MLC 2006: Your Rights as a Seafarer

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 is often called the “Seafarers’ Bill of Rights.” It protects over 2 million seafarers worldwide, including Indian seafarers. Yet many don’t know their rights. This guide changes that.

What is MLC 2006?

The Maritime Labour Convention 2006, adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO), sets minimum standards for:

• Working and living conditions
• Health and safety
• Wages and contracts
• Leave entitlements
• Social security

India ratified MLC 2006 in 2015, making these rights legally binding for all Indian-flagged ships and all ships visiting Indian ports.

The Five Titles of MLC 2006

Title 1: Minimum Requirements for Seafarers

Minimum Age:

• 16 years minimum for any work on ship
• 18 years for night work or hazardous duties
• Exception: Training under supervision

Medical Fitness:

• Valid medical certificate required
• Issued by qualified medical practitioner
• Maximum validity: 2 years (1 year if under 18)
• Color vision certificate for navigational duties

Training and Qualifications:

• Must hold valid certificates for position
• STCW compliance required
• Personal safety training mandatory

Title 2: Conditions of Employment

Employment Agreements

Your contract MUST include:

Element	Requirement
Full name and birthdate	Exact as in passport
Place and date of contract	Where signed
Shipowner’s name	Legal entity details
Capacity/rank	Your position
Wages	Amount, currency, calculation
Leave entitlement	Minimum days per month
Health coverage	Medical care provision
Repatriation	Return home provision
Notice period	For termination
Contract duration	Specific or indefinite

Your Rights:

• Copy of contract before signing
• Time to read and understand
• Keep signed copy always
• Right to legal advice

Wages

MLC 2006 Guarantees:

1. Regular Payment: Monthly, within reasonable time
2. Account of Earnings: Detailed breakdown provided
3. Allotments: Right to send money home
4. No Deductions: Except legally permitted
5. Currency: In usable currency

Minimum Wage: The ILO Joint Maritime Commission sets minimum basic wage. As of 2024, it’s $658/month for AB (Able Seaman).

Overtime:

• Standard working week: 48 hours
• Beyond that: Overtime rates apply
• Company must clearly define rates

Working Hours

Maximum Hours:

• 14 hours in any 24-hour period
• 72 hours in any 7-day period

Minimum Rest:

• 10 hours in any 24-hour period
• 77 hours in any 7-day period

Rest Period Rules:

• One rest period minimum 6 consecutive hours
• Interval between rest: Maximum 14 hours
• Drills during rest: Compensatory rest required

Records:

• Ship must maintain rest hour records
• You must sign your records
• Keep your own copies

Leave Entitlement

Minimum Annual Leave:

• 2.5 days per month of service
• 30 days minimum per year
• Cannot be “bought out” (mostly)

Shore Leave:

• Adequate shore leave in ports
• Ship cannot restrict without reason
• Cannot deduct wages for shore leave

Title 3: Accommodation, Facilities, Food

Accommodation Standards

Your cabin MUST have:

Feature	Minimum Standard
Floor area	4.5 sq.m (single), 7.5 sq.m (two-person)
Headroom	203 cm minimum
Berth size	198 x 80 cm minimum
Lighting	Natural and artificial
Ventilation	Adequate air circulation
Heating/Cooling	Climate appropriate
Sanitary facilities	Accessible, clean

Officers get:

• Single occupancy rooms
• Sitting space
• Desk and chair
• Private bathroom (senior officers)

Food and Water

Your Rights:

• Three proper meals daily
• Quality, nutritious food
• Adequate quantity
• Cultural/religious considerations
• Safe drinking water available
• Qualified cook on board

Inspection:

• Galley hygiene regularly inspected
• Food storage properly maintained
• Expiry dates checked

Recreation

Ship must provide:

• Recreational spaces
• Exercise equipment (where possible)
• Internet access (increasingly common)
• Books, games, entertainment
• Religious observation facilities

Title 4: Health Protection and Medical Care

Medical Care On Board

Your Rights:

