Training on MLC, 2006 for Flag State Surveyors took place on 20 - 22 February 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The event was organised by EMSA on the request of Azerbaijan under the Bilateral activities Component of the EU funded Black and Caspian Sea Regions Project.

14 Flag State Surveyors from various branches of the State Maritime Administration of Azerbaijan took an active participation in the three days training. The first two days of the training were dedicated to presenting a thorough overview of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 following its structure and giving understanding on seafarers’ fundamental rights as well to a simulated inspection for Flag State Surveyors covering all relevant aspects of the inspection process – preparation, checking the ship’s and seafarers’ related documents, inspecting the living and working conditions. Grounds for more detailed inspection, detentions, rectification action plans and how to deal with on-shore complaints were amongst the topics covered.

The third day practical training was held on board a ro-ro cargo vessel at Baku port. The on-board training exercise included pre-inspection briefing, explanations on how to conduct a MLC inspection, areas to be covered during the inspection, inspecting labour related items and living and working conditions. The training ended with group briefing and reaffirmed the high interest on behalf of the participants in the topic.