The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has issued supplementary guidance on crew accommodation to help owners and operators of UK‑registered ships meet the domestic requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention. The publication is titled Guidance: MGN 481 (M) Amendment 2 MLC, 2006 and was posted on 3 September 2026.
The note explains how to comply with Part 7 of the MS MLC, 2006: minimum requirements for seafarers, regulations 2014. The material is framed as supplementary guidance to existing domestic regulations rather than a change in statutory obligations.
The guidance is aimed specifically at owners and operators of UK‑registered ships and at those responsible for ensuring compliance with the MLC provisions in the UK fleet. It is presented in the form of a Marine Guidance Note amendment under the MCA reference MGN 481 (M) Amendment 2.
The MCA describes the publication as supplementary to the national regulations implementing the MLC, 2006. Shipowners and operators are advised to consider the guidance when assessing accommodation arrangements and demonstrating compliance to the competent authority.
Practical focus for operators
The document is intended to assist the maritime industry in interpreting Part 7 of the MS MLC, 2006: minimum requirements for seafarers, regulations 2014. It provides clarification on the application of those domestic requirements for UK‑flag vessels.
Ship operators and managers will rely on the guidance as an explanatory resource when preparing documentation and making changes to accommodation arrangements. The MCA has positioned the note as a reference to support consistent enforcement and assessment across the UK registry.
Regulatory context
The amended Marine Guidance Note does not replace the statutory text of the regulations. It sits alongside the MS MLC, 2006 provisions and the domestic regulatory framework, offering supplementary interpretation where operators require clarity.
Owners and masters remain subject to the obligations contained in the MS MLC, 2006 regulations of 2014, and the MCA’s guidance is intended to assist in meeting those obligations rather than to alter them.
Industry users are encouraged to consult the full text of MGN 481 (M) Amendment 2 for the precise explanations and any illustrative material the MCA has chosen to publish. The MCA’s publication on 3 September 2026 sets out the agency’s current advisory position on the application of Part 7 requirements in the UK context.
For practical implementation, ship operators should ensure their compliance procedures take account of the MCA’s supplementary guidance and the underlying MLC‑based regulations. Proper reference to the MCA note will help when demonstrating to inspectors and other authorities how accommodation meets the required standards.
The publication underlines the continuing role of the MCA in providing explanatory material to the UK maritime community. Those affected by the guidance should review MGN 481 (M) Amendment 2 and adjust their internal compliance checks and records where appropriate.
The MCA’s guidance provides a consolidated point of reference for questions relating to crew accommodation under the domestic application of the Maritime Labour Convention. Operators seeking to ensure conformity with Part 7 of the MS MLC, 2006: minimum requirements for seafarers, regulations 2014, should treat the Marine Guidance Note as part of their regulatory toolkit.