• Access to medical care at no cost
• Qualified person responsible for medical
• Ship’s medicine chest properly stocked
• Medical report forms available
• Dental care included

In Emergencies:

• Medical evacuation if needed
• Treatment at nearest port
• Company pays all costs
• No wage deduction during illness

Medical Care Ashore

When sick or injured:

• Treatment at nearest suitable port
• Full medical coverage
• Hospital care if needed
• Medicine and supplies
• Specialist treatment
• Surgical operations

Duration:

• Covered until recovery or condition stabilized
• Minimum 16 weeks after injury
• Extended for repatriation needs

Health and Safety

Ship must:

• Implement safety policies
• Provide protective equipment
• Train all crew on safety
• Report accidents
• Conduct risk assessments
• Maintain clean environment

You must:

• Follow safety procedures
• Use protective equipment
• Report hazards
• Participate in drills
• Not work impaired

Title 5: Compliance and Enforcement

Flag State Responsibility

Ship’s flag state must:

• Inspect ships regularly
• Issue Maritime Labour Certificate
• Ensure standards maintained
• Investigate complaints

Port State Control

When ship visits port:

• Authorities can inspect
• Check MLC compliance
• Detain if serious issues
• Require corrections

Onboard Complaints

Your Right to Complain:

1. Onboard Procedure:

   • Complain to designated person
   • Written response within 7 days
   • Appeal to Master if unsatisfied
   • Keep copies of everything

2. External Complaints:

   • Port State Control (any port)
   • Flag State authority
   • ILO (if state not responding)
   • ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation)

Protection:

• No victimization for complaints
• Confidentiality maintained
• Cannot be dismissed for complaining

Repatriation Rights

When You’re Entitled

You can demand repatriation when:

• Contract expires
• Contract terminated by shipowner
• Medical reasons
• Ship heading to war zone
• Shipowner bankrupt
• Ship detained (over time)
• Constructive dismissal

What Repatriation Includes

Shipowner must provide:

• Passage home (air if reasonable)
• Accommodation and meals during travel
• Medical care en route if needed
• Personal baggage transport
• Wages until reaching home
• All without deduction from wages

Maximum Service Period

• No contract exceeding 11 months
• After maximum period: Repatriation right
• Exception only with your consent

Financial Security

In Case of Abandonment

If shipowner abandons you:

• Ship’s flag state must help
• Port state has backup responsibility
• ITF can assist
• P&I Club liability

In Case of Death or Disability

Compensation for:

• Contractual claims
• Death or long-term disability
• Outstanding wages
• Repatriation of remains

Your Responsibilities

While MLC gives rights, you also have duties:

1. Work Competently: Perform duties as trained
2. Follow Orders: Legal orders from superiors
3. Safety Compliance: Follow all safety rules
4. Respect Others: No harassment or discrimination
5. Proper Conduct: No drugs, controlled alcohol
6. Protect Ship: Care for vessel and cargo

How to Protect Your Rights

Before Joining

1. Read contract thoroughly
2. Understand all terms
3. Get copy of signed contract
4. Know your wages and benefits
5. Verify company reputation

During Contract

1. Keep records of working hours
2. Document any violations
3. Maintain copies of everything
4. Know complaint procedures
5. Contact ITF if needed

If Issues Arise

1. Try onboard resolution first
2. Document everything in writing
3. Contact Port State Control if needed
4. Reach out to ITF
5. Contact flag state authority

Important Contacts

Indian Authorities

Authority	Contact
DG Shipping	dgshipping.gov.in
National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI)	nusi.org.in
Maritime Union of India	muiindia.in

International

Organization	Purpose
ITF	Seafarer advocacy
ILO	MLC administration
IMO	Maritime safety

Conclusion

MLC 2006 gives you powerful protections. But rights only work if you know and exercise them.

Key takeaways:

• Always have written contract
• Know your rest hour entitlements
• Document any violations
• Use complaint procedures when needed
• Contact unions or ITF for support

The maritime industry needs seafarers. You have value. Don’t accept substandard conditions—MLC 2006 is on your side.

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