Merchant Shipping Bill raises seafarers' minimum age to 16

This Bill amends the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 to implement the International Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC). It aims to improve working and living conditions for seafarers and requires Indian-flagged ships to obtain a Maritime Labour Certificate.

The Bill affects seafarers (defined as persons employed on sea-going ships, excluding warships and government ships), ship owners/operators of Indian-flagged vessels engaged in commercial activities, and the Central Government and Director-General of Shipping who are responsible for enforcement and certification.

• Defines 'seafarer' and 'Maritime Labour Convention' and inserts new sections 88A and 88B.
• Raises the minimum age for employment on ships from 15 to 16 years and prohibits night work for young persons.
• Mandates that ships of 500 gross tons or more engaged in international voyages must possess a Maritime Labour Certificate and a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance.
• Requires ship masters to maintain standards for food, drinking water, and catering in accordance with the MLC.
• Increases the penalty for certain offenses from three thousand rupees to three lakh rupees.
• Grants the Central Government power to make rules regarding hours of work, leave, night work periods, and medical facilities.

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