromthatagreedintheworkagreement.Aseafarerisentitledtonominateanotherpersontowhomwages,oranominatedamountoftheirwages,aresentatregularintervals.

d. Paidannualleave:Theperiodofpaidannualleavemustbeincludedintheworkagreement,areferencetoanycollectiveagreement,enterprisebargainingagreementorawardissatisfactory.

e. Noticeofterminationofanagreement:Specificdetailsofthenoticeofterminationofanagreementcanbefoundinsection22ofMarineOrder11.

f. Repatriation:Thetermsandconditionsgoverningrepatriationentitlementsarelistedinsection31ofMarineOrder11.

7.4.2 VesselsregisteredontheAustralianInternationalShippingRegister(AISR)OwnersofvesselsregisteredorintendingtoberegisteredontheAISRneedtobeawarethatsection61AAoftheShipping Registration Act 1981dis-appliestheprovisionsoftheFair Work Act 2009 andtheSeafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992inparticularcircumstances,andthatMinisterialdeterminationsareinplaceregardingminimumwagesandcompensation.Ownersofvesselsshouldrefertothe‘GuidetotheRegistrationofaShipontheInternationalRegister’publishedbyAMSA.TheGuideisavailableinelectronicformontheAISRsectionoftheAMSAwebsite.

7.4.3SeafarersdischargeformsandrecordsofemploymentAseafarermustbehandedarecordofserviceattheirtimeofdischargeorattheexpiryoftheirworkagreement.Itisarequirementthatvesselmasterscompletetheapprovedrecordofserviceformandthatthevariouscopiesoftheformaredistributedaspertheinstructionscontainedwithin.

RecordofServiceBooks(AMSA143)canbepurchasedfromanyAMSAoffice.

7.5SeafarerRecruitmentandPlacementServicesOwnersofaRegulatedAustralianVessel,oraforeign-flaggedvesselinanAustralianport,thatusePrivateSeafarerRecruitmentandPlacementServices,areremindedoftheirobligationstoensurethattheserviceisoperatedinaccordancewithRegulation1.4oftheMLC,2006.

Australian-basedPrivateSeafarerRecruitmentandPlacementServiceswillneedtoregisterwithAMSAandmaybesubjecttoauditandinspection.

SpecificguidanceonhowtoregisterasaRecruitmentServiceProviderandtheAustralianRegisterofPrivateSeafarerRecruitmentandPlacementServicesthathavebeenassessedascompliantwithDivision3ofMarineOrder11isontheAMSAwebsite:www.amsa.gov.au/international/mlc/recruitment-placement-service/

AMSAwillrecogniseappropriatelyregisteredSeafarerRecruitmentandPlacementServiceswheretheyexistinmembercountriesthathaveratifiedtheMLC,2006.

7.6HoursofworkandrestTheMLC2006containsmandatoryrequirementsgoverningminimumhoursofrestforseafarers.AustraliahaschosentoharmonisewiththerequirementsoftheIMO Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978(STCW)(asamended).MarineOrder28requiresthatallseafarersmusthaveminimumhoursofrest.VesselsthatcomplywithMarineOrder28willmeetAustralianrequirementsfortheMLC,2006.

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AspartofthemanagementofhoursofworkandrestMLC,2006requiresthatindividualrestrecordsmustbemaintainedforeveryseafareronboardthevessel.ThemastershallmonitorrestrecordstoensurethatseafarersareincompliancewiththeminimumrequirementssetoutinInternationalConventiononStandardsofTraining,CertificationandWatchkeeping(STCW)sectionA-VIII/1andMarineOrder28.

