Seafarers Rights - MLC2006
The MLC 2006 is an international law that set out by the International Labour Organisation highlighting minimum working and living standards for seafarers worldwide.
​ts purpose is to ensure fair treatment and decent conditions regardless of a seafarer’s nationality or employer.
It also provides systems for complaints, inspections, and enforcement through flag and port state control.
In practice, it helps prevent exploitation and ensures ships operate with properly treated, rested, and protected crews.

Safe working conditions
Linked heavily with ISM Code and SOLAS
Requirement
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Safe systems of work
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PPE provision
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Risk assessments before hazardous tasks
Operational reality
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Toolbox talks must be meaningful, not rushed
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Permit-to-work system (hot work, enclosed space, etc.)
PSC focus
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Crew understanding of procedures
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Not just paperwork—Can you explain the risk?
Hours of Rest (Fatigue Control)
Requirement
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Minimum:
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10 hours rest in any 24-hour period
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77 hours rest in any 7 days
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Max 14 hours work in 24 hours
Operational reality
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Split rest allowed (max 2 periods, one ≥6 hours)
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Drills must not systematically violate rest
PSC focus
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Cross-check:
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Rest hour records
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Logbooks
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Work permits
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They look for pattern inconsistencies
Fair Wages
Requirement
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Paid at least monthly
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Full accounting transparency (allotments, deductions)
Operational reality
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Payslips must show:
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Base wage
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Overtime
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Leave pay
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Deductions (if any)
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PSC (Port State Control)/audit focus
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Evidence of regular payment
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Crew complaints about delays
Important to note
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Non-payment >2 months can trigger abandonment classification
Right to Fair Employment agreement
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Written Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA)
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Terms such as wages, contract duration, leave, repatriation should be clear
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This must be understood and signed voluntarily
Leave ( Annual and Shore Leave)
Requirement
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Paid annual leave accrual
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Shore leave when operationally feasible- Make sure that it is detailed in your employment contract if shore leave is deductible from annual leave
Operational reality
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Leave is often paid as part of salary (consolidated wage systems)
PSC focus
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Is leave calculation compliant?
Food and Accomodation
Requirement
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Clean, safe, and decent living conditions
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Adequate lighting, ventilation, heating
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Food of proper quality and quantity
Operational reality
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Separate mess rooms
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Regular inspections by Master or designated officer
PSC focus
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Galley hygiene
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Food storage (temperature, contamination)
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Crew complaints
Repatriation
Requirement
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Shipowner pays for return home in cases of:
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Contract completion
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Illness/injury
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Shipwreck
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Employer insolvency
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​
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Includes:
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Travel
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Accommodation
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Food
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PSC focus
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Evidence of financial security system
Medical Care
Requirement
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Access to:
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Medical chest (properly stocked)
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Trained personnel onboard
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Shore-based treatment when needed
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Operational reality
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Use of telemedical services
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Medical logbook must be maintained
PSC focus
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Expiry dates of medicines
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Crew awareness of procedures
Important to note
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No cost to seafarer for essential treatment
Social Protection
Requirement
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Compensation for:
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Injury
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Disability
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Death
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Access to social security (varies by flag state)
​​
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Covered via:
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P&I insurance
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Company schemes
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PSC focus
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Proof of financial security certificates
Complaint Procedures
Requirement
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Formal onboard complaint system
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Escalation path:
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Immediate superior
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Master
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Company
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Flag state
Operational reality
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Must allow confidential complaints
PSC focus
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Crew awareness: ​
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Does the crew know how to raise complaints ​
Protection against Abandonment
Requirement
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Financial security must cover:
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Unpaid wages (up to 4 months typically)
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Repatriation
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Basic needs onboard
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Operational reality
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Certificates must be posted onboard
PSC focus
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Valid abandonment insurance
Freedom from Harrassment and Discrimination
Requirement
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No discrimination based on nationality, gender, etc.
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Protection from bullying/harassment
Operational reality
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Company policies + reporting channels
PSC focus
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Increasingly important (especially in mixed crews)