What is required and when will the convention come into force?

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has adopted the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC 2006). A Maritime Labour Certificate (MLC) and a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) will be required to ensure compliance with the Convention for all ships above 500 tons in international trade.

The MLC 2006 will enter into force one year after 30 countries with a minimum of 33% of the world tonnage have ratified it. DNV expect the MLC 2006 to enter into force in December 2011 based upon EU's planned ratifications before 31 December 2010.