Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the role of Port State Control under the MLC, 2006?

To set national wage standards for seafarers
To register seafarers with the ILO
To issue Maritime Labour Certificates
To inspect foreign ships for MLC compliance when in port (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To inspect foreign ships for MLC compliance when in port

Port State Control officers may inspect foreign-flagged ships calling at their ports to verify MLC compliance.

Question 2: When a Port State Control inspection reveals a serious deficiency under MLC 2006, what is the most severe action a PSCO can take?

Detain the ship (Correct answer)
Revoke the Maritime Labour Certificate
Issue a warning letter only
Fine the master

Correct answer: Detain the ship

PSCOs can detain a vessel when serious deficiencies are found that pose a danger to seafarers' safety, health, or security.

Question 3: Under MLC 2006, what type of hospital accommodation is required on ships with a certain number of seafarers?

Only a first aid kit on all ships
A separate hospital cabin on ships with 15 or more seafarers on voyages of more than 3 days (Correct answer)
A hospital ward on all ships
A hospital on all ships over 500 GT

Correct answer: A separate hospital cabin on ships with 15 or more seafarers on voyages of more than 3 days

MLC 2006 requires a separate hospital cabin on ships carrying 15 or more seafarers on voyages exceeding 3 days.

Question 4: What is the minimum content that must be included in a Seafarers' Employment Agreement under the MLC?

Name, rank, wages, leave entitlements, repatriation rights, and health protection (Correct answer)
Flag state, ship name, and master's name
Only the wage amount and voyage duration
Wage and working hours only

Correct answer: Name, rank, wages, leave entitlements, repatriation rights, and health protection

Standard A2.1 lists mandatory SEA contents including name, capacity, wages, leave, termination conditions, health protection, and repatriation entitlement.

Question 5: Under MLC 2006, which authority sets the table of shipboard working arrangements in a standardised format?

The IMO
The port state control authority
The competent authority of the flag state (Correct answer)
The ITF

Correct answer: The competent authority of the flag state

MLC 2006 assigns the flag state's competent authority the role of setting the standardised format for work arrangement tables.

Question 6: Under MLC 2006, what is the maximum period of continuous service onboard a ship before a seafarer is entitled to shore leave?

6 months (Correct answer)
9 months
3 months
12 months

Correct answer: 6 months

MLC 2006 Regulation 2.4 entitles seafarers to shore leave after a maximum of 6 months of continuous service.

Question 7: Under MLC 2006, sleeping rooms must not be located directly adjacent to which spaces?

Lifesaving appliance stations
Bridge or navigation areas
Medical facilities
Engine rooms, galleys, or other areas with noise or odour hazards (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Engine rooms, galleys, or other areas with noise or odour hazards

MLC 2006 prohibits locating sleeping rooms directly adjacent to noisy or odorous spaces like engine rooms or galleys.

Question 8: Your current port of call is not able to provide a medical for an officer whose medical has expired while they are on board. How long can the officer stay on board, and is it possible?

The employee and shipowner (or agreed shipowners representative) If the seafarer is employed through a manning agency then a representative of the manning agency should also sign it.
The Master or authorised person is responsible for ensuring that records of hours of rest are maintained for each Seafarer serving on the ship. The records should be completed monthly in arrears. Each record should be endorsed by the Master or authorised person and the Seafarer. A copy should be given to the Seafarer
They have a general lack of awareness of risks due to their immaturity and inexperience. They also have less physical and psychological capacity than adults
Yes, the officer can remain onboard until a medical examination is possible for a period of up to 3 months A valid ENG1 should be obtained from an approved Doctor at the first opportunity (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, the officer can remain onboard until a medical examination is possible for a period of up to 3 months A valid ENG1 should be obtained from an approved Doctor at the first opportunity

When examination facilities are unavailable in the current port, the MLC allows an officer with an expired medical to remain on board for up to 3 months, with a valid ENG1 obtained from an approved doctor at the first opportunity. The other options cover who signs a SEA, young-person risk factors, and hours-of-rest record-keeping — none address the medical certificate extension.

Question 9: Before a seafarer can be placed on a ship under MLC 2006, which of the following must be completed?

