I got offered a seafarer position from one of my Dad's friends. I recently turned 17 and the offer seems like a nice way to spend the summer and gain some experience. He mentioned that I will mostly be working during the day but may sometimes have to fulfill nightly duties. Do I meet the age requirements for the position?

The minimum age for seafarers is 16, although this is 18 if the work involves any:

Seafarer working and living rights

Overview

All seafarers have working and living rights that include:

employment contracts

accommodation

food and medical care

A seafarer is anyone who works on board a seagoing ship, including:

master and crew

self-employed contractors

shopkeepers and hairdressers

entertainers

A seagoing ship is any vessel:

on an international voyage or from a foreign port

on a domestic journey from the UK coast

more than 500 gross tonnes

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 came into force on 7 August 2014. It replaced all existing laws on seafarers’ rights.

Working conditions

There are minimum requirements seafarers must meet to work at sea.

Minimum age

night work

hazardous tasks

Hazardous tasks

Manual tasks on a ship can be hazardous if not done properly, like:

lifting

hauling

mooring

towing

Employers of seafarers must ensure their staff:

know how to operate any equipment correctly

are aware of safety procedures

have access to protective personal equipment if needed

Medical certification for seafarers

Anyone in charge of a ship must have an ENG1 seafarer medical certificate.

Certificates of competency

Some seafarers will need a certificate of competency before they can carry out certain duties.

Conditions of employment

Seafarers’ employment contracts are covered by the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.

Working time regulations

All seafarers on seagoing ships are entitled to:

a minimum of 10 hours’ rest in any 24 hour period

77 hours rest in any 7 day period

at least 4 weeks’ paid annual leave

Read the Merchant Shipping Regulations 2002 for more information.

The 'human element'

The term ‘human element’ covers anything to do with the interaction between a human and any system aboard ship, and is of high importance in maritime safety and security.

Factors which affect the human element include:

recruitment and selection policies and methods

crew competence, training and experience

conditions of service, motivation and morale

design, construction and ergonomics

standards of build and certification

maintenance

stress and fatigue

security

living and working conditions

manning levels and hours of work

management policies

safety management systems

operational systems

organisational and safety culture

culture of continuous improvement and workforce engagement

For more information read ‘The human element: a guide to human behaviour in the shipping industry’.

Safe working practices

All UK ships must carry copies of the ‘Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen’, unless it’s a fishing boat or pleasure vessel.

Safe manning of ships

Employers must ensure their ships have enough properly trained and certificated officers so that it can operate safely at all times.

There must also be sufficient food on board for the number of seafarers serving.

Read more in ‘Merchant Shipping Notice 1868 (M) UK requirements for safe manning and watchkeeping’.

Noise and vibration

A seafarer’s employer must carry out risk assessments to identify who’s at risk from noise or vibration in their work and what can be done to reduce or remove these risks.

Protective personal equipment (PPE)

A seafarer’s employer must give them suitable protective equipment if they’re performing dangerous tasks.

You can find further information in the code of safe working practices for merchant seafarers.

Living conditions

Seafarers’ living conditions are covered by Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) rules on crew accommodation.

Food and catering

Seafarers’ food and catering conditions are covered by MSN 1845 under MLC rules.

Health and safety

Employers of seafarers must follow health and safety rules and provide:

safe working places and environment

safe machinery and equipment

health and safety training, instruction, supervision and information

a health and safety policy

protective clothing and equipment where necessary

information for workers about the findings of their risk assessment

information on what qualifications any temporary workers must have

information about their activities and staff to the company

Risk assessments

Any vessel seafarers work onboard must have had a risk assessment carried out by their employer or the ship owner.

New or expectant mothers

Where women of childbearing age are employed as seafarers, a risk assessment must take place of any potential hazard likely to affect a new or expectant mother.

It does not matter if they are pregnant at the time of the assessment or not.

