Solicitud directa (CEACR) - Adopción: 2025, Publicación: 114ª reunión CIT (2026)

Convenio sobre el trabajo marítimo, 2006 (MLC, 2006) - Ghana (Ratificación : 2013)

The Committee notes the Government’s third report on the application of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006). The Committee notes that the amendments to the Code of the Convention approved by the International Labour Conference in 2022 entered into force for Ghana on 23 December 2024. In relation to the 2022 amendments to the Code of the Convention, the Committee draws the Government’s attention to the questions included in the revised report form and requests the Government to reply to such questions in its next report, indicating in each case the applicable national provisions.

Article I of the Convention. General questions on application. Implementing measures. The Committee welcomes the fact that the Government has submitted a copy of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006. Once adopted, Part IV (Engagement and Welfare of Seafarers) of the Ghana Shipping Act, 2003 (Act 645) and the Ghana Shipping (Maritime Labour) Regulations, 2015 (L.I. 2226) will be repealed. The Committee requests the Government to adopt without delay the necessary measures to give full effect to the Convention, taking into account the matters raised below.

Article II. Definitions and scope of application. In reply to the Committee’s previous request, the Government indicates that no category of persons or ships have been exempted from the application of the Ghana Shipping Act, 2003 or the Ghana Shipping (Maritime Labour) Regulations, 2016. The Committee further observes that section 1(1)(b) of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 provides that Part 1 on maritime labour does not apply, among others, to (iv) vessels exempted by the Director-General; or (v) a seafarer exempted by the Director-General and specified in a Maritime Circular. Section 1(2) provides that for the purposes of subsection 1(b), paragraphs iv and v, the Director-General shall make such determination in consultation with the seafarers and vessel owners organizations. The Committee trusts that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay.

Article II, paragraphs 1(f), 2, 3 and 7. Definitions and scope of application. Seafarers. National determination. The Committee notes that, in response to its previous request, the Government states that sections 1 and 132 of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 ensure that masters and apprentices benefit from the protection provided by the Convention. The Committee observes that section 1(1)(a)(ii) provides that Part one of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 applies to a seafarer, defined under section 132 as “any person who is employed or engaged or works in any capacity on board a vessel to which this Part applies”. The Committee expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay.

Regulation 1.1 and Standard A1.1, paragraph 1. Minimum age. Referring to its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that section 4 of the Draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 provides that a person under the age of 16 shall not be employed on a vessel in conformity with the requirement of Standard A1.1, paragraph 1. The Committee expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without further delay to ensure conformity with Standard A1.1, paragraph 1.

Regulation 1.1 and Standard A1.1, paragraph 4. Minimum age. Hazardous work. The Committee notes the Government’s reply to its previous comment indicating that the issue of the prohibitions of hazardous work for young seafarers has been addressed by the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006. The Committee observes that section 5 of the said draft Bill provides that a young seafarer is prohibited from carrying out any work: (a) which is objectively beyond the young seafarer’s physical or psychological capacity; (b) which possesses a risk of accidents; (c) in which there is a risk to health from extreme cold, heat, noise or vibration; or (d) listed in section 97. Section 97(1) of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 provides for a list of types of hazardous work that are prohibited for a young seafarer to carry out and for which no exceptions are possible and section 97(2) allows a young seafarer to carry out tasks which present some risk that are an indispensable part of his or her established training programme, provided the task is (a) performed under the supervision of a competent person; and (b) carried out in a manner where the young seafarer’s health and safety is ensured as far as reasonably practicable. The Committee also observes that section 96 lists restricted tasks that may be undertaken by a young seafarer under supervision. The Committee expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without further delay to ensure full compliance with Standard A1.1, paragraph 4 and requests the Government to indicate whether the list of types of hazardous work that are prohibited to young seafarers was determined after consultation with the shipowners’ and seafarers’ organizations concerned.

Regulation 1.2 and Standard A1.2, paragraph 4. Medical Certificate. Period of validity. Referring to its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that LI 1790 Merchant Shipping (Training, Certification, Manning and Watchkeeping) Regulations, 2004 was repealed and replaced by the Ghana Shipping (Standard of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2229), which prescribes the requirements for the medical fitness certificate and provides for the same periods of validity as the MLC, 2006. The Government further stated that, upon the adoption of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006, the applicable law in respect of medical certificates of seafarers shall be section 7 of the draft Bill, which provides for periods of validity for medical and colour vision certificates in conformity with the MLC, 2006. The Committeeexpects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without further delay to ensure full compliance with Standard A1.2, paragraph 4.

