Read the question and answers here .
Introduction
The Government has agreed to New Zealand has ratifiedratifying the Maritime Labour Convention 2006. This follows the Ministry of Transport’s consultation in July 2014 on the merits of New Zealand becoming party to the Convention and the Cabinet decision to ratify the convention in December 2014.Convention.
The Maritime Labour Convention is an international treaty adopted by the International Labour Organization. It came into force internationally in August 2013.
The Convention sets internationally-agreed minimum standards to address 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.
The Government has agreed to New Zealand has ratifiedratifying the Convention because:
- it gives
will giveNew Zealand jurisdiction to inspect and verify that crews on ships carrying New Zealand goods are treated fairly, in accordance with internationally accepted standards - ratification protects
will protectthe reputation of New Zealand exports, given that more than 99 percent of New Zealand’s export goods by weight are transported by foreign ships New Zealand-registered vessels must already meet the standards of the Convention before being granted a Maritime labour certificate, meaningNew Zealand ships will be able to obtain a Maritime Labour Certification which will enable them to easily demonstrate compliance to foreign authorities party to the Convention.Convention.
Background
The Convention was developed over a number of years through negotiations between governments, shipping and employer representatives and unions to ensure that its provisions are sensible, pragmatic and reflect operating best practice.
The Convention consolidatespulls together and updates 37a number of existing International Labour OrganisationOrganization standards and conventions, many of which New Zealand hadhas already adopted.
There are now 70now 53 member countries, representing over 80 per centpercent of the world’s ships by gross tonnage.tonnage (as at 31 March 2014).
Next steps
MinorFirstly, minor changes were made to New Zealand maritime law and Maritime Rules are required to enable New Zealand to fulfil its obligations under the Convention. YouNew Zealand can find out more about these changes atthen ratify the links below:Convention.
Latest rule updates:
http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/Rules/Latest-rules.asp
List of all rules:
http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/Rules/List-of-all-rules/List-of-rules.asp
Next steps
The Convention will come into force in New Zealand on 8 March 2017, along with the Maritime Rule changes required to bring New Zealand’s framework into compliance with the Convention.
The Convention will apply to all New Zealand ships that are:
- New Zealand-registered
- of 200 gross tonnage and over, or smaller ships engaged in international voyages
- ordinarily engaged in commercial activities, excluding ships engaged in fishing or similar pursuits,
and - operating outside the inshore limits.
The Convention will apply to all foreign ships that are:
In a New Zealand port
Read the question and answers here
The Convention will enter into force for New Zealand one year after the Government ratifies it.
The Convention is expected to be ratified by New Zealand in 2015, and come into force in 2016.
Once ratified by New Zealand, the Convention will apply to all ships that are:
New Zealand-registered, or foreign-registered and operating in New Zealand (excluding ships that navigate exclusively in restricted limit areas)of 200 gross tonnage and over, or smaller ships engaged in international voyagesordinarily engaged in commercial activities, excluding ships engaged in fishing or similar pursuits.