The Importance of MLC and WHO Regulations in Yachting
Are you fully compliant with both MLC and WHO regulations for your yacht’s water systems?
In the world of yachting, safety is paramount, and that extends to the very water that sustains your crew and guests. Navigating the complex regulations for water safety can be daunting, but Octo Marine is here to guide you through the process, ensuring your yacht complies with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC2006) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for water safety and quality.
MLC2006: The Cornerstone of Yachting Safety
MLC2006, established by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), sets minimum standards for seafarers’ working and living conditions, encompassing aspects that directly impact water safety on yachts. This includes:
- Employment Agreements: Fair contracts for seafarers.
- Working Hours: Maximum work hours and rest periods.
- Accommodation: Adequate living quarters for crew.
- Recreational Facilities: Leisure amenities access.
- Food and Catering: Nutritious and hygienic food supply.
- Health Protection: Safe working environment.
- Medical Care: Accessible medical services.
- Social Security: Insurance and social needs coverage.
Incorporating WHO Guidelines for Water Safety
In addition to MLC2006, WHO guidelines play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of water onboard. These guidelines focus on:
- Drinking-Water Quality: Ensuring the purity and safety of drinking water.
- Water Safety Plans (WSPs): Comprehensive management of water from source to tap.
- Legionella Prevention: Strategies to control Legionella in water systems.
- Recreational Water Management: Safeguarding water in pools and spas.
- Sanitation and Hygiene: Standards for cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene water uses.
- Emergency Preparedness: Ensuring water safety during unforeseen events.
The Scope of MLC2006 and WHO Compliance
MLC2006 applies to all seagoing vessels engaged in commercial activities, regardless of size. Non-compliance can lead to legal penalties, operational inefficiencies, and reputational damage. WHO guidelines, while not legally binding, set the international standard for water safety, significantly impacting health and wellbeing onboard.
Adherence to ISO Standards for Water Safety
Compliance with both MLC2006 and WHO guidelines involves adhering to recognised standards for water testing and sampling. Octo Marine, through its partnership with Hydrus Laboratory SAS, ensures adherence to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, which sets criteria for competent water testing, and ISO 19458, which ensures the integrity of water sampling processes.
This approach to water management is not only crucial for upholding MLC2006 and WHO recommendations, but to allow yachts to submit these results to port authorities around the world in order to obtain their Ship’s Sanitation Certificate.
Octo Marine: Your Comprehensive Water Safety Partner
To achieve full compliance with MLC2006 and WHO water safety regulations, yacht owners and operators must conduct Water Tests & Analysis bi-annually and meticulously record these results in a well-maintained Fresh Water Safety Plan. It is equally important to stay informed about the latest amendments to MLC2006 and WHO water safety guidelines and create a culture onboard that prioritises water quality.
As your trusted partner in water safety compliance, Octo Marine offers a suite of specialised services designed to meet the unique needs of your yacht. Our expertise covers the entire range of water safety and quality, from meticulous testing and analysis to the supply and installation of high-quality systems, ensuring your yacht upholds the highest standards of water quality.
Our comprehensive range of services includes:
- [Water Testing and Analysis]: We conduct comprehensive water testing in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ISO 19458, providing you with accurate and reliable data to assess and maintain optimal water quality.
- [Water Treatment Solutions]: We provide tailored water treatment solutions based on your yacht’s specific requirements, optimising your water systems to eliminate contaminants and ensure consistent, pure water for your crew and guests.
- [Global Supply and Delivery]: We offer a global supply network to ensure you have access to the highest-quality water treatment products and components, delivered directly to your yacht wherever you are in the world.
- [Expert Installation and Maintenance]: Our team of experienced technicians can expertly install and maintain your water treatment systems, ensuring optimal performance and minimising downtime across France, Spain and Italy.
Charting the Path to Compliance
Partnering with Octo Marine is your gateway to seamless water safety compliance. We guide you through the process, ensuring you have the necessary documentation, protocols, and equipment to meet all regulatory requirements.
Don’t let water safety concerns dampen your yachting adventures. Trust Octo Marine to help you navigate the waters of compliance with confidence, ensuring your yacht and crew enjoy a safe, healthy, and enjoyable sailing experience.
Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and embark on a path to worry-free yachting.