Regulation 1.4 and Standard A1.4, paragraph 5(c)(vi). Recruitment and placement. System of protection. The Committee notes that, in response to its previous comment, the Government indicates that the draft Bill requires recruitment agencies to adopt a system of protection in the event of the shipowner or agency’s failure to meet its obligation to the seafarer. The Committee observes that section 116 of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 provides that a seafarer recruitment and placement service provider shall establish a system of protection, by way of insurance or an equivalent appropriate measure to compensate seafarers for monetary loss that they may incur as a result of the failure of a recruitment and placement service or the relevant vessel owner under the seafarers’ employment agreement to meet its obligations to the seafarer. The Committee expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay to ensure compliance with Standard A1.4, paragraph 5(c)(vi). The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on how the system of protection operates in practice.

Regulation 1.4 and Standard A1.4, paragraph 7. Recruitment and placement. Investigation of complaints. In reply to the Committee’s previous comment, the Government specifies that the investigation of complaints concerning the activities of seafarer recruitment and placement services is carried out by the Registrar of Maritime Labour, as provided for under section 200(e) of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006. The Committee expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay to ensure compliance with Standard A1.4, paragraph 7.

Regulation 2.1, paragraph 1, and Standard A2.1. Seafarers’ employment agreements. Exceptions. The Committee observes that section 9 of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 on seafarers’ employments agreements (hereafter SEA) does not exclude any category of ship from the protection of this section. The Committee observes that Part IV (Engagement and Welfare of Seafarers) of the Ghana Shipping Act, 2003, which excluded some ships from the requirements of Standard A2.1, will be repealed once the Bill is adopted. The Committee notes that this provision would bring the legislation in conformity with Standard A2.1 and expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay.

Regulation 2.1, paragraph 1, and Standard A2.1, paragraph 1(a) and (c). Seafarers’ employment agreements. Signature of seafarer and shipowner or a representative. Signed original. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that section 9 of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 gives effect to the requirements of the Convention. The Committee also observes that Part IV (Engagement and Welfare of Seafarers) of the Ghana Shipping Act, 2003, which did not give effect to the requirements of the Convention with respect to SEAs, will be repealed. The Committee expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay to ensure full conformity with Standard A2.1, paragraph 1 (a) and (c).

Regulation 2.1 and Standard A2.1, paragraph 4. Seafarers’ employment agreements. Content. The Committee notes that, in reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that section 10(2) of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 prescribes the matters that should be included in a SEA. The Committee, however, observes that the shipowner’s name and address are not listed among the particulars to be contained in a SEA as required by Standard A2.1, paragraph 4(b). The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that SEAs provide concrete information on the identity of the shipowner as required by Standard A2.1, paragraph 4(b).

Regulation 2.1 and Standard A2.1, paragraph 6. Seafarers’ employment agreement. Termination. Shorter notice period for urgent reasons. In reply to the Committee’s previous comment, the Government states that section 11 of the draft Bill addresses this requirement of the Convention and refers to a shorter notice period for compassionate or other urgent reasons. The Committee expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006, will be adopted without delay to ensure compliance with Standard A2.1, paragraph 6.

Regulation 2.1 and 2.2 and Standard A2.1, paragraph 7 and Standard A2.2, paragraph 7. Seafarers’ employment agreements and wages. Captivity as a result of acts of piracy or armed robbery against ships. The Committee notes that sections 9(9) and 12(9) of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 give effect to the requirements of the 2018 amendments to the Code of the MLC, 2006. The Committee notes that these provisions would bring the legislation in conformity with the Convention and expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay.

