A Seafarer's Guide to Your Rights: Understanding MLC 2006
The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 is known as the "seafarers' bill of rights." It is a global agreement that sets the minimum standards for the working and living conditions of seafarers on board ships. Understanding your rights under MLC 2006 is essential for ensuring you are treated fairly and work in a safe environment.
This guide simplifies the five main sections (Titles) of the convention.
This guide simplifies the five main sections (Titles) of the convention.
Minimum Requirements for Seafarers to Work on a Ship
This section ensures you are qualified and protected before you even join a vessel.
- Minimum Age: You must be at least 16 years old to work on a ship. For night work or roles deemed hazardous, the minimum age is 18.
- Medical Certificate: You must hold a valid medical certificate issued by a recognized authority, proving you are medically fit to perform your duties.
- Training and Qualifications: You must be properly trained and certified for the duties you are expected to perform.
- Recruitment and Placement: You have the right to use fair and free recruitment services. Manning agencies are not allowed to charge you fees for finding you a job.
Conditions of Employment
This is one of the most important sections, as it governs your contract and pay.
- Seafarers' Employment Agreement (SEA): You must be given a legally enforceable contract that is clear, fair, and signed by both you and the shipowner. You must be given time to review it before signing and receive a copy.
- Wages: Your wages must be paid in full and at regular intervals (at least monthly). You have the right to send a portion of your earnings home to your family.
- Hours of Work and Rest: The convention sets maximum hours of work (e.g., 14 hours in any 24-hour period) and minimum hours of rest (e.g., 10 hours in any 24-hour period) to prevent fatigue.
- Entitlement to Leave: You are entitled to paid annual leave.
- Repatriation: You have the right to be sent home at the shipowner's expense at the end of your contract, or in specific circumstances such as illness or shipwreck.
Accommodation, Recreational Facilities, Food and Catering
This section ensures you have decent living conditions on board.
- Accommodation: Your cabin and other living spaces must meet high standards for size, heating, ventilation, and sanitation. Single-berth cabins are required on most modern ships.
- Recreational Facilities: Shipowners should provide recreational facilities on board, such as TVs, movies, books, and gym equipment.
- Food and Water: You have the right to good quality food and drinking water, provided free of charge during your employment. The ship must have a qualified cook on board.
Health Protection, Medical Care, Welfare and Social Security Protection
This section covers your health and well-being.
- Medical Care on Board: You have the right to access prompt medical care on board, including essential medicines and a medically trained person. For serious issues, you have the right to be taken ashore for treatment.
- Shipowner's Liability: The shipowner is responsible for covering the costs of medical care, including hospitalization and treatment, for illness or injury that occurs during your service.
- Health and Safety Protection: You have the right to a safe and hygienic working environment. The shipowner must have policies and programs in place to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Social Security: Your home country should have social security provisions for you, covering aspects like healthcare, retirement, and employment injury benefits.
Compliance and Enforcement
This section ensures that these rights are actually enforced.
Every ship must carry a Maritime Labour Certificate and a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance on board, proving it has been inspected and meets the standards of the MLC 2006. You have the right to make a complaint, either on board or ashore, if you believe your rights are being violated, without fear of retaliation.
Knowing your rights is the first step to protecting them. Keep this guide handy and never hesitate to seek clarification on your employment agreement.
Every ship must carry a Maritime Labour Certificate and a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance on board, proving it has been inspected and meets the standards of the MLC 2006. You have the right to make a complaint, either on board or ashore, if you believe your rights are being violated, without fear of retaliation.
Knowing your rights is the first step to protecting them. Keep this guide handy and never hesitate to seek clarification on your employment agreement.