ThesedocumentsaresubjecttoinspectionbyflagStateandportStatecontrolofficers.SampledocumentscanbefoundontheAMSAwebsite:www.amsa.gov.au/forms-and-publications/international/forms/index.asp#mlc

7.7ManninglevelsforthevesselInformationontheprocedureforobtainingaMinimumSafeManningDocumentcanbefoundontheAMSAwebsite:www.amsa.gov.au/vessels/manning/

7.8Accommodation,foodandrecreationalfacilities

7.8.1. GeneralTitle3oftheMLC,2006addressesaccommodationandrecreationalfacilitiesandmuchofthistitleappliestoa‘newvessel’.However,italsoincludesrequirementsforaccommodationarrangementsandtheprovisionoffoodandwaterwhicharegiveneffectbyregulations(MarineOrder11)madeundersections60to75intheNavigation Act 2012.Theserequirementsincludeexposuretonoiseandvibration,lighting,heatingandcooling,andtheconditionoftheaccommodation.Themastermustensurethattheaccommodation,cateringfacilities,foodandrecreationalfacilitiescontinuetocomplywithMarineOrder11andtheMLC,2006.

7.8.2RequirementsforRegulatedAustralianVesselsMarineOrder14,issue1(Accommodation)(OrderNo.5of1990)appliestoRegulatedAustralianVesselsconstructedpriorto20August2013anddealswithaccommodationconstructedpriortotheentryintoforceoftheMLC,2006.Theseprovisionsremainunchanged,andthereisnorequirementforownerstoundertakestructuralchangestotheaccommodation.

RegulatedAustralianVesselsconstructedafter20August2013mustcomplywiththeconstructionstandardsforaccommodationspecifiedinMarineOrder11.

7.9 HealthandsafetyandaccidentpreventionAllregulatedAustralianvesselsandsomeforeign-flaggedvesselsaresubjecttotherequirementsoftheOccupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993(OHS(MI)Act)asitcurrentlyapplies.

TheOHS(MI)Act prescribes:

• matterspertainingtothehealth,safetyandwelfareofmaritimeindustryemployeeswhileatwork;

• theprotectionofpersonsatornearworkplacesfromriskstohealthandsafetyarisingoutoftheactivitiesofmaritimeindustryemployeesatwork;

• ensuringthatexpertadviceisavailableonoccupationalhealthandsafetymattersaffectingmaritimeindustryemployeesandmaritimeindustrycontractors;and

• promotinganoccupationalenvironmentformaritimeindustryemployeesthatisadaptedtotheirhealthandsafetyneeds.

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TheOccupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Regulations 1995 and Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) (National Standards) Regulations 2003mayalsoapply.

TrainedflagStatecontrolofficersareappointedasInspectorsundersection84ofthatOHS(MI)ActandwillconductOHS(MI)auditsofregulatedAustralianvesselsonaregularbasis.TheseauditsarenormallydoneinconjunctionwithaflagStatecontrolinspection.AMSAinspectorsmayalsoberequiredtoattendandinvestigateincidentswheretherehasbeenacomplaintorthereisclearindicationthatthehealthandsafetyofpersonsonboardhasbeenjeopardized.

7.10Onboardmedicalcare

7.10.1GeneralSections66and67oftheNavigation Act 2012makeitanoffenceforavesseltoproceedtoseawithoutmedicines,medicalandsurgicalstores,andtheinstructionsfortheiruse.

Ineffect,vesselsarerequiredtocarrymedicalstoresinaccordancewiththeMedical Carriage Requirements on Regulated Australian VesselsandtocarryacopyofthemostrecenteditionoftheInternational Medical Guide for Ships,publishedbytheWorldHealthOrganization.

Forvesselscarryingdangerousgoods,wherethosesubstancesarenotincludedintheMedical first aid guide for use in accidents involving dangerous goods,itistheownerandmaster’sresponsibilitytoensurethattheycomplywiththerequirementsofsubsection68(3)ofMarineOrder11priortoloadingthosegoods.

OwnerswillneedtoensurethatcrewmemberswhohavecompletedtheMedicalCareonboardShipandMedicalFirstAidcourseaspartoftheirCertificateofCompetencyconductrefreshertrainingatintervalsofnotmorethan5years.Whiletheformofthistrainingisnotprescribed,AMSArecommendsthatitshouldcoverataminimum:• CPRTechniques• Treatmentofwounds,bleeding,burnsandsofttissueinjuries• Generaltreatmentoftrauma• ReviewofcontentofInternationalMedicalGuideforShips• Reviewofnursingprocedures• Legislationandequipmentupdates.