If a risk is found that cannot be removed, a new or expectant mother working as a seafarer can be suspended on full pay providing they have either:

told their employer they’re pregnant

given birth in the last 6 months

are breastfeeding

For more information on health and safety rules for new and expectant mothers, contact the Seafarer Safety and Health Branch of the Maritime and Coastguard Authority (MCA).

Additional dangers

Seafarers may face additional dangers when living onboard ships.

Petrol generators

Ships that use petrol generators must have a risk assessment carried out to make sure they provide:

sufficient power for accommodation and lighting

adequate ventilation

adequate alarms - for example, carbon monoxide alarms

Fumigating cargo spaces

If pesticides are on board a ship, employers must make sure:

adequate breathing aids are provided for seafarers checking fumigated cargo bulks

the ship’s destination port is told 24 hours in advance of receiving this cargo

properly trained personnel check the relevant cargo bulks at port

Illegal drugs

The unauthorised presence of drugs on board a ship can have serious legal implications for seafarers and employers, potentially resulting in:

heavy fines

detention of a ship

imprisonment

the death penalty

Potentially dangerous cargo

If seafarers deal with certain toxic cargo or equipment on board ships, their employer must follow a number of specific requirements.

You can find further information on specialist ships in section 4 of the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen.

Health and medical care

Employers must protect their seafarers’ health by:

providing immunisations for certain infectious diseases

making sure hygiene measures are effective and minimise the risks of infection

making arrangements for infection control

having the right medical supplies

knowing the routes and destinations of their ships

Until the UK made the Maritime Labour Convention (MLA) law, seafarers’ health and safety regulations were covered by the Merchant Shipping Act 1995

Maritime Labour Convention

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) came into force for the UK on 7 August 2014. It sets out the minimum working and living rights for seafarers.

Exemptions

The MLC does not cover seafarers serving on the following boats:

ships navigating inland or sheltered waters subject to port regulations

fishing vessels

warships and naval auxiliaries

traditional ships, such as dhows

Minimum requirements

The MLC sets out minimum standards for seafarers to work on a ship, including:

minimum age

medical certification

training and qualifications

Age

The minimum age for seafarers will be 16. Night workers have to be 18 or over.

Exceptions can be allowed for:

training purposes

where the seafarer’s duties require it, as long as their health and safety is not affected

Medical certification

All seafarers must have the right medical certificate to work at sea before they can work on ships.

Training and qualifications

Under the MLC, seafarers will need to:

be trained and qualified to perform onboard duties

receive personal safety training

for training to conform to International Maritime Organisation standards

Find out more about seafarer training and qualifications.

Conditions of employment

Under the MLC, seafarers have minimum working rights covering:

employment agreements

wages

hours of rest

entitlement to leave

repatriation

compensation for a ship’s loss or foundering

manning levels

career and skills development

employment opportunities

Employment contracts

The convention makes sure contracts between seafarers and shipowner provide fair living and working conditions.

Contracts should be in English and include:

shipowner’s name and address

seafarer’s name, date and place of birth

place and date where agreement signed

conditions for the termination of agreement

health and social security protection benefits provided by shipowner

seafarer’s right to repatriation

Seafarers must also be:

allowed to read and consider contracts before signing them

given a record of their employment

given their own copy of their contract (the shipowner should also have a copy)

Wages

Under the MLC, seafarers’ wages must be:

paid regularly - for example, monthly

include monthly statements of accounts

allow seafarers to transfer part or all of their wages

keep currency conversion charges to reasonable limits

Hours of rest

Hours of rest must be at least:

10 hours in any 24 hour period

77 hours in any 7 day period

Crew exercises, such as lifeboat drills, must cause minimal disruption to rest periods. Seafarers called out in a rest period are entitled to a rest period to make up for it.

You can read Merchant Shipping Notice (MSN) 1848 (M) Amendment 3 MLC survey and certification of UK ships.

Holiday pay

Under the MLC, seafarers are entitled to paid leave calculated at 2.5 days per calendar month of employment.

Read more about holiday pay for seafarers in the Merchant Shipping Regulations 2002.