Regulation 2.2 and Standard A2.2, paragraphs 1 and 2. Wages. Regular payment. Monthly account. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in reply to its previous comment, that section 12(1) and (2) of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 ensures that seafarers are paid at monthly intervals and receive a monthly account of the payments due and the amounts paid, including wages, additional payments and any allotments or deductions permitted under this Act, in compliance with the requirement of Standard A2.2, paragraphs 1 and 2. While noting this information, the Committee, however, observes that pursuant to section 12(11) of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 “the owner of a Ghanaian vessel trading outside Ghanaian waters shall pay to each seafarer belonging to that vessel the seafarer’s wages, if demanded, within two days after the arrival of the vessel at the port where the seafarer is to be discharged or on the seafarer’s discharge, whichever happens first”. Also, pursuant to section 12(10) of the said Bill “a vessel owner or master shall ensure that before paying off or discharging a seafarer there is (a) a full and true account of the seafarer’s wages and deductions to be made to that seafarer at the time and manner provided for under this Act; (b) the account shall be delivered to the seafarer not less than 24 hours before the seafarer’s discharge or paying off”. Noting the existence of conflicting provisions on this issue, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measuresto ensure that full effect is given to Standard A2.2, paragraphs 1 and 2.

Regulation 2.2 and Standard A2.2, paragraph 6. Wages. Deductions. The Committee notes the Government’s reply to its previous comment indicating that section 18 of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 gives effect to Guideline B2.2.2, paragraph 4(h). The Committee expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay to ensure compliance with Standard A2.2, paragraph 6.

Regulation 2.3 and Standard A2.3, paragraph 3. Hours of work and hours of rest. Normal working hours’ standard. The Committee notes that the draft bill does not prescribe that the normal working hours’ standard for seafarers shall be based on an eight-hour day with one day of rest per week and rest on public holidays. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures without further delay to give full effect to Standard A2.3, paragraph 3.

Regulation 2.3 and Standard A2.3, paragraph 14. Hours of work and hours of rest. Immediate safety and distress at sea. In reply to its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that necessary steps have been taken in the draft bill implementing the MLC, 2006 to ensure compliance with Standard A2.3, paragraph 14. The Committee observes that section 29 of the said Bill gives effect to the requirement of the Convention that seafarers, who perform work in a scheduled rest period for the immediate safety of the ship, persons on board or cargo, or for the purpose of giving assistance to other ships or persons in distress at sea are provided with an adequate period of rest as soon as practicable after the normal situation has been restored. The Committee notes that this provision would bring the legislation in conformity with Standard A2.3, paragraph 14 and expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay.

Regulation 2.4 and Standard A2.4, paragraph 3. Regulation 2.5 and Standard A2.5.1, paragraph 2(b). Possible exceptions to the prohibition to forgo paid annual leave. Maximum period of service on board. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that section 31 of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 provides that a seafarer is entitled to annual leave in respect of each 11 months of employment, which shall be calculated on the basis of a minimum of two and a half calendar days per month of employment and section 40 of the said Bill provides that the maximum duration of service on-board following which a seafarer is entitled to repatriation shall be less than 12 months. The Committee notes that this provision would bring the legislation in conformity with the Convention and expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay.

Regulation 2.4 and Standard A2.4, paragraph 3. Entitlement to leave. Prohibition of agreements to forgo annual leave. In reply to the Committee’s previous comment, the Government specifies that section 37 of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 provides that any agreement for a seafarer to forgo annual leave with pay is prohibited. The Committee expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay to ensure full conformity with Standard A2.4, paragraph 3.

Regulation 2.5 and Standard A2.5.1, paragraphs 1 and 2(a). Repatriation. Circumstances. Referring to its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that sections 38 et seq. of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 provide for financial security to be provided by the shipowners in all circumstances of repatriation foreseen in Standard A2.5.1, paragraph 1. The Committee notes that these provisions would bring the legislation in conformity with the Convention and expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay.

Regulation 2.5 and Standard A2.5.1, paragraph 2(c). Repatriation. Entitlements. In reply to the Committee’s previous comment, the Government indicates that section 41 of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 complies with the requirement of Guideline B2.5.1, paragraph 6 by giving a seafarer the right to choose, from among the prescribed destinations, the place to which he/she should be repatriated. The Committee expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay to ensure compliance with Standard A2.5.1, paragraph 2(c).

Regulation 2.5 and Standard A2.5.2. Repatriation. Financial security. In relation to the 2014 amendments to the Code of the Convention, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that sections 46-48 of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 give effect to the requirements of the financial security system to assist seafarers in the event of their abandonment. The Committee notes that these provisions would bring the legislation in conformity with the Convention and expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay.

