What is the structure of the MLC with its Titles, and how do DMLC Parts I and II cover welfare measures?
Short answer
| Layer | Content |
|---|---|
| Articles I to XVI | principles and general obligations |
| Regulations | core requirements per subject |
| Code Part A | mandatory Standards |
| Code Part B | guidelines |
| Titles 1 to 5 | minimum requirements; conditions of employment; accommodation and food; health, welfare, social security; compliance and enforcement |
| DMLC Part I | flag State: the inspectable areas and the national requirements |
| DMLC Part II | shipowner: the measures for ongoing compliance |
- Structure: Articles I to XVI, the Regulations, and the Code (Part A mandatory Standards, Part B guidelines); Article VI allows substantial equivalence.
- Five Titles: 1 minimum requirements; 2 conditions of employment; 3 accommodation, recreation, food and catering; 4 health, medical care, welfare and social security; 5 compliance and enforcement.
- DMLC (A5.1.3, 500 GT or more, international voyages): attached to the Maritime Labour Certificate; Part I by the flag states the 14 inspectable areas and the national requirements; Part II by the shipowner states the measures for ongoing compliance.
- Welfare areas: accommodation, recreation, food and a certified cook (Title 3); medical care, medicine chest, health and safety, shore welfare and social security (Title 4); the complaint procedure (A5.1.5).
- Part I versus Part II: the flag’s requirements per area versus the shipowner’s arrangements (accommodation maintenance, medicine chest, catering, welfare access, complaints), inspected for the certificate.
- India: MS Act 2025 and the Maritime Labour Rules 2016; DGMA draws up Part I and issues the certificate; the shipowner completes Part II.
Full answer
The full answer explains each point step by step, with the regulations and figures behind it and the discussion from other candidates. It is in the MEO Class I section of the Marine One forum, open to members enrolled for the MEO Class I exam.