MV Western Oslo, Supramax Bulk Carrier technically managed by FML Ship Management, has been awarded with the Maritime Labour Covention (MLC Certificate), consistent with a voluntary Declaration of Compliances (Part 14) with the MLC. DNV has advised that Western Oslo is the second vessel in the world to be awarded with this certificate and first with NIS flag. Incidentally FML Ship Management Limited is the first company in Cyprus to achieve this distinction and honor. FML Ship Management has gone one step further after attaining OHSAS 18001 last year by embracing the requirement of MLC in to their system.

The so called super convention was established in 2006 and brings together all the diverse global regulations on seafarers welfare rights in one package. It mainly sets out seafarers rights to a decent conditions of work and helps to create conditions of fair competition for ship Owners.

DNV's MLC inspectors headed by Mr Frantziskos Kamizoulis carried out a thorough check of the systems at the Cyprus office prior going on board the MV Western Oslo. The audit on board the vessel is a requirement in order to verify that the vessel is in compliance in all the 14 areas which the Maritime Labour Convention specifies must be inspected before the certificate can be issued.

We are very proud to receive such certification, commented Mr. Sunil Kapoor, Director and General Manager of FML Ship Management Limited, as it reinforces our philosophy that the safe running of all the vessels is more than just a priority but an integral part of the total Quality System. This will not work until unless we take care of our dearest assets - our seafarers. Mr Kapoor further advised that such certification show our seafarers that company actively protects and has stake in the welfare of its staff working on board our managed vessels.

The MLC 2006 will be the fourth Pillar of he International Regulatory regime for Quality Shipping, complementing the key conventions of the IMO like Safety of Life at Sea, The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch Keeping and the International convention for the prevention of pollution from ships. While MLC is not expected to come in to force before December 2011, however Fleet has worked for some time to develop services for handling the convention, including the development of effective procedures and certification ahead of compliance deadlines.

This Super treaty along with additional regulatory changes will no doubt means additional man hours and resources for Third Party Managers but we are prepared much ahead of time and hence will not face any problem when this will become mandatory in due course, commented Mr Kapoor.

Mr.Sunil Kapoor, Director of FML Ship Management Ltd and Mr Frantziskos Kamizoulis, DNV lead auditor