The seafarer must be given adequate time to review and sign the Seafarer Employment Agreement (Correct answer)
The shipowner must obtain approval from the flag state for each individual placement
The seafarer must complete a six-month probationary period at sea
The recruitment agency must post a performance bond equal to three months' wages

Correct answer: The seafarer must be given adequate time to review and sign the Seafarer Employment Agreement

Under Regulation 2.1 and Standard A2.1, seafarers must be given the opportunity to examine and seek advice on the SEA before signing, ensuring informed consent before placement.

Question 10: What is the minimum hours of rest a seafarer must receive in any 7-day period under MLC 2006?

56 hours
70 hours
84 hours
77 hours (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 77 hours

MLC 2006 requires a minimum of 77 hours of rest in any 7-day period.

Question 11: Under MLC 2006, what is the minimum notice period a seafarer must give to terminate a Seafarers' Employment Agreement (SEA) early?

7 days
30 days
No minimum; immediate termination is permitted
Determined by the SEA, not less than 7 days (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Determined by the SEA, not less than 7 days

Standard A2.1 requires a minimum notice period of 7 days for early termination, with the exact period specified in the SEA.

Question 12: Under MLC 2006, what must happen if a seafarer is seriously ill or injured in a port that is not their home port?

The port state must pay for all treatment
The ITF is responsible for repatriation costs
The shipowner must arrange and pay for repatriation for medical treatment (Correct answer)
The seafarer must fund their own return

Correct answer: The shipowner must arrange and pay for repatriation for medical treatment

MLC 2006 requires the shipowner to arrange and fund repatriation for seafarers seriously ill or injured away from home.

Question 13: Under MLC 2006, what must ships provide for seafarers' recreational use?

Recreational facilities and amenities appropriate to the ship's size and nature of service (Correct answer)
A gym with full equipment always
Only internet access
A cinema room always

Correct answer: Recreational facilities and amenities appropriate to the ship's size and nature of service

MLC 2006 requires recreational facilities appropriate to the ship's size and type, recognising that smaller ships may have limited space.

Question 14: Under MLC 2006, what is the minimum headroom requirement in accommodation spaces?

At least 203 cm (6 ft 8 in) (Correct answer)
At least 220 cm
At least 180 cm
At least 190 cm

Correct answer: At least 203 cm (6 ft 8 in)

MLC 2006 Standard A3.1 requires a minimum headroom of 203 cm in seafarer accommodation spaces.

Question 15: Under MLC 2006, records of seafarers' daily hours of work or rest must be kept for at least how long?

5 years
At least the period specified by the competent authority, not less than one year (Correct answer)
3 years
6 months

Correct answer: At least the period specified by the competent authority, not less than one year

MLC 2006 requires records of hours of work or rest to be retained for a minimum period set by the competent authority, which must be at least one year.

Question 16: Under MLC 2006, who can conduct an inspection of seafarer accommodation while in port?

The flag state only
Port state control officers (Correct answer)
The classification society only
The shipowner only

Correct answer: Port state control officers

MLC 2006 grants port state control officers the authority to inspect seafarer accommodation when a ship is in their port.

Question 17: Under MLC 2006, failure to maintain hours of work/rest records may result in what action?

Automatic fine to the seafarer
Port state control detention of the vessel (Correct answer)
Immediate flag state withdrawal of the ship's registry
Cancellation of the seafarer's employment agreement

Correct answer: Port state control detention of the vessel

Port state control officers can detain a vessel if proper hours of work/rest records are not maintained as required by MLC 2006.

Question 18: Under MLC 2006, seafarer accommodation must be inspected by whom before a ship is certificated?

The classification society alone
The shipowner's representative
The port state control officer
The flag state competent authority (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The flag state competent authority

MLC 2006 requires the flag state's competent authority to inspect and approve accommodation before certification.

Question 19: Which document must accompany a Seafarer Employment Agreement as per MLC 2006?

A flag state endorsement
A port state inspection report
A passport copy
A collective bargaining agreement or summary of it (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A collective bargaining agreement or summary of it

MLC 2006 requires a collective bargaining agreement or its summary to accompany the SEA.