Regulation 2.7 and Standard A2.7, paragraph 3. Manning levels. Food and catering. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes that section 71(3) of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 provides that the vessel owner of a vessel operating with a prescribed manning of less than ten which, by virtue of the size of the crew or the trading pattern, is not required by the Authority to carry a fully qualified cook, shall ensure that anyone processing food shall be trained or instructed in areas including (a) food and personal hygiene; and (b) handling and storage of food on board the vessel. The Committee trusts that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay and requests the Government to provide typical examples of a safe manning document or equivalent issued by the competent authority, together with information showing the type of ship concerned, its gross tonnage and the number of seafarers normally working on it (Standard A2.7, paragraph 1).

Regulation 3.1, paragraph 2. Accommodation and recreational facilities. Scope of application. Requirements for ships constructed prior to the entry into force of the MLC, 2006,, 2006. The Committee notes the Government’s reply to its previous comment indicating that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 addresses this matter. The Committee observes that section 57(3) provides that vessels constructed before that date mentioned in subsection 1 shall comply with the requirements relating to vessel construction and equipment that are set out in (a) Accommodation of Crews Convention (Revised), 1949 (No. 92), and (b) Accommodation of Crews (Supplementary Provisions) Convention, 1970 (No. 133), and shall continue to apply to the extent that they were applicable, prior to that date. The Committee observes that Convention No. 133 is not applicable to Ghana, and while Convention No. 92 is applicable, there does not seem to be national provisions implementing its requirements for ships that continue to fall under the application of that Convention. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to implement the requirements of Convention No. 92 for ships constructed before the date when the MLC, 2006 entered into force for Ghana.

Regulation 3.1 and Standard A3.1, paragraphs 2(a) and 17. Accommodation and recreational facilities. Occupational safety and health and accident prevention requirements. In reply to its previous comment, the Committee notes that section 84 et seq. of the draft Bill is in accord with Regulation 4.3 and the associated Code provisions on health and safety protection and accident prevention. The Committee trusts that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay.

Regulation 3.1 and Standard A3.1, paragraph 3. Accommodation and recreational facilities. Flag State inspection. Referring to its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government reference to section 56(3) of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006, which gives effect to the requirements of Standard A3.1, paragraph 3. The Committee trusts that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay.

Regulation 3.1 and Standard A3.1, paragraphs 20 and 21. Accommodation and recreational facilities. Exemptions. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes that the Government refers to section 69 of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 as giving effect to the exemptions provided for under Standard A3.1, paragraphs 20 and 21. The Committee observes that some of the exemptions permitted under section 69 are not in compliance with the provisions of the Convention and that the numbering of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 does not align with the permitted exceptions. The Committee draws the Government’s attention to the fact that ships of less than 200 gross tonnage may not be exempted from the provision of sections 63 (mess rooms) and 66 (recreational facilities), and that ships that do not exceed 3000 gross tonnage cannot be exempted from the requirement of section 64 on hospital accommodation. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure full conformity with Standard A3.1, paragraphs 20 and 21.

Regulation 3.2, paragraph 1, and Standard A3.2, paragraph 2(a). Food and catering. Religious and cultural practices. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in reply to its previous comment, that section 70(1)(iii) of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 gives effect to the requirement that the differing cultural and religious backgrounds of seafarers are considered when determining the suitability of food supplies. The Committee expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay.

Regulation 3.2 and Standard A3.2, paragraph 6. Food and catering. Dispensation permitting a non-fully qualified cook. In reply to the Committee’s previous comment, the Government states that section 71(2) of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 provides that “[t]he Authority may issue a dispensation permitting a non-fully qualified cook to serve in a specified vessel for a specified limited period, until the next convenient port of call or for a period not exceeding one month, provided that the person to whom the dispensation is issued is trained or instructed in areas including food and personal hygiene as well as handling and storage of food on board a vessel”. The Committee expects that the draft Bill will be adopted without delay to ensure conformity with Standard A3.2, paragraph 6.

Regulation 4.1, paragraph 3. Medical care on board and ashore. Access to on shore medical facilities for seafarers on board foreign ships. The Committee notes that, in response to its previous request, the Government states that section 72(6) of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 implements the requirement of Regulation 4.1, paragraph 3 by providing that “[t]the Authority shall ensure that seafarers who are disembarked at a Ghanaian port for medical reasons shall have access to medical facilities on shore”. The Committee further observes that in relation to the 2022 amendment, section 75(5) of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 provides that “[t]he vessel owner shall ensure (a) prompt disembarkation of seafarers in need of immediate medical care from vessels and (b) access to medical facilities ashore for the provision of appropriate treatment” in compliance with the requirement of the Convention. The Committee expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay.

