Ship crewing sector calls for ratification of MLC of 2006

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s ship crewing sector has called for the immediate ratification of the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) of 2006 in which the ILO introduces a number of major amendments to existing international regulations involving ships crews’ welfare.

The Joint Manning Group (JMG) said that the Philippines being the leading supplier of seafarers to the world’s shipping fleet would greatly be benefited by ratifying the Convention. Filipino seafarers are employed by countries that have ratified the MLC 2006.

“The ratification by the Philippines will be a major indication of the country’s serious efforts to comply with the latest international rules and regulations that will enhance the continued employment of the Filipino seafarers,” JMG stressed.

JMG is projecting an increase in demand of Filipino officers and crew in the next two years, further boosting the Philippines current 30% share of the world’s seafaring supply. This will also translate into increased foreign exchange remittance in 2012 which is expected to hit about $4 billion.

The MLC 2006 consolidates 38 of the maritime labor conventions and introduces major amendments to existing international regulations involving crew welfare that will enter into force in 2012 when 30 countries owning 33% of the world’s shipping tonnage ratify the convention.

Presently, a total of 22 countries have already ratified MLC 2006 and the balance of eight countries are expected to be reached within the first quarter of 2012. “It will be significant for the Philippines to be part of the first 30 countries that will ratify the Convention and put it into force,” the JMG said.

The JMG, whose members include the Filipino Association for Mariners’ Employment (FAME), the Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council (PJMCC), the International Maritime Association of the Philippines (INTERMAP), the Philippine Association of Manning Agencies and Ship Managers (PAMAS), and the Filipino Shipowners’ Association (FSA), is also a member of the Maritime Industry Tripartite Council (MITC).

The council also includes concerned government agencies, overseas and domestic labor unions and other industry stakeholders as members. –EDU LOPEZ, Manila Bulletin