Maritime Rules Part 52
Current version of Part 52
Part 52 gives effect to various Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) requirements not covered elsewhere in New Zealand law.
The MLC sets out minimum standards for the health, safety and welfare of seafarers in areas such as:
- conditions of employment
- accommodation
- recreational facilities
- food and catering
- health protection
- medical care
- welfare and social protection issues
Ship-owners are required to ensure that seafarers meet the hours of work and rest required by the MLC. These requirements will only apply to seafarers not covered by STCW Regulation A-VIII/1 (which is given effect in Part 31).
The MLC considers almost every aspect of work and life onboard, including:
- minimum age
- medical certification
- qualifications of seafarers
- seafarers’ employment agreements
- use of licensed or regulated private recruitment and placement services
- hours of work and rest
- crewing levels
- accommodation, food and catering
- on-board recreational facilities
- health and safety and accident prevention
- on-board medical care
- on-board complaints procedures and
- payment of wages
Part 52 implements requirements in relation to Maritime Labour Certificates, interim Maritime Labour Certificates and Declarations of Maritime Labour Compliance. It also covers the flag state inspection regime for these ships.
This rule applies to:
- New Zealand ships over 200 gross tonnage operating outside the inshore limits, excluding fishing vessels.
Part 52 sets the requirements for visiting foreign flagged ships. Provisions applicable to foreign flagged ships are separated into requirements for foreign flagged ships over 500 gross tonnage registered in member states, and requirements for all other foreign ships.