Understanding the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and Your Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA)
What is the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)?
The Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC) came into force on 20 August 2013 and established a global framework of rights and protections for seafarers working at sea. Often referred to as the “Seafarers’ Bill of Rights,” the MLC sets minimum standards for working and living conditions across the maritime industry, including commercial yachts.
The Convention was introduced to ensure fair treatment of crew while creating a level playing field for yacht owners, operators, and management companies.
The MLC covers key areas including:
- Employment conditions
- Crew accommodation
- Working hours and rest periods
- Medical care and welfare
- Health and safety standards
- Repatriation rights
- Complaint procedures
- Flag State and Port State inspections
Its purpose is to ensure that seafarers enjoy safe working environments, fair employment conditions, and appropriate legal protections throughout their careers.
What is a Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA)?
One of the most significant changes introduced by the MLC was the requirement for every crew member working on a commercial yacht to have their own individual Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA).
Prior to the MLC, many vessels operated under a general crew agreement covering all crew members. Today, each seafarer must have a separate, legally enforceable contract approved by the yacht’s Flag State.
The SEA forms the foundation of your employment relationship and clearly outlines your rights, responsibilities, and employment terms.
Your Rights Under the MLC
Under the Convention, every seafarer has the right to:
- A safe and secure workplace
- Fair terms of employment
- Decent working and living conditions onboard
- Access to medical care and welfare support
- Appropriate social protection measures
These rights must be reflected within your SEA and supported by the yacht’s Flag State regulations.
What Must a SEA Include?
As a minimum, your SEA should clearly state:
Personal and Employment Details
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Position onboard
Employer Details
- Name and address of the yacht owner, owning company, or employer
Employment Terms
- Salary and payment arrangements
- Annual leave entitlement
- Start date and place of engagement
- Duration of employment (fixed term or permanent)
Termination Terms
- Notice periods
- Conditions for ending employment
- End date (if fixed term)
Additional Benefits
- Repatriation rights
- Medical and health protection
- Social security arrangements
- Any applicable collective bargaining agreements
The SEA must be written in a language you understand, signed by both parties, and a copy must be provided to you and retained onboard the vessel.
Hours of Work and Rest
MLC regulations are designed to prevent fatigue and promote crew welfare.
In general, seafarers should receive:
- A minimum of 10 hours rest within every 24-hour period
- A minimum of 77 hours rest within every 7-day period
Exceptions may apply during emergencies, safety drills, or situations involving the safety of the vessel, passengers, crew, or environment. Any additional work performed during these situations should be compensated with adequate rest periods.
Annual Leave
Annual leave provisions vary slightly between Flag States, but all MLC-compliant agreements must provide paid leave.
Examples include:
- Isle of Man: minimum 30 days annual leave plus public holidays
- Cayman Islands: minimum 38 days including public holidays
It’s also important to clarify:
- Travel days associated with leave
- Rotational leave arrangements
- Whether flights to and from home are covered by the employer
Always ensure these arrangements are confirmed in writing.
Repatriation
Seafarers have the right to be repatriated at no personal cost under certain circumstances, including the end of employment.
The specific conditions can vary depending on the yacht’s Flag State and the wording of the SEA, so it is important to review these provisions carefully before signing.
Medical Care and Welfare
While employed onboard, seafarers are entitled to access appropriate medical care and health protection measures.
In most cases, medical treatment related to onboard service should be provided without cost to the crew member.
Social Security
Social security arrangements vary considerably depending on the yacht’s Flag State, ownership structure, and your country of residence.
Because these arrangements can be complex, crew members should seek professional advice if they are unsure about:
- National insurance obligations
- Pension contributions
- Healthcare entitlements
- Long-term social security benefits
Before You Sign
Our advice is simple:
Always request a copy of the SEA before accepting a position.
Take time to:
- Read the agreement thoroughly
- Clarify any terms you do not understand
- Confirm leave, travel, rotation, and notice arrangements
- Review disciplinary procedures
- Seek independent advice where necessary
The SEA protects both the employer and the crew member, providing a clear framework for employment and helping to avoid misunderstandings later.
Final Thoughts
The Maritime Labour Convention was introduced to improve standards across the maritime industry and ensure seafarers are treated fairly. Your Seafarer Employment Agreement is one of the most important documents you will sign during your career, so it should never be viewed as a formality.
Understanding your SEA before joining a vessel will help you make informed decisions, protect your rights, and establish clear expectations from the outset.
This information is intended as general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Crew members should seek professional guidance where specific contractual or legal concerns arise.