Repatriation

This gives seafarers the right to be returned to their home country:

when their employment contract ends or is cancelled

when they’re no longer able to carry out their duties

in the event of shipwreck

if their ship is bound for a war zone they have not agreed to go to

Shipowners cannot request advance payment for repatriation from seafarers. If a shipowner does not make repatriation arrangements, seafarers on UK ships can be repatriated by the MCA.

Accommodation and recreational facilities

The Maritime and Labour Convention (MLC) ensures seafarers have access to decent accommodation and recreational facilities when living on ships.

Medical care

These cover seafarers’ rights to:

decent on board health protection facilities, including essential dental care

the right to visit qualified medical personnel while in port

access to a qualified medical doctor on ships carrying more than 100 people on international voyages lasting more than 3 days

where there is no doctor on board, there must be designated and able seafarer(s) to provide first aid and medical care

Shipowner’s liabilities

Under the MLC, if a seafarer suffers accident or disability because of their work the shipowner must provide where necessary:

assistance and medical care

repatriation

burial or cremation, if they die

The shipowner must have financial cover in case they are liable for compensation for long-term disability or illness.

A shipowner is not liable when an injury is not related to a seafarer’s duties, when it’s caused by wilful misconduct or when a seafarer intentionally hides an illness or disability.

Health and safety protection

Under the MLC, seafarers’ work environments on ships must:

have regular risk assessments of workplace hazards - for example, from machinery

take steps to prevent work accidents

have a system for reporting accidents and occupational diseases

Enforcement

Under the MLC, the MCA can withdraw a ship’s maritime labour certificate if seafarer living and working conditions are breached.

Complaints

Seafarers can complain if the MLC has not been followed. On board a ship seafarers can complain to a manager. On shore seafarers can complain to an MCA surveyor.

Read MSN 1849 On-board complaints procedure and Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 487 Onshore complaints procedure.

night work

Seafarer working and living rights

Overview

All seafarers have working and living rights that include:

employment contracts

accommodation

food and medical care

A seafarer is anyone who works on board a seagoing ship, including:

master and crew

self-employed contractors

shopkeepers and hairdressers

entertainers

A seagoing ship is any vessel:

on an international voyage or from a foreign port

on a domestic journey from the UK coast

more than 500 gross tonnes

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 came into force on 7 August 2014. It replaced all existing laws on seafarers’ rights.

Working conditions

There are minimum requirements seafarers must meet to work at sea.

Minimum age

The minimum age for seafarers is 16, although this is 18 if the work involves any:

night work

hazardous tasks

Hazardous tasks

Manual tasks on a ship can be hazardous if not done properly, like:

lifting

hauling

mooring

towing

Employers of seafarers must ensure their staff:

know how to operate any equipment correctly

are aware of safety procedures

have access to protective personal equipment if needed

Medical certification for seafarers

Anyone in charge of a ship must have an ENG1 seafarer medical certificate.

Certificates of competency

Some seafarers will need a certificate of competency before they can carry out certain duties.

Conditions of employment

Seafarers’ employment contracts are covered by the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.

Working time regulations

All seafarers on seagoing ships are entitled to:

a minimum of 10 hours’ rest in any 24 hour period

77 hours rest in any 7 day period

at least 4 weeks’ paid annual leave

Read the Merchant Shipping Regulations 2002 for more information.

The 'human element'

Factors which affect the human element include:

recruitment and selection policies and methods

crew competence, training and experience

conditions of service, motivation and morale

design, construction and ergonomics

standards of build and certification

maintenance

stress and fatigue

security

living and working conditions

manning levels and hours of work

management policies

safety management systems

operational systems

organisational and safety culture

culture of continuous improvement and workforce engagement

For more information read ‘The human element: a guide to human behaviour in the shipping industry’.

Safe working practices

All UK ships must carry copies of the ‘Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen’, unless it’s a fishing boat or pleasure vessel.

Safe manning of ships

Employers must ensure their ships have enough properly trained and certificated officers so that it can operate safely at all times.

There must also be sufficient food on board for the number of seafarers serving.

