Maritime Labour Convention
New Zealand and the Maritime Labour Convention
New Zealand is a signatory to the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (the MLC). The MLC is an international treaty adopted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) that sets minimum standards for the health, safety and welfare of seafarers in areas such as:
- conditions of employment including payment of wages, hours of work and rest, minimum age, qualifications, and employment agreements
- accommodation including food and catering=
- crewing levels
- on board recreational facilities
- on board medical care
- accident prevention
- on board complaints procedures.
The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) applies to you if you are a seafarer on a vessel:
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200 GT or more and operating outside inshore limits
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that is not a fishing vessel.
A seafarer is anyone employed or engaged on a ship in any capacity related to the operation of the ship. The Master is also considered to be a Seafarer.
Under the MLC, New Zealand has the jurisdiction to:
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inspect foreign-flagged ships to check that they comply with the standards set by the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)
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inspect and certify its own ships that travel internationally to show that they comply with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).
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The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) does not apply to fishing vessels. The New Zealand government has a range of measures in place regarding vessel safety and the fair treatment of crews on fishing vessels.
Related links
Know your rights
Find out what your rights are as crew aboard a vessel that complies with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).
MLC requirements for ship owners
Read about ship owner requirements under the MLC
MLC resources for Surveyors
Get all forms and guidelines needed for MLC inspections
MLC for recruitment agencies
Find out about recruitment agencies under the MLC
Port State Control
Learn more about the inspection of foreign ships
Working at sea
Learn more about operator responsibilities, crewing and accessing support services.