1 Purpose
This Marine Notice describes the Health and Safety protections afforded to seafarers under the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006), and the role of Novaveritas Maritime Division (NVMD) in verifying compliance during MLC inspections.
2 Regulatory Framework
Title 4 of MLC 2006 establishes minimum standards for seafarer health protection, medical care, welfare, and social security. Shipowners are required to ensure that seafarers have access to prompt and adequate medical care while employed on board and that the shipboard environment protects their health and safety.
3 Key Requirements — MLC 2006 Title 4
| Regulation | Subject | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Reg. 4.1 | Medical care on board & ashore | Qualified medical attendant on ships ≥ 100 persons on international voyages; medicine chest on all vessels |
| Reg. 4.2 | Shipowners' liability | Financial security for sickness/injury costs, wages during illness, repatriation |
| Reg. 4.3 | Health and safety protection | Occupational safety and health (OSH) programs, hazard identification, accident prevention |
| Reg. 4.4 | Access to shore-based welfare facilities | Seafarer welfare services in ports |
| Reg. 4.5 | Social security | Comparable social security protection to shore-based workers |
4 Occupational Safety & Health Program
Shipowners must establish a documented Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) program on board every vessel to which MLC 2006 applies. The OSH program must address:
- Risk assessment and hazard identification for all shipboard activities
- Procedures for reporting and investigating accidents, injuries, and near-misses
- Provision of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Safe working aloft, overside, and in enclosed spaces
- Chemical and hazardous substance management
- Noise and vibration exposure controls
- Anti-fatigue management measures
5 NVMD Inspection Focus Areas
NVMD surveyors will verify: currency of the Shipboard OSH Program; accident register and investigation records; availability and condition of medicine chest; medical training of designated seafarers; provision and use of PPE; and financial security documentation for MLC 4.2 liability coverage.