C4.4.d. Who must pay for welfare facilities?

The provisions in Regulation 4.4 and Standard A4.4 do not require that the port State take responsibility for financing or operating such services. Guideline B4.4.2, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the MLC, 2006 [see A12.] states that welfare facilities and services should be provided, in accordance with national conditions and practice, by one or more of the following:

(a) public authorities;

(b) shipowners’ and seafarers’ organizations concerned under collective agreements or other agreed arrangements; and

(c) voluntary organizations.

Under Guideline B4.4.4, financial support for port welfare facilities should be made available through one or more of the following:

(a) grants from public funds;

(b) levies or other special dues from shipping sources;

(c) voluntary contributions from shipowners, seafarers, or their organizations; and

(d) voluntary contributions from other sources.

Access to shore-based welfare facilities