7.10.2StandardmedicalreportformItisnowarequirementwhenexchangingmedicalinformationforindividualseafarersbetweenavesselandshorebecauseofillnessofinjurytouseanapprovedform.AMSAhasproducedastandardmedicalreportform(AMSA278)thatistobeutilisedforthetransferofthisinformation.

Theformisintwoparts.PartAisdesignedtobeusedwhenthevesselisataberthandtheseafarerisabletoattendamedicalpractitionerinport.Intheeventofanat-seamedicaleventwheretele-medicaladvicehasbeensoughtorinpreparationforamedicalevacuation,PartBoftheformshouldbeusedandtransferredwiththeseafarerwhentransferredashore.Personalinformationconcerningindividualseafarersistobekeptconfidentialatalltimes.

AcopyofthisformisavailableonAMSA’swebsite:www.amsa.gov.au/forms-and-publications/international/forms/Seafarers/index.asp

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7.11OnboardcomplaintproceduresTheMLC,2006setsoutminimumrequirementsforcompetentauthoritiestocreateandregulateasystemtoensurethatseafarers,ortheirrepresentatives,havecleardirectionastowhereandhowtomakeacomplaintconcerningtheworkingandlivingconditionsonboardvessels.

Ownersofvesselsnowhavearequirementtoestablishandmanageanonboardcomplaintssystemthatallowsseafarerstheopportunitytomakeacomplaintwithoutrecourseorconcern.Theonboardcomplaintsystemmustattheveryleastprovideforthefollowingrequirements:

• wherepossibleseektoresolveseafarercomplaintsatthelowestlevelpossible

• includerightsoftheseafarer,safeguardsagainstvictimisation,andhaveanominatedpersononboardthevesselwhocanprovideadvice

• ensurethatcontactinformationfortheflagStateandtheMaritimeadministration/sinthecountryofresidenceofseafarersonboardisavailable

• ensurethatallcomplaintsarecapturedinwriting

• protectseafarerrightsinregardtoretainingtheprivilegeofbeingaccompaniedduringthecomplaintsprocess

• providemechanismstoallowseafarerstherighttomakecomplaintsashore,wheretheycannotberesolvedonboard

• provideobligationsoncompetentauthoritiesandflagStateauthoritiestoattempttoresolvethematterashoreifnecessary

• areportingmechanismtotheInternationalLabourOrganizationwhencomplaintscannotberesolved.

SeafarerswillalwaysretaintherighttomakecomplaintsdirectlytoAMSAoranyotherorganisationdirectlyinvolvedinthewelfareofseafarers,andnoactioncanbetakenagainstaseafarermerelybecauseheorshehasmadeacomplaint.Theonboardcomplaintssystemmustbepostedinanareaaccessibletoallseafarersservingonboard.

Theonboardcomplaintssystemandtheassociatedrequirementsmaybesubjecttospecificinspectionsinforeignportsofcall,especiallyincaseswherecompetentauthoritieshavereceivedacomplaint.

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7.12PaymentofwagesOwnersofregulatedAustralianvesselsareremindedoftheirobligationsundertheFair Work Act 2009,awardorcollectiveagreementtopayseafarerstheirwage,ataminimum,onamonthlybasis(ashorterperiodcanapply).MarineOrder11containsadditionalrequirementswithregardtothepaymentofwages.

TheownerofaregulatedAustralianvesselmustalso:

• establishasystemthatallowsseafarerstotransferpartoftheirearningstofamily

• ensurethatthosepaymentsaremadedirectlytothepersonnamedbytheseafarerandontime.

Theownerofavesselmaychargeareasonablefeetofacilitatethetransferoffunds.

Complaint

HeadofDepartment/Supervisor

Complaintrecorded Copyprovidedtoseafarer

Matterresolvedtotheseafarer’ssatisfaction?

