MLC - Maritime Labour Convention

The MLC certification process is described below. At the bottom of this page you may find several links leading to further information regarding the implementation of the MLC.

Please note that the NMA has not established any particular contact point for seafarers' complaints, cf. the MLC Regulation 5.1.5 «Onboard complaint procedure». Such complaints should be forwarded through the ordinary channels. 

DMLC  Part I

• Is issued by the NMA following the shipowner's application. Please use form KS-0207-4BE
• The DMLC Part I is the basis for the DMLC Part II, where the shipowner shall demonstrate compliance with the requirements listed in the DMLC Part I.

Any exemptions from the requirements in Title 3 of the MLC shall be approved by the NMA. A copy of the letter where the exemption is granted shall accompany the DMLC Part I application.

DMLC Part II

• Should be completed by the shipowner on the NMA form KS-0207-3E (pdf). 
• The official form KS-0207-3E may be replaced with other forms as long as the formal requirements in the MLC are adhered to.
• The DMLC Part II must be duly signed by the shipowner as defined by the Norwegian Ship Safety and Security Act Section 4. This will be the shipowner as stated on the SMC for ships holding an ISM Safety Management Certificate (SMC). 

MLC- inspection

• The MLC inspection must be requested by the shipowner from either the NMA or one of the recognised organisations (RO) listed below.
• For ships where the SMC is issued by the NMA, the MLC inspection should be requested on the NMA form KS-0115 (logon required).
• Please see NMA MLC Guidance Note for inspections and certification for full details. 

Maritime Labour Certificate (MLC Certificate)

The MLC certificate is issued by the competent authority that has completed the MLC inspection – either the NMA or an RO. The MLC Certificate is issued based on the issued DMLC Part I, DMLC Part II and the completed MLC inspection.

Recognised organisations (ROs) MLC

Norway has delegated, under separate, but otherwise similar and equal written agreements, inspection and certification functions under MLC, 2006 to the following Classification Societies:

• American Bureau of Shipping
• Bureau Veritas
• DNV-GL
• Lloyd's Register
• RINA
• ClassNK

The RO chosen by the shipowner for conducting the SMC audits, will carry out the inspections required for the issuance of the Maritime Labour Certificate.

ROs must comply with MLC, 2006 Standard A5.1.2 and Guideline B5.1.2. Documentation of such compliance should be provided to the Norwegian Maritime Authority as soon as possible. In the first instance, a description should be given of the measures undertaken to give effect to the Standard and the Guideline.