International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC) Hailed As Key To Effective Implementation Of MLC 2006
On Friday 19 April 2013, IMEC held its inaugural International Maritime Conference in London. The conference focussed on MLC 2006 and the employment of seafarers. It brought together over 65 delegates and speakers from across the world, representing every MLC 2006 stakeholder including ship-owners, employers, trade unions, flag state, P&I clubs, and the legal industry.
Speaking at the event, Giles Heimann, IMEC Chief Executive Officer, said:
“The MLC is the most significant piece of maritime legislation for many years and, rightly, has been a focus of recent industry events. However, in our conference we have achieved something exceptional.
“Today’s delegates have heard from a unique series of speakers: IMEC members, the ITF, the ILO and representatives of all areas of the industry who are affected by MLC. They have also been given the chance to quiz these same speakers in an open and honest panel debate.”
The key-note speaker, Dr Cleo Doumbia-Henry, Director of Labour Standards for the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and one of the chief-architects of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), praised IMEC’s contribution to the implementation of the most significant piece of maritime legislation in recent history.
“The activities of IMEC, with its international membership, are key to achieving effective implementation in many regions,” said Dr Doumbia-Henry.
“I am aware of the important efforts undertaken by IMEC in developing agreements with the ITF to implement many aspects of the MLC 2006 well in advance of entry in force.
“This has been tremendously helpful and can only make it easier for governments to ratify and implement and ultimately, of course, achieve the Convention’s goals.”
MLC 2006 becomes binding for the first 30 countries[1] with registered ratifications on 20 August 2013. This group of countries is very significant as it includes the largest flag states, as well as many key port states. It also includes countries that are home to the majority of the world’s seafarers and are the location of private seafarers’ recruitment and placement services.
“The role of employers, our members, in the practical implementation of MLC cannot be underestimated,” added Mr Heimann. “We are committed to working with our members in the run-up to its introduction in August 2013, and to continue working with them to secure effective and fit-for-purpose provision for seafarers and employers alike.”
“Vital to this effective provision is an understanding and cooperation between all interested parties. We are proud to have brought together such a varied group of major stakeholders in the same room and remain committed to working with them.”
Speaking at the conference were:
Dr Cleo Doumbia-Henry, Director of Labour Standards for the International Labour Organisation
Scott Bergeron, CEO of the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry
Nick Maddalena, Director, Seacurus Limited
Paul Newdick, Clyde & Co LLC
Tony Nicholson, Senior Claims Director, Thomas Miller P&I Club
Capt. Rajesh Tandon, Managing Director, V-ships India
Martin Turner, from Steamship Mutual P&I Club
Jon Whitlow, International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)
The panel discussion was chaired by Stephen Cotton, from the ITF.
The conference was held the day after IMEC’s Annual General Meeting, which attracted a record number of attendees. 2013 sees the beginning of the next round of International Bargaining Forum (IBF) negotiations over the wages and conditions of seafarers serving on ships to which IBF Special Agreements apply.
For further information please visit the new IMEC website at www.imec.org.uk.