Question 20: Under MLC 2006, accommodation standards require a minimum floor area per person in a seafarer's sleeping room on a ship of 3,000 GT or more. What is that minimum?

4.5 m² (Correct answer)
3.75 m²
6.0 m²
7.5 m²

Correct answer: 4.5 m²

Standard A3.1 requires a minimum sleeping room floor area of 4.5 m² per person on ships of 3,000 GT or more (single-berth rooms).

Question 21: Under MLC 2006, what is the purpose of the financial security requirement related to seafarer wages (2014 amendments)?

To fund the flag state's port state control programme
To cover cargo damage claims
To pay for ship repair costs
To guarantee unpaid wages and repatriation costs when a shipowner abandons seafarers (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To guarantee unpaid wages and repatriation costs when a shipowner abandons seafarers

The 2014 MLC amendments require financial security specifically to cover unpaid wages and repatriation when seafarers are abandoned.

Question 22: Under MLC 2006, can a seafarer's wages be attached (garnished) while the ship is in port?

Only with ITF approval
No, wages are fully protected from attachment
Yes, without restriction
Only to the extent permitted by national law (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Only to the extent permitted by national law

MLC 2006 does not provide absolute wage protection from attachment but limits it to what national law permits.

Question 23: Under MLC 2006, the hours of work and rest requirements apply to seafarers on ships of what minimum gross tonnage?

All ships regardless of size
Ships of 200 GT and above on international voyages (Correct answer)
Ships of 500 GT and above only
Ships of 1,000 GT and above

Correct answer: Ships of 200 GT and above on international voyages

MLC 2006 generally applies to ships of 200 GT and above engaged on international voyages.

Question 24: Under MLC 2006, what is the maximum allowable hours of work in any 7-day period?

84 hours
60 hours
72 hours (Correct answer)
77 hours

Correct answer: 72 hours

MLC 2006 caps working hours at 72 hours in any 7-day period.

Question 25: Under MLC 2006, what does DMLC Part I contain?

Port state inspection findings
Seafarer union agreements
National requirements implementing MLC provisions as set by the flag state (Correct answer)
The shipowner's on-board compliance measures

Correct answer: National requirements implementing MLC provisions as set by the flag state

DMLC Part I is prepared by the flag state and lists the national laws implementing MLC 2006 requirements.

Question 26: Under MLC 2006, private seafarer recruitment and placement services operating in a member state must be:

Licensed or certified and regularly monitored by the competent authority (Correct answer)
Jointly owned by trade unions and shipowner associations
Approved by the International Maritime Organization
Registered with the flag state of each ship they supply crew to

Correct answer: Licensed or certified and regularly monitored by the competent authority

Standard A1.4, paragraph 2 requires that private recruitment and placement services be licensed or certified and subject to regular monitoring by the competent authority of the member state.

Question 27: For what duration are 'deviation' data pertaining to the Hours of Work laws have to be maintained? How lengthy are records that comply?

Security Awareness only, unless required as per the Ships Security Plan on board security awareness training as the SSP is sufficient
Record of non-conformity must be kept for 5 years Hours of rest records should be kept for 12 months (Correct answer)
The daily schedule of duties at sea and duties in port. The daily minimum hours of rest as required by the Regulations.
Valid for 5 years Intermediate Verification required between 2nd and 3rd Anniversary Renewal Survey within 3 months of it's 5 year expiry

Correct answer: Record of non-conformity must be kept for 5 years Hours of rest records should be kept for 12 months

Two different retention periods apply: records of non-conformity (deviations from the hours rules) must be kept for 5 years, while routine hours of rest records are kept for 12 months. The other options describe the contents of a work schedule, security training, and certificate survey periods, which do not state record-retention durations.

Question 28: Which MLC 2006 regulation requires seafarers to have a valid Seafarer's Identity Document?

Regulation 4.5
Regulation 3.2
Regulation 2.1, which references ILO Convention No. 108/185 (Correct answer)
Regulation 1.2

Correct answer: Regulation 2.1, which references ILO Convention No. 108/185

MLC 2006 Regulation 2.1 references ILO Conventions 108 and 185 for identity document requirements.