Read more in ‘Merchant Shipping Notice 1868 (M) UK requirements for safe manning and watchkeeping’.

Noise and vibration

Protective personal equipment (PPE)

A seafarer’s employer must give them suitable protective equipment if they’re performing dangerous tasks.

You can find further information in the code of safe working practices for merchant seafarers.

Living conditions

Seafarers’ living conditions are covered by Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) rules on crew accommodation.

Food and catering

Seafarers’ food and catering conditions are covered by MSN 1845 under MLC rules.

Health and safety

Employers of seafarers must follow health and safety rules and provide:

safe working places and environment

safe machinery and equipment

health and safety training, instruction, supervision and information

a health and safety policy

protective clothing and equipment where necessary

information for workers about the findings of their risk assessment

information on what qualifications any temporary workers must have

information about their activities and staff to the company

Risk assessments

Any vessel seafarers work onboard must have had a risk assessment carried out by their employer or the ship owner.

New or expectant mothers

It does not matter if they are pregnant at the time of the assessment or not.

told their employer they’re pregnant

given birth in the last 6 months

are breastfeeding

Additional dangers

Seafarers may face additional dangers when living onboard ships.

Petrol generators

Ships that use petrol generators must have a risk assessment carried out to make sure they provide:

sufficient power for accommodation and lighting

adequate ventilation

adequate alarms - for example, carbon monoxide alarms

Fumigating cargo spaces

If pesticides are on board a ship, employers must make sure:

adequate breathing aids are provided for seafarers checking fumigated cargo bulks

the ship’s destination port is told 24 hours in advance of receiving this cargo

properly trained personnel check the relevant cargo bulks at port

Illegal drugs

heavy fines

detention of a ship

imprisonment

the death penalty

Potentially dangerous cargo

If seafarers deal with certain toxic cargo or equipment on board ships, their employer must follow a number of specific requirements.

You can find further information on specialist ships in section 4 of the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen.

Health and medical care

Employers must protect their seafarers’ health by:

providing immunisations for certain infectious diseases

making sure hygiene measures are effective and minimise the risks of infection

making arrangements for infection control

having the right medical supplies

knowing the routes and destinations of their ships

Maritime Labour Convention

Exemptions

The MLC does not cover seafarers serving on the following boats:

ships navigating inland or sheltered waters subject to port regulations

fishing vessels

warships and naval auxiliaries

traditional ships, such as dhows

Minimum requirements

The MLC sets out minimum standards for seafarers to work on a ship, including:

minimum age

medical certification

training and qualifications

Age

The minimum age for seafarers will be 16. Night workers have to be 18 or over.

Exceptions can be allowed for:

training purposes

where the seafarer’s duties require it, as long as their health and safety is not affected

Medical certification

All seafarers must have the right medical certificate to work at sea before they can work on ships.

Training and qualifications

Under the MLC, seafarers will need to:

be trained and qualified to perform onboard duties

receive personal safety training

for training to conform to International Maritime Organisation standards

Find out more about seafarer training and qualifications.

Conditions of employment

Under the MLC, seafarers have minimum working rights covering:

employment agreements

wages

hours of rest

entitlement to leave

repatriation

compensation for a ship’s loss or foundering

manning levels

career and skills development

employment opportunities

Employment contracts

The convention makes sure contracts between seafarers and shipowner provide fair living and working conditions.

Contracts should be in English and include:

shipowner’s name and address

seafarer’s name, date and place of birth

place and date where agreement signed

conditions for the termination of agreement

health and social security protection benefits provided by shipowner

seafarer’s right to repatriation

Seafarers must also be:

allowed to read and consider contracts before signing them

given a record of their employment

given their own copy of their contract (the shipowner should also have a copy)

Wages

Under the MLC, seafarers’ wages must be:

paid regularly - for example, monthly

include monthly statements of accounts

allow seafarers to transfer part or all of their wages

keep currency conversion charges to reasonable limits

Hours of rest

Hours of rest must be at least:

10 hours in any 24 hour period

77 hours in any 7 day period

You can read Merchant Shipping Notice (MSN) 1848 (M) Amendment 3 MLC survey and certification of UK ships.

