Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006

Minimum Age

Minimum age of 16 years. No seafarer under 18 shall work at night or in hazardous work.

Medical Certificate

All seafarers must hold a valid medical certificate. Standard: ILO/IMO guidelines. Validity: 2 years (1 year for seafarers under 18).

Training and Qualifications

Seafarers must be trained or qualified to perform their duties. Must hold certificates required by STCW.

Recruitment and Placement

Operates a system for seafarers to file complaints. Recruitment agencies prohibited from charging fees to seafarers.

Seafarers' Employment Agreements (SEA)

Written SEA required before departure. Must contain: name, ship, wages, entitlements, termination conditions.

Wages

Minimum wage set by ILO Joint Maritime Commission. Wages paid monthly. Right to transmit earnings to family.

Hours of Work and Rest

Maximum work: 14 hours per 24h / 72 hours per 7 days. Minimum rest: 10 hours per 24h / 77 hours per 7 days.

Entitlement to Leave

Minimum paid annual leave: 2.5 days per month of employment. Cannot be waived.

Repatriation

Right to repatriation at no cost to seafarer after maximum service period (not exceeding 12 months).

Accommodation and Recreational Facilities

Minimum standards for sleeping rooms, mess rooms, sanitary facilities, hospital accommodation and recreational areas.

Food and Catering

Adequate quantity, nutritional value and quality of food and drinking water. Cook must hold required certificate.

Medical Care on Board and Ashore

Seafarers entitled to free medical care while onboard and when landed in foreign port. Medical chest required.

Shipowners' Liability

Shipowner liable for medical care costs, wages and burial expenses for injury/illness during service.

Health and Safety Protection

Occupational health and safety programs, risk assessments, accident reporting and prevention.

Social Security

Seafarers entitled to social security protection comparable to shore workers. MLC coverage comparable to national workers.