Combined regulatory and standard certification contracts provide ship-owners and managers with more efficient solutions for inspection as new labour regime draws nearer
11/01/2011
Combined regulatory and standard certification contracts provide ship-owners and managers with more efficient solutions for inspection as new labour regime draws nearer
Combined regulatory and standard certification contracts provide ship-owners and managers with more efficient solutions for inspection as new labour regime draws nearer
The first ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) certificate of compliance "pre-convention" -- ahead of entry into force -- has been awarded to a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Kraslava, operated by the Riga-based LSC Shipmanagement SIA.
The Marshall Islands was the first to help the ships in its registry to undergo the inspection process by completing part one of the Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance process. Following an on-board inspection in Amsterdam, the MLC certificate was awarded on December 22 to the master of Kraslava.
Ratification of the convention is expected by the middle of this year, paving the way for entry into force by mid-2012.
"It’s great to see operators and flags getting on with the MLC 2006 requirements. Although we anticipate that the ratification will now be later than hoped by many, our view is that the sooner you start, the more comfortable you will be that you will be ready in time," Capt Tony Field, Lloyd’s Register’s Piraeus-based Marine Business Manager for Southeast Europe, said. "So our message is: 'get started!'"
Lloyd’s Register has been actively training inspectors and preparing the industry for the introduction of the MLC 2006, providing advice and guidance to flag states and operators. Cruise ship and other specialised ship operators and their related regulatory authorities in particular have been looking for guidance with regard to the practical implementation of the convention.
Lloyd's Register is well placed and prepared to support clients with the new MLC certification process, says Field. Leading companies such as the Allseas Group, a specialised offshore operator, as well as the UK, China, Cyprus and Isle of Man-based businesses of global ship-manager Bernhard Schulte have recently signed with Lloyd’s Register for MLC services.
Allseas signed a combined ISM, ISPS, ISO9001/14001 (quality and environmental management standards) and MLC 2006 service contract.
"Our size, reach and the diversity of our technical expertise allows us to offer a fuller range of verification services which helps to improve the audit and inspection process - saving time and, ultimately, money," says Field, who is responsible for the global implementation of the ILO standards for Lloyd's Register. "This is an asset for the client and it helps us to better plan and deliver our inspection services."
The marine business at Lloyd's Register has invested heavily in training inspectors and educating the market to increase the likelihood of trouble-free compliance with the MLC 2006, with nearly 120 trained MLC 2006 inspectors world-wide. Most of these inspectors are also experienced in delivering ISM and ISPS inspection services.
Allseas is preparing to build what will be the world's largest ship. With a length of 382 metres and a massive beam of 117m, the Lloyd's Register-classed Pieter Schelte will be put to work removing oil rigs, when constructed. It will join the pipe-layer Solitaire – presently the biggest ship of its kind.
Bernhard Schulte, with 75 ships, is a significant shipmanager operating a diverse fleet of ship types world-wide.
Ends
A photo of the Kraslava presentation can be found here: http://www.lr.org/Images/DSC04103_tcm155-206078.JPG
Caption: “The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, m.t. Kraslava of the Riga-based LSC Shipmanagement was inspected in Amsterdam on December 22 for compliance to MLC 2006. The vessel was compliant and Lloyd’s Register issued the first MLC 2006 certificate to any vessel worldwide. Left to right: Lloyd’s Register’s Vincenzo Greco and Peter Bormans, Capt. Orehovskis, Master, Mark Rijsdijk, Inspector, Marshall Islands and Vladislavs Blums, Lloyd’s Register.
Notes to editors
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