Medical Repatriation Guide for Seafarers 2026

When injury or illness strikes at sea, knowing your rights can mean the difference between proper care and being abandoned. This guide covers your complete entitlements under international maritime law.

Your Rights Under MLC 2006

Medical Care Entitlements

While Onboard:

Free medical care
Access to ship’s medicine chest
Medical advice (radio-medical)
Emergency treatment
Transfer to shore facility if needed

During Repatriation:

Transport costs covered by employer
Medical escort if required
Appropriate travel arrangements
Continued treatment arrangements

After Repatriation:

Continued medical care until recovery
Or until condition stabilized
Minimum 16 weeks from sign-off
Can extend based on flag state/CBA

Sick Pay Entitlements

Standard MLC Minimum

Period	Entitlement
First 16 weeks	Full wages (basic + fixed OT)
Extended period	As per flag state/CBA
Maximum	Usually 26-52 weeks

When Sick Pay Starts

From date of illness/injury
Not from date of sign-off
Includes voyage time to port
Continues during treatment

Repatriation Process

Step 1: Medical Emergency Onboard

Immediate Actions:

Report to Master immediately
Receive onboard treatment
Log incident in official log
Get radio-medical advice if needed
Arrange port medical visit if required

Step 2: Decision to Repatriate

Made Based On:

Severity of condition
Availability of treatment onboard
Medical opinion
Safety considerations

Company Must:

Arrange prompt repatriation
Book appropriate transport
Provide medical escort if needed
Inform family

Step 3: Sign-Off Process

Documentation Required:

Medical certificate from port doctor
Master’s report on incident
Statement from seafarer
Witness statements (if injury)
Entry in official log book

Step 4: Travel Arrangements

Company Responsibilities:

Flight/transport booking
Medical escort if prescribed
Wheelchair/stretcher if needed
Transfer arrangements
Passport/documents safekeeping

Step 5: Arrival and Treatment

Upon Arrival Home:

Receive company-designated doctor
Begin treatment as prescribed
Regular medical updates to company
Maintain communication

Compensation Entitlements

Employer Must Cover:

All medical expenses
Hospitalization costs
Medicines and treatment
Rehabilitation
Compensation for disability

If Permanent Disability:

Lump sum compensation
Based on degree of disability
As per CBA or flag state law
ITF agreements: $125,000+ for 100%

Covered:

Medical treatment (limited period)
Sick pay (typically 16-26 weeks)
Repatriation costs

May Not Cover:

Long-term care
Permanent disability benefits
Pre-existing conditions (varies)

Documentation Essentials

Must Collect Onboard

Must Collect in Port

Keep at Home

Common Problems & Solutions

Problem: Company Delays Repatriation

Your Right: Prompt repatriation without delay Action: Document delays, contact DPA, ITF if needed

Problem: Sick Pay Not Received

Your Right: Full wages during sick leave Action: Written demand to company, flag state complaint

Problem: Treatment Stopped Early

Your Right: Care until recovery/stabilization Action: Get medical opinion, challenge decision

Problem: Forced to Sign Settlement

Your Right: Fair compensation, legal review Action: Never sign under pressure, seek legal advice

After Recovery: Return to Work

Fitness Certificate

Required Before Joining:

Fit for duty certificate
From approved medical examiner
Clearance for specific duties
Updated PEME if expired

Restrictions

May have restrictions:

Specific duties only
Regular monitoring
Medication requirements
Follow-up examinations

If Unfit for Sea Duty

Options:

Medical pension (if permanent)
Disability compensation
Retraining for shore work
Insurance claims

Support Organizations

For Assistance

Organization	Contact
ITF India	Delhi office
NUSI	Mumbai HQ
Seafarers’ Union	Regional offices
Mission to Seafarers	Port centers

Legal Help

Maritime lawyers
ITF affiliated unions
Flag state authorities
P&I club (for claims)

SailorGPT: Medical Rights Guidance

Facing medical issues at sea? SailorGPT helps with:

Rights clarification under MLC 2006
Documentation guidance
Process navigation
Support resource connections

Get guidance: Chat with SailorGPT

Note: For medical emergencies, contact ship’s Master and company immediately. SailorGPT provides information support, not medical advice.

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FAQs

How long can I receive sick pay?

Minimum 16 weeks under MLC 2006. Many flag states and CBAs extend to 26-52 weeks. Check your contract and applicable CBA.

Can company terminate my contract due to illness?

Not automatically. You have rights to treatment and compensation. Termination must follow proper procedures with compensation.

What if company refuses medical repatriation?

Document refusal, contact DPA, reach out to flag state authority and ITF. This is a serious MLC violation.

Who pays for family visit if I’m hospitalized abroad?

Generally not covered by employer unless in CBA. P&I insurance sometimes covers. Check your specific contract.

Can I choose my own doctor after repatriation?

Company usually designates doctors for official assessment. You can get second opinions at your cost. Treatment doctor may be flexible.

Part of the Seafarer Rights Guide

Explore all MLC 2006 rights, wage claims, harassment, repatriation, and emergency helplines in the complete guide.

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