A17. When did the MLC, 2006 become applicable?

The MLC, 2006 entered into force on 20 August 2013, 12 months after the date on which there were registered ratifications by at least 30 countries with a total share in the world gross tonnage of ships of at least 33 per cent. This requirement for initial entry into force is set out in Article VIII, paragraph 3 of the MLC, 2006. It meant that as of 20 August 2013 (when the requirements were met) the MLC, 2006 was binding as a matter of international law for those 30 countries. For any country that ratified after 20 August 2012, as set out in Article VIII, paragraph 4, the Convention enters into force for that country 12 months after the date the country’s ratification is registered.

As of December 2019, the MLC, 2006 has been ratified by 96 ²¹ countries representing more than 91 per cent of the world gross tonnage of ships, with more ratifications expected in the future.

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General questions about the MLC, 2006