The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006) was adopted by the International Labour Conference of the International Labour Organization (ILO), under article 19 of its Constitution, during a maritime session in February 2006 in Geneva. The aim of the current article is to analyze MLC regulation 5.2.1 regarding inspections in ports. In other words it will be discussed how member states which have ratified the MLC will enforce it through Port State Control (PSC) procedures.
As you are well aware of IMO has amended the “fitness for duty – hours of rest” requirements to provide watchkeeping officers aboard ships with sufficient rest periods at the Diplomatic Conference to adopt amendments to the STCW Convention, (successfully completed in Manila on 25 June 2010).
Under the Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention, in full implementations since 1.1.2012 all persons who are assigned duty as officer in charge of a watch or as a rating forming part of a watch and those whose duties involve designated safety, prevention of pollution and security duties (including Masters and catering staff NOT affected by previous regulation referring ONLY to those with watch duties) shall be provided with a rest period of not less than:
1.a minimum of 10 hours of rest in any 24-hour period; and
2.77 hours in any 7-day period.
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Officer of the Watch 