Application.
SEC. 44. Application. - The requirements of this chapter covering ocean-going ships of Philippines registry shall be applicable to the following:
(a) All ocean-going ships constructed on or after the date that the MLC 2006, as amended, came into force;
(b) All second hand ocean-going ships, acquired or leased, and entered in the Philippine registry after the entry into force of the MLC 2006, as amended, insofar as they can be reasonably refitted, unless exempted by the relevant Philippine government agency; and
(c) All ocean-going ships constructed prior to the entry into force of the MLC 2006, as amended, which have undergone major or substantial structural alterations after the entry into force of the Convention, unless exempted by the relevant Philippine government agency.
Accommodation and Recreational Facilities.
SEC. 45. Accommodation and Recreational Facilities. - Unless otherwise exempted herein or by appropriate regulations, all ocean-going ships shall provide and maintain safe, decent, and adequate accommodations, including but not limited to, recreational facilities for overseas seafarers that meet the minimum standards set out in MLC 2006, as amended, taking into account the need to protect the health and well-being of seafarers working or living on board the ship, or both. There shall be a basic shipboard facility for women, such as separate sleeping rooms.
Requirements for Sanitation.
SEC. 46. Requirements for Sanitation. - All ocean-going ships shall have sanitary facilities that meet the minimum standards for health and hygiene, which shall be accessible to overseas seafarers on board, and sanitation standards set by Chapter XV - "Port, Airport, Vessel and Aircraft Sanitation" of Presidential Decree No. 856, otherwise known as the "Code on Sanitation of the Philippines", and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR). The sanitary facilities shall be located in convenient places, allowing easy access to work stations.
Separate sanitary facilities shall also be provided for male and female crew members of the ship.
Food and Catering.
SEC. 47. Food and Catering. - All ocean-going ships shall ensure the protection and promotion of the health of the overseas seafarers. Shipowners shall ensure that their ocean-going ships carry on board and serve food and drinking water of appropriate quality, nutritional value, and quantity that adequately cover the requirements of the ship and take into consideration the differing cultural and religious backgrounds of the seafarers on board the ship. Seafarers on board a ship shall be provided with food free of charge during the period of engagement. The food, drinks, and the preparation thereof shall be in accordance with the standards of Presidential Decree No. 856, pertinent laws, rules, regulations, and international standards. In all cases, the ship's cooks shall be trained and qualified for their position.
Source: Supreme Court E-Library, Republic of the Philippines. Philippine laws are public documents (works of the government).