Question 29: Under MLC 2006, what is the minimum annual leave entitlement for a seafarer expressed in calendar days per month of service?

2.0 days
3.0 days
2.5 days (Correct answer)
1.5 days

Correct answer: 2.5 days

Standard A2.4 mandates a minimum of 2.5 calendar days of paid annual leave per month of service.

Question 30: In what way does MLC 2006 require recruitment and placement services to protect the personal data of seafarers?

Personal data may only be used for the purpose for which it was collected (Correct answer)
Biometric data must be destroyed after the SEA is signed
Personal data must be shared with port state authorities upon request
All personal data must be filed with the ITF within 30 days of placement

Correct answer: Personal data may only be used for the purpose for which it was collected

Standard A1.4, paragraph 5(c)(i) requires that recruitment services ensure seafarers' personal data is not used for any purpose other than that for which it was collected, protecting seafarer privacy.

Question 31: What is the minimum interval between two consecutive rest periods under MLC 2006 when rest is split into two?

Each period must be at least 4 hours
The two-period split requires one period of at least 6 continuous hours (Correct answer)
There is no minimum for individual periods
The gap between periods must be at least 8 hours

Correct answer: The two-period split requires one period of at least 6 continuous hours

When rest is split into two periods, MLC 2006 requires at least one of those periods to be 6 consecutive hours.

Question 32: Under MLC 2006, what is the maximum hours of work for a seafarer in any 24-hour period?

16 hours
10 hours
12 hours
14 hours (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 14 hours

MLC 2006 sets 14 hours as the maximum work hours in any 24-hour period.

Question 33: Under MLC 2006, a Maritime Labour Certificate is valid for a maximum of how many years?

5 years (Correct answer)
2 years
10 years
3 years

Correct answer: 5 years

MLC 2006 sets the maximum validity of the Maritime Labour Certificate at 5 years.

Question 34: Under MLC 2006, who bears the cost of repatriation if a seafarer is stranded due to shipowner insolvency?

The port state
The manning agent
The seafarer
The flag state (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The flag state

MLC 2006 places responsibility on the flag state to ensure repatriation costs are covered when the shipowner cannot pay.

Question 35: Under MLC 2006, the Medical Fitness Certificate (ENG1 equivalent) issued to a seafarer is valid for a maximum of:

3 years
1 year
2 years (Correct answer)
5 years

Correct answer: 2 years

Standard A1.2 specifies that medical certificates are valid for a maximum of two years (one year for seafarers under 18).

Question 36: Under MLC 2006, which regulation covers seafarer accommodation and recreational facilities?

Regulation 3.1 (Correct answer)
Regulation 2.3
Regulation 1.3
Regulation 4.1

Correct answer: Regulation 3.1

MLC 2006 Regulation 3.1 establishes requirements for seafarer accommodation and recreational facilities.

Question 37: Under MLC, if a seafarer suffers a work-related injury or illness, how long must the shipowner cover medical expenses?

Until the SEA expires
Until the seafarer is fit for duty or for 16 weeks, whichever comes first (Correct answer)
Until the end of the voyage only
For 12 weeks maximum

Correct answer: Until the seafarer is fit for duty or for 16 weeks, whichever comes first

Standard A4.2 requires shipowners to cover medical costs until recovery or until a sickness benefit is established, for up to 16 weeks.

Question 38: Under MLC 2006, a seafarer's medical certificate is valid for a maximum of how long?

One year for all seafarers
Five years
Two years (one year for under-18s and colour vision certificates) (Correct answer)
Three years

Correct answer: Two years (one year for under-18s and colour vision certificates)

MLC 2006 sets medical certificate validity at two years, reduced to one year for seafarers under 18 and for colour vision certificates.

Question 39: Under MLC 2006, death of a seafarer at sea — what must the shipowner provide to surviving dependants?

Compensation in accordance with national law and any applicable CBA or SEA (Correct answer)
Only the final wages
A lump sum of $50,000 always
No obligation beyond wages

Correct answer: Compensation in accordance with national law and any applicable CBA or SEA

MLC 2006 requires compensation for death of a seafarer in service as specified by national law, CBA, or SEA.

