As you are aware, the 2022 Amendments to the MLC, 2006 will enter into force on 23 December 2024 in the countries that have ratified the MLC, 2006. According to these amendments, shipowners should pay particular attention to the following provisions as they relate to the relevant items. For your reference, please find the AMENDMENTS OF 2022 TO THE MLC, 2006 as the attached.

1. Standard A3.1 (Accommodation and recreational facilities)
(1) Appropriate recreational facilities including social connectivity (e.g., internet access, etc.) are to be provided to seafarers.
2. Standard A3.2 (Food and catering)
(1) Food and drinking water are to be provided free of charge to the seafarer during the period of engagement.
(2) Meals provided to the seafarer are to be balanced and nutritious.
(3) Supplies of food and drinking water in relation to their quantity, nutritional value, quality and variety are to be inspected on bard by the master.
3. Standard A4.3 (Health and safety protection and accident prevention)
(1) Appropriately sized personal protective equipment as a reasonable precaution to prevent occupational accidents, injuries and illnesses are to be provided to all seafarers on board.
4. Appendix 2-1/4-1 (Evidence of financial security)
(1) A name of the MLC shipowner was to be described on a documentary evidence of financial security under Regulation 2.5.2 and 4.2 until now, but a name of the registered owner may be described if different from the MLC shipowner.

In the future (in/around Autumn 2024), the "Rules for the Inspection and Registration of Maritime Labour Systems" issued by the ClassNK are expected to be amended in accordance with this amendment.

As of June 2024, as far as ClassNK is aware, any instructions such as circulars, and/or etc. describing the handling of the amendments have not yet been issued by any flag states. In the future, if such circulars, and/or etc. are newly issued by any flag states, it will be informed in a separate ClassNK Technical Information document, together with our inspection policy.

(To be continued)