RMI issued a circlar, Circular 17, which clarifies the Marshall island requirment for the Yatch involved in commercial activity. This Circular clarifies the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime Administrator’s (the “Administrator”) policy regarding compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), specifically for yachts of less than 500 gross tonnage (GT).
Applicability and Certification for Yachts
- The MLC, 2006 applies to all commercial yachts, Yachts Engaged in Trade (YETs), and passenger yachts (PAXYs), regardless of size, that are ordinarily engaged in commercial activity.
- In accordance with the MLC, 2006, a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) Part I and II and a Maritime Labour Certificate are only mandatory for commercial yachts, YETs, and PAXYs of 500 GT and above.
- Yachts not requiring MLC, 2006 certification must still undergo full inspection in accordance with the RMI Maritime Regulations. .
- The inspection will be to the same requirements as MLC-certified yachts to the extent reasonable and practical.
- A Yacht Inspector must carry out these inspections as part of the Annual Compliance Verification per Marine Notice (MN) 2-011-53.
Voluntary Certification
- Yachts that are not required to be certified under MLC, 2006 but which voluntarily choose certification must fully comply with all applicable requirements, including maintaining the DMLC Parts I and II and the Maritime Labour Certificate.