The Cayman Islands Gets Ready For Maritime Labour Convention

The ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 ("MLC 2006"), which was ratified by the United Kingdom on 7 August 2013, has been extended to the Cayman Islands and will enter into force on 7 August 2014. 

MLC 2006 came into force internationally on 20 August 2013 (the "Commencement Date") for the 30 countries which ratified MLC 2006 on or before 20 August 2012.  MLC 2006 is important because it creates a level playing field for ship owners and seafarers.  It addresses a number of issues including, minimum age, ship owners' obligations in relation to seafarers' contractual arrangements, oversight of manning agencies, working hours and hours of rest, health and safety, repatriation, crew accommodation, catering standards and the welfare of seafarers generally.  As a result, it has become widely referred to as the "seafarers' bill of rights".