Consultation on the Implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)
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From: Department of Transport
- Published on: 2 September 2025
- Open for submissions from: 2 September 2025
- Submissions closed: 31 October 2025
- Last updated on: 2 September 2025
Consultation is open
Article II.6 Application to Small Vessels and Title 1 – Protection of Young Persons
The Department of Transport is conducting a public consultation on the implementation of specific provisions of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC). This consultation focuses on:
Article II.6 – Scope of Application.
Title 1 – Protection of Young Persons.
The MLC sets out comprehensive rights and protections for seafarers and aims to ensure decent working and living conditions across the maritime sector. Consideration is being given to the application of the Convention to vessels of less than 200 gross tonnes with regard to shipowner liability and repatriation and to the types of hazardous work undertaken by young persons working on board vessels.
The details are set out in the consultation document attached below providing background on the relevant provisions of the MLC and outlining current Irish legislation and proposed changes. Stakeholders are invited to review the document and share their views.
How to Get Involved
We welcome submissions from all interested parties. In particular, we encourage responses from:
- Operators and owners of vessels under 200 gross tonnes
- Employers and workers in the maritime sector
- Training institutions and youth organisations
- Small and medium enterprises operating in the maritime industry
Submissions can be made by email to maritimesafetypolicydivision@transport.gov.ie, with the subject line - “Consultation on MLC”
Alternatively, submissions may be sent by post to the following address:
Maritime Safety Policy Division
Department of Transport
Leeson Lane
Dublin 2
D02 TR60
The deadline for the receipt of submissions is 5pm Friday 31 October 2025.
