Experience from ISM Code as Implementation Model for the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006

Abstract

The International Safety Management Code (ISM Code) and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006 are international regulatory instruments to provide standards for the safe management and operation of ships, protection of marine environment, and setting fort minimum working requirements for the welfare and working conditions of seafarers. For the ISM Code, its effective implementation depends mostly on the competence and continued commitment and motivation of individuals at all levels, and the outcome envisages the enhancement of a safety culture throughout the shipping industry. This paper attempts to establish correlations between the ISM Code and the MLC, 2006 in the provisions on objectives, legislative requirements, Flag State responsibilities, Port State responsibilities, health and safety protection, accident prevention and safety management, regular inspections and analysis of non-conformities and qualifications of seafarers. Based on these, a model to enhance the implementation of the MLC, 2006 by the relevant stakeholders in the maritime sector is developed patterned on the multi-stage model of the workings of the ISM Code developed by Trapford (2009). Although not very exhaustive, the literature reviewed on the experience of the ISM Code and the model proposed could reasonably apply for MLC, 2006 as the notions, goals and objectives of the both codes are anchored on the development of a safety culture – one emphasizing safe management culture and the other safe working conditions and welfare of the seafarers.