Question 40: Under MLC 2006, can exceptions to the hours of rest limits be permitted?

Yes, at any time with crew consent
No, exceptions are never allowed
Yes, only in port
Yes, for safety or emergency situations (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, for safety or emergency situations

MLC 2006 allows exceptions to rest hour limits for genuine safety or emergency situations.

Question 41: Under MLC 2006, rest periods in any 24-hour period may be divided into no more than how many periods?

Two periods, one of at least 6 hours (Correct answer)
Three periods
No restriction on divisions
Four periods

Correct answer: Two periods, one of at least 6 hours

MLC 2006 allows rest to be split into no more than two periods, with one being at least 6 hours.

Question 42: Which MLC 2006 Standard requires that seafarers be given a document recording their employment on board?

Standard A4.1
Standard A2.1 (Correct answer)
Standard A3.1
Standard A1.4

Correct answer: Standard A2.1

Standard A2.1 requires seafarers to receive a document recording their service on the ship.

Question 43: Under MLC 2006, if a seafarer's medical certificate expires during a voyage, what happens?

The certificate is automatically extended for 6 months
The ship must return to the flag state port
The seafarer must disembark immediately
The certificate remains valid until the next port of call where the examination can be conducted, but for no more than 3 months (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The certificate remains valid until the next port of call where the examination can be conducted, but for no more than 3 months

MLC 2006 allows a grace period of up to 3 months when a medical certificate expires at sea, valid until the next examination port.

Question 44: Under MLC 2006, if a seafarer is recruited through a private recruitment agency, who remains ultimately responsible for the SEA obligations?

The shipowner (Correct answer)
The recruitment agency
The port state control officer
The flag state

Correct answer: The shipowner

MLC 2006 holds the shipowner ultimately responsible for the SEA even when recruitment is handled by an agency.

Question 45: Under MLC 2006, ships must ensure that accommodation areas are maintained at what minimum temperature in cold climates?

Exactly 18°C at all times
At least 15°C only in living spaces
Temperature requirements do not apply to ships
Adequate heating must be provided to maintain comfortable temperatures (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Adequate heating must be provided to maintain comfortable temperatures

MLC 2006 requires adequate heating to maintain comfortable temperatures in seafarer accommodation, particularly in cold climate operations.

Question 46: How many Titles does the MLC, 2006 contain?

5 (Correct answer)
6
4
3

Correct answer: 5

The MLC, 2006 contains five Titles covering minimum requirements, conditions of employment, accommodation, health and welfare, and compliance.

Question 47: What is the special tripartite structure of the MLC, 2006 designed to represent?

IMO, ILO, and ITF
Governments, shipowners, and seafarers (Correct answer)
Shipowners, classification societies, and insurers
Flag states, port states, and coastal states

Correct answer: Governments, shipowners, and seafarers

The MLC was negotiated by a Special Tripartite Committee representing governments, shipowners' organizations, and seafarers' organizations.

Question 48: Under MLC 2006, seafarers are entitled to receive medical care on board and ashore at no cost to whom?

At no cost to the port state
At no cost to the flag state
At no cost to the classification society
At no cost to the seafarer (Correct answer)

Correct answer: At no cost to the seafarer

MLC 2006 ensures that medical care for seafarers must be provided at no personal cost to them.

Question 49: Under MLC 2006, what must happen to food and catering facilities on a ship found to be substandard?

The cook must be dismissed immediately
The ship is deregistered
The ship may be detained until improvements are made (Correct answer)
A fine is issued to the seafarers

Correct answer: The ship may be detained until improvements are made

Port state control can detain a ship if food and catering facilities are found to be seriously deficient under MLC 2006.

Question 50: Under MLC 2006, overtime payment rates must be at least what percentage above the basic hourly rate?

150% (1.5 times)
110% (1.1 times)
125% (1.25 times the basic rate) (Correct answer)
200% (double time)

Correct answer: 125% (1.25 times the basic rate)

MLC 2006 Standard A2.2 requires overtime to be paid at not less than 1.25 times the basic hourly wage.