Yes No

Caseclosed,decisionrecorded, copyprovidedtoseafarer

Decisionrecorded, copyprovidedtoseafarer

IfcomplaintwasfirstmadetoHeadofDepartmentseafarerreferscomplaintto Captainorappropriateexternalauthorities

Resolution Non-resolution

Caseclosed,decisionrecorded, copyprovidedtoseafarer

Matterreferredtovesselownerashoreorconsiderson-shore

complaintsprocedure

Onboardcomplaintflowchart

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8. PortStatecontrolinAustraliaMLC,2006inspectionswillnormallybecarriedoutinconjunctionwithportStatecontrolinspectionsbutmayalsobeconductedasastandaloneinspection.

Followinganinitialinspectionamoredetailedinspectionmayberequiredandwillbecarriedoutwhen:

• requireddocumentsarenotproducedormaintainedorarefalselymaintainedorwhendocumentsproduceddonotcontaintheinformationrequiredbytheConventionorareotherwiseinvalid

• therearecleargroundsforbelievingthattheworkingandlivingconditionsonthevesseldonotconformtotherequirementsoftheConvention

• therearereasonablegroundstobelievethatthevesselhaschangedflagforthepurposeofavoidingcompliancewiththeConvention

• thereisacomplaintallegingthatspecificworkingandlivingconditionsonthevesseldonotconformtotherequirementsoftheConvention.

FollowingaMoreDetailedInspectionwherethevesselisfoundnottoconformtotherequirementsoftheConventionand:

a. theconditionsonboardareclearlyhazardoustothesafety,healthandsecurityofseafarers,or

b. thenon-conformityconstitutesaseriousbreachoftherequirementsoftheConvention(includingseafarersrights)

TheAMSAInspectorwillensurethatthevesseldoesnotproceedtoseauntilthedeficienciesthatfallwithinthescopeof(a)and(b)havebeenrectifiedoracorrectiveactionplanhasbeenreceivedandagreed.

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MLC,2006PortStateinspectionflowchart

Initial inspection

Doestheshiphave MLC2006Certification? (StandardA5.2.1para1)

Yes No

Certificate&DMLC validandcomplete?

(StandardA5.2.1para1)

a)CleargroundsforbelievingworkandlivingconditionsdonotconformtoConvention

b)ReasonablegroundshipchangedflagtoavoidcompliancewithConvention

c)ComplaintthatworkandlivingconditionsdonotconformtotheConvention.

Yes Yes, but

Inspection ends

No

Yes No

More Detailed Inspection MUST be carried out

More Detailed Inspection MAY be carried out

Documentnotmaintainedanddoesnotcontaininformationrequired.

Doworkandlivingconditions,believedorallegedtobedefective,constituteaclearhazardtosafetyetcoraseriousbreachofrequirementsincludingseafarersrights?

(A5.2.1,lastsentence)

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9.OnshorecomplaintsSeafarershavearighttomakeacomplainttotheportState/flagStateauthoritieswhenthereisabeliefthattherehasbeenabreachoftherequirementsoftheMLC,2006.MarineOrder11providesthataseafarermayreportsuchabreachtoAMSAtofacilitateapromptandpracticalmeansofredress.

WhencomplaintsaremadetoAMSA,AMSAwill:

•undertakeaninitialinvestigation,whichmayormaynotentailashipvisit

•determinewhethertheonboardcomplaintssystemhasbeenused

- Ifithasbeenused,examinetherecordsofthematter.

•promoteresolutionofcomplaintatshipboardlevelifappropriate

•notifytheflagStateifthecomplainthasnotbeenresolvedseekingresolution,adviceorcorrectiveactionwithinaprescribeddeadline.

AMSAmayalsoconsideramoredetailedinspectionofthevesselincludingmattersotherthanthosementionedinAppendixA5-IIItotheMaritimeLabourConvention.

Whereacomplainthasnotbeenresolvedfollowingtheactiontakenabove,AMSAwilltransmitacopyofthereportsandassociateddocumentstotheILODirector-GeneralwithnotificationtotheportStateshipownerandseafarerorganisations.

AMSAcontactdetailsforonshorecomplaintsare:Email:OnshoreCom@amsa.gov.auWeb:www.amsa.gov.au/seafarers/mlc/complaints/

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AMSA432(3/16)