23 July 2025

The British Marine’s Technical team have been invited to sit on the MCA’s Maritime Labour Convention Tripartite Working Group (TWG) to represent commercial/non-pleasure yachts (as the MLC does not apply to pleasure vessels).

The TWG provides a forum to provide advice to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency from the various different industry sectors on the following points:

• The effectiveness of the legislation and other measures adopted to implement the MLC and any amendments to the MLC and highlight any areas needing improvement.
• Reviewing applications for substantial equivalence under the MLC for UK or other REG ships.
• The content of the UK’s Article 22 Reports on the MLC.
• Discuss possible proposals for amendments to the MLC, particularly taking account of the concept of continuous improvement in working and living conditions onboard ships
• The need for additional awareness raising or guidance and effective methods for promulgating information.
• Other matters associated with implementation and application of the MLC, as required. 
   

British Marine’s Head of Technical Service Ed Tuite attended his first meeting representing the large yacht sector on Monday 21 July 2025 at the MCA’s Headquarters in Southampton. Areas of discussion included:

• The recent MLC consultation and published response - Consultation on implementation of the MLC 2006, amendments 2022 - GOV.UK
• Upcoming amendments including on Food standards and the need for a balanced nutritious diet to be provided, connectivity for the crew to stay in touch family and friends.
• Employment and Recruitment Agencies new requirements for ensuring crew are aware of systems of protection and process and procedures to claim if necessary.
• Existing requirements for systems of protection.

For further information on MLC and upcoming amendments please contact the British Marine Technical team via technical@britishmarine.co.uk