The European Commission has proposed new rules to ensure that ships entering EU ports respect the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). This convention, established by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), sets minimum standards on working conditions for sailors, particularly regarding hours of work and rest, lodgings, food, health protection and health care.

Its transposition into Community law was the subject of an agreement between social partners in November 2007, and led to Directive 2009/13 on the MLC.

The Commission's proposals concern two key pieces of legislation on maritime security: Directives 2009/16/EC on port state control and 2009/21/EC on the responsibilities of flag states. The aim of amending these directives is to clarify the responsibilities of port states and flag states in the implementation of Directive 2009/13.

Notably, the Commission wants flag states to establish inspection systems to ensure that living and working conditions for seafarers comply with Directive 2009/13. The proposal on port state control also amends Directive 2009/16/EC by incorporating the requirement under the MLC for ships of 500 GT and above to carry a maritime labour certificate, and a declaration of maritime labour compliance attesting to compliance with the MLC.

In 2011, the Commission launched a consultation on compliance with the ILO Convention, saying that the absence of rules to ensure respect for this convention could lead to unfair competition between shipowners.

Source: Europolitics