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Maritime Labour Convention 2006 and its application

The Maritime Labour Convention 2006 provides standards and regulations relating to the working and living conditions of seafarers.

An international standard

Australia is a signatory to the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC). The convention was developed under the International Labour Organization and came into force internationally on 20 August 2013. The MLC consolidates existing labour conventions and introduces modern standards for the working and living conditions of seafarers.

The MLC provides working and living standards for the world’s 1.4 million seafarers and sits alongside the following conventions: 

See a list of countries that have ratified the convention

Implementation of MLC in Australia

We are the authority responsible for regulation of the convention and its requirements in Australia.

Watch a video about our involvement with the convention.

In Australia, the MLC has been implemented primarily through the Navigation Act 2012. Implementation is supported by domestic legislation including Marine Order 11.  

Marine Order 11 contains regulations that address:

  • maritime labour certificates
  • interim maritime labour certificates
  • recruitment and placement
  • complaints
  • engagement and working conditions of seafarers
  • provisions
  • health
  • accommodation—use and vessel plans/ design and construction/working spaces
  • welfare of seafarers
  • accommodation—sanitary and laundry facilities/hospital facilities
  • repatriation.

Vessels it applies to

The MLC applies to all commercial vessels whether publicly or privately owned.  

The MLC does not apply to:

  • fishing vessels
  • vessels of traditional builds (such as dhows and junks)
  • warships or naval auxiliaries  
  • vessels not ordinarily engaged in commercial activities.

Subject areas

The main body of the convention (the regulations and the code) is grouped into 5 main subject areas referred to as titles.

Title 1—Minimum requirements for seafarers to work on vessels
Title 2—Conditions of employment
Title 3—Accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering
Title 4—Health protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection
Title 5—Compliance and enforcement  

Last updated: 11 January 2024