The Maritime Labour Convention | Traficom
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Transport and Communications Agency

The Maritime Labour Convention

The Maritime Labour Convention (2006) provides a minimum labour standard for the shipping industry. It contains provisions on conditions of employment, accommodation and recreational facilities, food and catering, health protection, medical care and social security protection, inspection and enforcement.

Maritime labour certificate and declaration of maritime labour compliance

Traficom issues Finnish ships of 500 gross tonnage or over engaged on international voyages a maritime labour certificate. The certificate is issued for a time not exceeding five years. On the owner's request, maritime labour certificates may be issued to other ships as well. 

A declaration of maritime labour compliance shall be attached to the maritime labour certificate. The declaration consists of the following two parts:

  • Part I (DMLC-I) identifies the list of matters to be inspected in accordance with the Convention, provides a reference to the national legal provisions and clearly indicates any exemption granted to the ship. Part I is drawn up by Traficom.
  • Part II (DMLC-II) identifies the measures adopted to ensure ongoing compliance with the national requirements between inspections and the measures proposed to ensure that there is continuous improvement. Part II is drawn up by the shipowner and certified by Traficom. 

The following measures are required before a maritime labour certificate can be issued:

  • The occupational safety authority has carried out an inspection on board and submitted a statement to us endorsing the issuance of a maritime labour certificate.
  • The master of the ship has sent a statement to us confirming that the manning level and the competence and qualifications of the crew comply with national legislation.  
  • The shipowner has sent Part II of the declaration of maritime labour compliance (DMLC-II) to us for verification. 

The documents should be sent to by e-mail to kirjaamo@traficom.fi.

A fee is charged for the maritime labour certificate in accordance with law.

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