In the maritime industry, Title 4 of the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 requires that health protection and medical care for seafarers must be as compatible as possible to that which is generally available to workers ashore, including prompt access to the necessary medicines, medical equipment and facilities for diagnosis and treatment, and to medical information and expertise. Having been ratified by more than 30 member states reflecting more than 33 percent of world gross tonnage, MLC 2006 comes into effect Aug. 20, 2013. This comprehensive document applies to more than 1.2 million seafarers, including those working on ships whose flag states have not ratified the Convention.