Regulation 4.2 and Standard A4.2.1, paragraph 7. Shipowners’ liability. Safeguarding of property left on board. In reply to the Committee’s previous comment, the Government states that section 82(4) of the draft Bill addresses this requirement of the Convention. The Committee notes that this provision would bring the legislation in conformity with the Convention and expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay.

Regulation 4.2 and Standards A4.2.1, paragraphs 8–14, and A4.2.2. Shipowners’ liability. Financial security. In relation to the 2014 amendments to the Code of the Convention, the Committee notes that the Government refers to sections 79 and 80 of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006, which comply with these requirements of the Convention. The Committee expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay.

Regulation 4.3 and Standard A4.3. Health and safety protection and accident prevention. Referring to its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that sections 84 to 104 of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 provide give effect in detail to the requirements of Regulation 4.3 and the Code. In relation to the 2022 amendments to the Code of the Convention, the Committee notes that section 104 of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 complies with the requirement of Standard A4.3, paragraph 5(a). The Committee expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay.

Regulation 4.5 and Standard A4.5, paragraph 6. Social security. Comparable benefits for seafarers in the absence of adequate coverage. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in reply to its previous comment, that section 191(2) of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 provides that a vessel owner, who employs a seafarer from a country that is not a party to the Convention, shall ensure that the seafarer is provided with access to social security protection as set out in Maritime Circulars. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the development of such Maritime Circulars.

Regulation 5.1.1 and Standard A5.1.1, paragraph 2. Flag State responsibilities. Copy of the MLC, 2006, on board. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes that the Government refers to section 3(1)(b) of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 which provides that a vessel shall at all times carry on board a copy of the MLC, 2006. The Committee expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay.

Regulation 5.1.3 and Standard A5.1.3. Flag State responsibilities. Maritime Labour Certificate and Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance. Interval and scope of inspections. Referring to its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that sections 127 to 129 of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 give effect to the requirements of the Convention with respect to the scope and interval of inspections. Noting that these provisions would bring the legislation in conformity with Standard A5.1.3, the Committee expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay.

Regulation 5.1.3 and Standard A5.1.3, paragraph 10. Flag State responsibilities. Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance. Content. The Committee observes that the Government has not submitted examples of approved DMLC, Part II, that has been drawn up by a shipowner to set out the measures adopted to ensure ongoing compliance with the national requirements and measures proposed to ensure that there is continuous improvement, as provided under Standard A5.1.3, paragraph 10(b). The Committee requests the Government to provide one or more examples of an approved DMLC, Part II, approved by the competent authority.

Regulation 5.1.4 and Standard A5.1.4, paragraph 4. Flag State responsibilities. Inspection and enforcement. Intervals of inspection. The Committee notes that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 refers to inspections taking place at intervals not exceeding three years for ships that are required to carry a Maritime Labour Certificate but does not establish the requirements for all ships covered by the Convention to be inspected for compliance with the Convention’s requirements at least every three years.The Committee accordingly requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that inspections are carried out on all ships flying its flag, as required under Regulation 5.1.4, paragraph 1 and Standard A5.1.4, paragraphs 1 and 4.

Regulation 5.1.4 and Standard A5.1.4, paragraphs 3, 6, 11(a) and 17. Flag State responsibilities. Inspection and enforcement. Qualification, status and conditions of service of inspectors. In reply to its previous request, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that sections 203 et seq. of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 give effect to the requirements of the Convention on this matter. The Committee expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay to ensure full compliance with these requirements of the Convention.

Regulation 5.1.4 and Standard A5.1.4, paragraph 12. Flag State responsibilities. Inspection and enforcement. Reporting on inspections. The Committee notes that, in response to its previous comment, the Government indicates that section 205 of the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 gives effect to the requirement of Standard A5.1.4, paragraph 12 that inspectors submit a report of each inspection to the competent authority, as well as a copy to the master of the ship and that an additional copy be posted on the ship’s noticeboard for the information of the seafarers, and upon request, sent to their representatives. The Committee expects that the draft Bill implementing the MLC, 2006 will be adopted without delay to ensure full compliance with Standard A5.1.4, paragraph 12.