Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to MLC, 2006 – The Seafarers' Bill of Rights 

• Historical context and development of the MLC.
• Structure and scope of the Convention: Five Titles and their Regulations/Code.
• Fundamental principles and objectives of the MLC.
• Roles and responsibilities of ratifying States, shipowners, and seafarers.
• Entry into force and global impact of the MLC.
• Case Study: Analyze how the MLC addresses a common historical injustice faced by seafarers (e.g., abandonment).

Module 2: Minimum Requirements for Seafarers to Work on Ships (Title 1) 

• Minimum age for seafarers and prohibition of child labour.
• Medical fitness requirements and medical certificates.
• Training and qualifications (link to STCW).
• Recruitment and placement services: ensuring ethical practices.
• Responsibilities of recruitment agencies and shipowners.
• Hands-on Exercise: Review a sample Seafarer's Medical Certificate and identify key compliance elements.

Module 3: Conditions of Employment (Title 2) 

• Seafarer Employment Agreements (SEAs): content, language, and signing.
• Wages and allotments: timely payment and transparency.
• Hours of work and hours of rest: compliance with STCW and MLC.
• Entitlement to leave (annual leave, shore leave).
• Repatriation requirements and financial security.
• Hands-on Exercise: Draft key clauses for a compliant Seafarer Employment Agreement based on a given scenario.

Module 4: Accommodation, Recreational Facilities, Food and Catering (Title 3) & Health Protection, Medical Care, Welfare and Social Security Protection (Title 4)

• Standards for seafarer accommodation: ventilation, heating, lighting, sleeping areas.
• Recreational facilities onboard.
• Food and catering standards: quality, quantity, and health requirements.
• Shipboard medical care and access to shore-based medical facilities.
• Occupational health and safety protection.
• Social security protection: sick pay, injury benefits, unemployment benefits.
• Study Tour (Virtual/Video): A virtual tour of a modern cargo ship's crew accommodation, galley, and recreational facilities, highlighting MLC compliance.

Module 5: Compliance and Enforcement (Title 5) & Complaint Procedures 

• Flag State responsibilities for MLC implementation and certification (DMLC Part I & II).
• Shipowner responsibilities and the Maritime Labour Certificate.
• Port State Control inspections under the MLC: procedures, deficiencies, detentions.
• Onboard and shore-based seafarer complaint procedures.
• Resolution of disputes and grievance handling.
• Final Exercise: Participate in a role-playing exercise where participants act as PSCOs, ship masters, or seafarers dealing with an MLC complaint and its resolution.