The MLC, 2006, is a global legal instrument generally considered to be the “fourth pillar” of the international regulatory regime for quality shipping, complementing the key instruments of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), namely the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (the “SOLAS Convention”), as amended, the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (the “STCW Convention”), as amended, and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as amended by the Protocol of 1978 (the “MARPOL Convention”).