Amendments to be made to Maritime Labor Law

In the case of extreme necessity, it will be possible to temporarily employ a person without cook qualifications on a ship, relevant amendments will be made to the Maritime Labor Law.

The amendment refers to a ship required by its safe manning document to carry a crew of ten or more sailors; the Agency is authorized to issue a dispensation permitting a cook who lacks the required qualification to work on board temporarily, for a specified period not exceeding one month or until arrival at the next port.

The permit will be issued under the condition that this individual has undergone training and received instructions on personal hygiene, food preparation and storage of products.

The amendments expand the powers of the Maritime Transport Agency and establish additional guarantees regarding the labor and social protection of seafarers.