Question 51: Under MLC 2006, an intermediate inspection of the Maritime Labour Certificate must be completed between which years of the certificate's validity?

Between the first and second anniversary dates
No intermediate inspection is required
Between the second and third anniversary dates (Correct answer)
Between the fourth and fifth anniversary dates

Correct answer: Between the second and third anniversary dates

MLC 2006 requires an intermediate inspection between the second and third year of a 5-year certificate.

Question 52: Which MLC 2006 Standard sets out detailed requirements for hours of work and rest?

Standard A4.3
Standard A2.3 (Correct answer)
Standard A1.2
Standard A3.1

Correct answer: Standard A2.3

Standard A2.3 of MLC 2006 provides the detailed framework for hours of work and rest.

Question 53: Under MLC 2006, watchkeeping seafarers on anchor watch are subject to which specific rule?

Anchor watch rest is governed by port state law only
Anchor watch is exempt from all MLC rest provisions
Normal rest limits always apply without exception
Rest period requirements may be relaxed by the competent authority (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Rest period requirements may be relaxed by the competent authority

MLC 2006 allows the competent authority to relax rest requirements for watchkeeping seafarers during anchor watch in specific circumstances.

Question 54: Under MLC 2006, the cook on ships with crews of 10 or more must hold what qualification?

No formal qualification is required
A basic food hygiene certificate only
A certificate as ship's cook issued or recognised by the competent authority (Correct answer)
A culinary arts degree

Correct answer: A certificate as ship's cook issued or recognised by the competent authority

MLC 2006 requires ships with 10 or more crew members to have a qualified and certificated ship's cook.

Question 55: MLC 2006 requires that seafarers have access to adequate, varied, and nutritious food. Who bears the cost of meals while a seafarer is onboard?

The seafarer, deducted from wages
The shipowner (Correct answer)
The flag State government
The port State authority

Correct answer: The shipowner

Standard A3.2 requires shipowners to provide food and drinking water free of charge to seafarers onboard.

Question 56: Under MLC 2006, what must happen if a seafarer is required to work during a scheduled rest period for an emergency drill?

No compensatory rest is required for drills
The master must ensure adequate compensatory rest is provided (Correct answer)
The seafarer must file a written complaint only
The flag state must be notified

Correct answer: The master must ensure adequate compensatory rest is provided

MLC 2006 requires the master to ensure compensatory rest is given when drills disrupt scheduled rest periods.

Question 57: Under MLC 2006, what must a seafarer do after compensatory rest is taken following an emergency?

The master ensures adequate rest is taken as soon as practicable (Correct answer)
File a report with the flag state
Request port state inspection
Sign a waiver form

Correct answer: The master ensures adequate rest is taken as soon as practicable

MLC 2006 requires the master to ensure seafarers take adequate rest as soon as practicable after an emergency overrides rest limits.

Question 58: Under MLC 2006, what must flag states do if they cannot implement a particular provision of the Convention?

Withdraw from MLC membership
Adopt alternative minimum standards without reporting
Submit a report to the ILO explaining the difficulties (Correct answer)
Seek an exemption from the port state

Correct answer: Submit a report to the ILO explaining the difficulties

MLC 2006 requires member states to report to the ILO if they face difficulties implementing any Convention provisions.

Question 59: Under MLC 2006, minimum hours of rest must not be less than how many hours in any 24-hour period?

12 hours
10 hours (Correct answer)
8 hours
6 hours

Correct answer: 10 hours

MLC 2006 requires at least 10 hours of rest in any 24-hour period.

Question 60: Under MLC 2006 Regulation 4.2, which party is liable to provide financial security for shipowners' liability in respect of seafarers' death or long-term disability?

The seafarer's union
The port State
The shipowner (Correct answer)
The flag State

Correct answer: The shipowner

Regulation 4.2 and Standard A4.2 place the financial security obligation on the shipowner to cover injury, illness, and death.

Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006

The MLC 2006 exam assesses seafarers' knowledge of the International Labour Organization's Maritime Labour Convention, covering seafarers' rights, working and living conditions, health protection, and flag/port state compliance enforcement.

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60 min

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70%

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