Circular issued by International Group clubs Background The International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted the MLC on 23 February 2006.  The text of the Convention can be found here . Following ratification of the Convention by the 30th State on 20 August 2012, the Convention will enter into force internationally on 20 August 2013. As of 27 February 2013, 35 States have now ratified the Convention. A list of those States that have ratified the MLC can be found here . The MLC provides a set of comprehensive rights and protection at work for seafarers and aims to achieve minimum on board working conditions covering a wide range of matters, including working hours, health and safety, crew accommodation, seafarers' welfare and seafarers' contractual arrangements. The new labour standards contained in the Convention consolidate and update more than 68 international labour standards related to the maritime sector adopted over the last 80 years. The MLC requires owners to submit a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) to their Flag State, which must be a State Party to the Convention. The Flag State will then issue an MLC certificate to ships flying their flag which should be posted on-board in a conspicuous place that is accessible to seafarers. Financial Security for repatriation of seafarers and death or long term disability of seafarers The MLC also provides that States Parties shall ensure that seafarers[1] on vessels flying their flag are entitled to: (a) repatriation, including repatriation in cases of a shipowner's insolvency (effectively abandonment) and for which financial security should be in place, and (b) compensation in the event of death or long term disability due to an occupational injury, illness or hazard as set out in national law, the seafarer's employment agreement or collective agreement and for which financial security must be in place. Ships flying the flag of a State Party to the MLC will therefore need to have evidence that fina