Your MLC 2006 Contract Explained

The Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC 2006) is often called the "Seafarers' Bill of Rights." Ratified by over 100 countries and in force since 2013, it sets minimum standards for working and living conditions on internationally trading vessels above 500 GT. If your vessel is covered and your flag state has ratified MLC — which it almost certainly has — you have enforceable legal rights. This guide explains what your Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA) must contain and what to do if your rights are being violated.

What Is the SEA?

The Seafarer Employment Agreement is your employment contract under MLC 2006. It must be provided before you join the vessel and signed by both you and the employer. MLC requires that you are given time to read it and seek advice before signing. Never sign an SEA dockside minutes before joining — this is not compliant with MLC and you should note it.

What Must Be in Your SEA

MLC Standard A2.1 specifies a minimum of 14 items that every SEA must include:

1. Your full name, date of birth, and birthplace
2. The shipowner's name and address
3. The place and date of engagement
4. The capacity in which you are employed
5. The amount of your wages (or formula if variable)
6. The amount of paid annual leave (or formula used)
7. Termination conditions — including notice period
8. Health and social security protection benefits
9. Entitlement to repatriation
10. Reference to the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), if applicable
11. Any other condition of employment agreed in the shipping company's approved CBA
12. The ship(s) the seafarer is engaged on (or a voyage description)
13. Minimum rest hours or maximum work hours
14. Reference to the MLC 2006 document

If your SEA is missing any of these, raise it with your union or the flag state authority.

Rest Hours

MLC 2006 and STCW together set minimum rest requirements:

• Minimum rest: 10 hours in any 24-hour period
• Minimum rest: 77 hours in any 7-day period
• Rest may be divided into no more than two periods, one of which must be at least 6 hours
• The interval between consecutive rest periods must not exceed 14 hours

These are minimums — not targets. Rest hours must be recorded in a log signed by both the seafarer and the master. If your vessel's roster does not comply with these minimums, this is a PSC deficiency and potentially an ISM Code non-conformity. Document any violations.

Wages

Your SEA must state your wages clearly. MLC sets a minimum wage through the ILO Joint Maritime Commission — the ITF minimum for an Able Seaman is reviewed regularly and updated periodically. Check the current rate at ITF (itfseafarers.org).

Wages must be paid monthly (or more frequently if agreed), transferred to the account you specify, with a monthly account statement. Unauthorised deductions from wages are prohibited.

Repatriation

You are entitled to repatriation at the shipowner's expense if your contract expires, your employment is terminated by the employer, you cannot continue the voyage due to illness or injury, or the vessel is lost or detained. Repatriation covers transport to your country of residence, accommodation and food during travel, and medical treatment if required.

If your employer refuses to repatriate you — which constitutes abandonment under MLC — contact ISWAN SeafarerHelp or your flag state authority immediately. MLC 2006 requires flag states and port states to respond to abandonment situations.

Medical Care

Under MLC, seafarers are entitled to medical care at no cost while on board, and for a period ashore if sick or injured during the contract. The vessel must carry a medicine chest and designated person capable of administering first aid. For serious cases, the shipowner must meet the cost of treatment ashore.

Grievance Procedures

MLC requires that every vessel has an onboard complaint procedure allowing seafarers to raise grievances without fear of reprisal. The procedure must include the ability to raise issues directly with the master and, if unresolved, with the shipowner or relevant authority ashore.

Port State Control

PSC officers in MLC ratified ports can inspect vessels for MLC compliance. They will check SEAs, rest hour records, wage accounts, living conditions, and food. If deficiencies are found, the vessel can be detained. As a seafarer, you have the right to approach PSC inspectors directly with concerns about your working conditions — they are obliged to treat complaints confidentially.

Reporting Violations

If your MLC rights are being violated:

• Nautilus International — union support, legal advice for officers
• ITF (International Transport Workers' Federation) — particularly effective where a CBA applies
• Your flag state administration — complaint mechanisms are required under MLC
• Port State Control — in port, PSC inspectors have authority to act on seafarer complaints