Twenty plus marine surveyors who are IIMS Certifying Authority examiners met for their twice yearly training day at Portchester Sailing Club in mid May.
With the many changes now in place as a result of the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC 2006) legislation, it was an opportunity to review the procedures and to learn more about the convention.
Mark Towl from the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) was the key presenter in the morning session. During his presentation he stressed that the MCA is still reviewing many aspects of MLC 2006 and further changes were inevitable. He also stressed that, in his view, the MCA have taken the most liberal view to how MLC 2006 is being interpreted.
As part of his presentation, Mark answered a number of questions and point of clarification from the marine surveyors who were present. He covered when MLC 2006 is and is not applicable. He also ran through the MCA FAQ’s on MLC 2006 one by one. Finally he ran through the more detailed aspects of MLC 2006 including hours of rest, seafarers’ contracts, accommodation requirements and so on.
After lunch, Mark gave a short overview of the work that is going on with the new work boat codes before departing.
Fraser Noble, Chairman of the IIMS Certifying Authority, then spent some time running through the IIMS obligation as stipulated in the MCA contract, including the duties and obligations of the IIMS Certifying Authority.
Mike Schwarz, IIMS Chief Executive Officer, brought proceedings to a close by giving a presentation to remind delegate marine surveyors of the IIMS documented procedures and their responsibilities in relation to it.
