As the date of entry into force of the Maritime Labor Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006) rapidly approaches, shipowners, managers, crewing agencies and seafarers are starting to familiarize themselves with the new requirements. With some 55,000 seagoing vessels requiring certification of compliance and the regulations impacting on every level of an organization, this preparation is a massive task. In response, Germanischer Lloyd (GL) has developed a comprehensive E-Learning tool for the MLC 2006 in CD form, the first such tool covering the convention.
Olaf Quas, GL's Global Head of Practice ISM/ISPS/MLC 2006, explains: "We have developed this e-learning tool to help individuals prepare themselves and where the main topics of the MLC 2006 are explained in a few words. This tool has been built with both the crew on board and shore based personnel in mind, but its portability and ease of use will be especially helpful for personnel who cannot easily visit a training seminar."
The E-Learing tool covers all of the regulations, including hours of work and hours of rest, seafarers' employment agreements, and onboard complaint procedures. Additionally, the tool provides examples of how compliance with the MLC 2006 can be achieved, as well as numerous examples illustrating possible methods of implementation. It shows how a vessel's owners and crew can prepare themselves for an inspection, explaining what expectations auditors will have, what questions they will ask, and how a ship's crew can demonstrate compliance with the requirements.