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MLC inspection preparation

MEO Class 2
Chief Mate
Master

times asked: 37; times asked
questions: 6; questions
last asked: 2026; last asked

The slides, written out

AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale.

Slide 1 · DON'T JUST PREPARE

DON'T JUST PREPARE. BE INSPECTION READY. MLC INSPECTION PREPARATION YOUR MASTER CHECKLIST FOR A SMOOTH INSPECTION THE RULES BEHIND FASTER PORT CLEARANCE

Slide 2 · MLC INSPECTION

MLC INSPECTION PREPARATION MASTER CHECKLIST – READY BEFORE THEY BOARD DOCUMENTS • LIVING SPACES • EVIDENCE OF ROUTINE PHASE 1: THE MASTER'S FILE & DOCUMENTATION THE "FIRST 20 MINUTES" 1 MARITIME LABOUR CERTIFICATE Check current validity and ensure all required endorsements are current. 2 DMLC PART I + PART II Verify the Flag State declaration and the Company's declared measures. Every measure claimed in Part II must be demonstrable onboard. 3 SEAFARER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS Ensure every seafarer has a current SEA signed by both the seafarer and the shipowner or shipowner's representative, with the required original available. 4 FINANCIAL SECURITY • Repatriation / abandonment (MLC Reg 2.5) • Death or long term disability (MLC Reg 4.2) Keep Certificates of Insurance or other evidence readily available. 5 MEDICAL CERTIFICATES Verify all certificates are valid under the applicable MLC and STCW requirements. KEY REFERENCES MLC, 2006 Reg. 2.5 Repatriation MLC, 2006 Reg. 4.2 Shipowners' liability MLC, 2006 Reg. 2.1 Seafarer Employment Agreement STCW Reg. I/9 Medical standards

Slide 3 · MLC INSPECTION PREPARATION

MLC INSPECTION PREPARATION MASTER CHECKLIST – READY BEFORE THEY BOARD DOCUMENTS • LIVING SPACES • EVIDENCE OF ROUTINE 2 PHASE 1 CONTINUED: HOURS OF WORK / REST THE RECORDS THAT INSPECTORS CHECK RECORDS TO VERIFY Verify that records are: Current Standardized Signed Consistent with actual operations INSPECTOR LOOKS FOR Missing or poorly maintained records Evidence of exceeding applicable limits Fatigue indicators Working arrangements inconsistent with the records APPLICABLE MLC WORK / REST REGIME Flag State requirements determine the applicable regime. MINIMUM REST REGIME MAXIMUM WORK REGIME 10 HOURS in 24 hours OR 14 HOURS in 24 hours 77 HOURS in 7 days 72 HOURS in 7 days Rest may normally be divided into no more than two periods, with one period at least 6 hours and no more than 14 hours between consecutive rest periods. KEY REFERENCE MLC, 2006 Regulation 2.3 Standard A2.3 (Hours of work or rest) Flag State establishes the applicable regime.

Slide 4 · MLC INSPECTION

MLC INSPECTION PREPARATION MASTER CHECKLIST – READY BEFORE THEY BOARD DOCUMENTS • LIVING SPACES • EVIDENCE OF ROUTINE 3 PHASE 2: LIVING SPACES THE "PHYSICAL WALK AROUND" CLEAN SHIP RULE Every cabin, messroom, galley and sanitary space should be: Clean • Tidy • Properly Maintained BEDDING & BERTHS Minimum inside berth dimensions: 198 cm x 80 cm Check condition, cleanliness and suitability. NO DIRECT OPENINGS Sleeping rooms must not have direct openings into: Cargo spaces Machinery spaces Galleys Storerooms Drying rooms Communal sanitary areas SANITARY FACILITIES Check condition, cleanliness, effective drainage and adequate provision. SYSTEMS CHECK VENTILATION & HEATING Adequate ventilation and heating to applicable standards. LIGHTING Natural light and adequate artificial lighting in sleeping rooms and mess rooms. DRAINAGE Sanitary accommodation adequately ventilated and properly drained. RED FLAG POINTS 203 cm minimum headroom where full and free movement is necessary* Sleeping rooms above the load line, amidships or aft (forward location only in exceptional cases and never forward of collision bulkhead) Adequate insulation No direct openings as listed above 203 cm MIN. * Subject to permitted limited reductions by the competent authority. KEY REFERENCE MLC, 2006 Standard A3.1 Accommodation General MLC, 2006 Standard A3.1.1 Sleeping Rooms MLC, 2006 Standard A3.1.2 Heating & Ventilation MLC, 2006 Standard A3.1.3 Sanitary Facilities MLC, 2006 Standard A3.1.4 Lighting & Illumination

Slide 5 · MLC INSPECTION

MLC INSPECTION PREPARATION MASTER CHECKLIST – READY BEFORE THEY BOARD DOCUMENTS • LIVING SPACES • EVIDENCE OF ROUTINE 4 PHASE 3: EVIDENCE OF ROUTINE "DON'T JUST SAY IT. SHOW IT." Inspectors look for consistent, documented evidence that MLC requirements are maintained continuously. 1 FORTNIGHTLY ACCOMMODATION INSPECTIONS MLC does not prescribe the frequency. Follow applicable national requirements. Document inspections carried out by the Master or the Master's representative, including accommodation condition and identified deficiencies / actions. RECORD MUST INCLUDE: Deficiencies identified Corrective action taken Follow up / closure 2 VERMIN & HYGIENE Maintain ongoing evidence of: • Pest control • Food locker condition • Store hygiene • General sanitary condition KEEP RECORDS: Pest Control Reports Food Locker Checks Store Condition 3 MINIMUM AGE MLC Standard A1.1 No person under 16 shall be employed onboard. For seafarers under 18, applicable restrictions on night work and hazardous work must be observed. APPLICABLE RESTRICTIONS FOR SEAFARERS UNDER 18 Applicable restrictions on night work must be observed Applicable restrictions on hazardous work must be observed IF YOUR DMLC PART II SAYS YOU DO IT → BE READY TO PROVE IT ONBOARD. KEY REFERENCES MLC, 2006 Standard A1.1 Minimum Age MLC, 2006 Standard A3.1 Accommodation General MLC, 2006 Standard A5.1.4 Inspection and Certification ILO MLC, 2006 Guidelines for Port State Control Officers National Requirements (e.g., DGS, India) Accommodation Inspections (Fortnightly) Requirements may be set by Flag State / Competent Authority. Always follow applicable national laws and regulations. | |

In exams

Asked 37 times across 6 different questions, most recently in 2026. Asked most in MEO Class 2 (31), Chief Mate (4), Master (2).

Drafted by SailR from our daily lessons. AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale. Last updated 19 Oct 2026.

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