ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, September 9th, 2011 – Over 30 seafarers in the Virgin Islands (VI) are now trained in how to effectively implement and apply the rules of the new International Labour Organization (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 which it is anticipated will be ratified in 2012.
At a closing ceremony on August 31, marine surveyors, port state control inspectors and marine boarding officers from government agencies and private establishments received certificates of completion signalling their understanding of the compliance and enforcement provisions of the MLC, 2006.
The two-day intensive training course, held on August 30 and 31, was funded by the Premier’s Office and conducted by representatives of Lloyd’s Register, North America, Inc.
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Ms. Sandra Ward, said that the ministry’s financial support is a testament to the high significance the Government of the Virgin Islands places on the training ahead of the ratification of the convention.
Ms. Ward said that government selected Lloyd’s Register for two reasons: the organisation’s well respected international reputation and the proposal submitted aligned with government’s commitment to get value for money.
In outlining one benefit of the training Ms. Ward said, “Participants now have a working knowledge of the specific requirements of the convention, especially when that knowledge is needed to conduct business or interact with the many international shipping registries or agents...or those ships that come into coastal waters or ports.”
Ms Ward added that the government takes its membership obligations to be compliant with the MLC, 2006 very seriously and the international maritime community will have an increased level of confidence because participants now have a working knowledge of being compliant with the convention.
In addressing the participants, Director of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry Captain Baboucar Sallah explained that the MLC, 2006 which is the international bill of rights for seafarers, sets minimum standards on issues including: manning; conditions of employment; accommodation; health and safety protection; medical care; social security; and other welfare protection issues.
He said the training provided an understanding of the convention focusing on the national and international legislation applicable to seafarers’ working and living conditions.
“I thank you, the participants, from all the ports. You have done very well. You have taken the opportunity seriously”, Captain Sallah said, adding that public agencies and private organisations need to be familiar with the specific requirements of the convention for it to be given full effect in connection with ship trading international in the coastal waters and ports of the VI.
“Our goal was to ensure that regulators, enforcement officers and operators understood how to implement and apply the rules of the convention. The training helped to ensure that requirements are met on all ships subject to the convention”, Captain Sallah indicated.
Client Training Officer of Lloyd’s Register, Rick Ferraro who facilitated the training course, said “It is very important to us that our close colleagues in the maritime industry receive this training and understand it because it is going to have a very large and important impact on all of our operations, all of the larger vessels in the world.”
The MLC, 2006 applies to all seafarers and all ships engaged in commercial activities, whether publicly or privately owned. It does not apply to ships engaged in fishing or similar pursuits, or traditionally built vessels. The certification requirement applies to ships of 500 gross tonnage or over, engaged in international voyage and 500 gross tonnage or over, flying the flag of a member state.
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
British Virgin Islands News