A9. What is the Code of the MLC, 2006?

The MLC, 2006 is organized into three main parts: the Articles, at the beginning of the Convention, set out the broad principles and obligations. The Articles are followed by the Regulations and the Code, which relate to the areas of seafarers’ working and living conditions covered by the Convention and to inspection and compliance. The Regulations, which are written in very general terms, are complemented by the more detailed Code of the MLC, 2006. The Code has two parts: Part A (mandatory Standards) and Part B (non- mandatory Guidelines). The provisions in the Regulations and the Standards (Part A of the Code) and the Guidelines (Part B of the Code) have been vertically integrated in the Convention: in other words, they have been arranged and linked together according to their subject matter: thus each of the Titles in the MLC, 2006 [see A6.] consists of various Regulations covering a particular aspect of the subject, each Regulation being followed first by the Part A Standards and then by the Part B Guidelines that relate to the same aspect. The numbering system in the Convention also reflects this structure. For example: Title 1. Minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship contains Regulation 1.1 – Minimum Age, and Standard A1.1 – Minimum age and Guideline B1.1 – Minimum age. Title 2. Conditions of employment contains Regulation 2.1 – Seafarers’ employment agreements, Standard A2.1 – Seafarers’ employment agreements and Guideline B2.1 – Seafarers’ employment agreements.

General questions about the MLC, 2006