LIMASSOL - The Cyprus Shipping Chamber has welcomed the ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 and its integration into the national legislation.

This, the Chamber said, will further enhance Cyprus’ maritime infrastructure, as well as its image as a reliable and constantly developing maritime centre.

According to a press release, the ratification bill includes mechanisms that will allow the Flag State to effectively exercise its jurisdiction and control over ships that fly its flag by establishing a system for ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Convention, including regular inspections, reporting, and legal proceedings under the applicable law, as well as, ensure that ships that fly its flag carry a “Maritime Labour Certificate” and a “Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance” as required by the Convention.

As noted, the Shipping Chamber, as the official representative of the Cyprus Shipping Industry, cooperated very closely with the Cyprus Maritime Administration and especially with the Department of Merchant Shipping, during the preparatory stages of this important Bill, which through its ratification makes Cyprus the 26th member-State of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) ratifying the Convention, from the 30 countries required for its enforcement.

It is added that “the ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 by Cyprus will further enhance its maritime infrastructure, as well as its image held today as a reliable and constantly developing Maritime Centre.”