Holiday pay

Under the MLC, seafarers are entitled to paid leave calculated at 2.5 days per calendar month of employment.

Read more about holiday pay for seafarers in the Merchant Shipping Regulations 2002.

Repatriation

This gives seafarers the right to be returned to their home country:

when their employment contract ends or is cancelled

when they’re no longer able to carry out their duties

in the event of shipwreck

if their ship is bound for a war zone they have not agreed to go to

Accommodation and recreational facilities

Medical care

These cover seafarers’ rights to:

decent on board health protection facilities, including essential dental care

the right to visit qualified medical personnel while in port

access to a qualified medical doctor on ships carrying more than 100 people on international voyages lasting more than 3 days

where there is no doctor on board, there must be designated and able seafarer(s) to provide first aid and medical care

Shipowner’s liabilities

Under the MLC, if a seafarer suffers accident or disability because of their work the shipowner must provide where necessary:

assistance and medical care

repatriation

burial or cremation, if they die

The shipowner must have financial cover in case they are liable for compensation for long-term disability or illness.

Health and safety protection

Under the MLC, seafarers’ work environments on ships must:

have regular risk assessments of workplace hazards - for example, from machinery

take steps to prevent work accidents

have a system for reporting accidents and occupational diseases

Enforcement

Under the MLC, the MCA can withdraw a ship’s maritime labour certificate if seafarer living and working conditions are breached.

Complaints

Read MSN 1849 On-board complaints procedure and Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 487 Onshore complaints procedure.

The minimum age for seafarers will be 16. Night workers have to be 18 or over.

Seafarer working and living rights

Overview

All seafarers have working and living rights that include:

employment contracts

accommodation

food and medical care

A seafarer is anyone who works on board a seagoing ship, including:

master and crew

self-employed contractors

shopkeepers and hairdressers

entertainers

A seagoing ship is any vessel:

on an international voyage or from a foreign port

on a domestic journey from the UK coast

more than 500 gross tonnes

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 came into force on 7 August 2014. It replaced all existing laws on seafarers’ rights.

Working conditions

There are minimum requirements seafarers must meet to work at sea.

Minimum age

The minimum age for seafarers is 16, although this is 18 if the work involves any:

night work

hazardous tasks

Hazardous tasks

Manual tasks on a ship can be hazardous if not done properly, like:

lifting

hauling

mooring

towing

Employers of seafarers must ensure their staff:

know how to operate any equipment correctly

are aware of safety procedures

have access to protective personal equipment if needed

Medical certification for seafarers

Anyone in charge of a ship must have an ENG1 seafarer medical certificate.

Certificates of competency

Some seafarers will need a certificate of competency before they can carry out certain duties.

Conditions of employment

Seafarers’ employment contracts are covered by the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.

Working time regulations

All seafarers on seagoing ships are entitled to:

a minimum of 10 hours’ rest in any 24 hour period

77 hours rest in any 7 day period

at least 4 weeks’ paid annual leave

Read the Merchant Shipping Regulations 2002 for more information.

The 'human element'

Factors which affect the human element include:

recruitment and selection policies and methods

crew competence, training and experience

conditions of service, motivation and morale

design, construction and ergonomics

standards of build and certification

maintenance

stress and fatigue

security

living and working conditions

manning levels and hours of work

management policies

safety management systems

operational systems

organisational and safety culture

culture of continuous improvement and workforce engagement

For more information read ‘The human element: a guide to human behaviour in the shipping industry’.

Safe working practices

All UK ships must carry copies of the ‘Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen’, unless it’s a fishing boat or pleasure vessel.

Safe manning of ships

Employers must ensure their ships have enough properly trained and certificated officers so that it can operate safely at all times.

There must also be sufficient food on board for the number of seafarers serving.

Read more in ‘Merchant Shipping Notice 1868 (M) UK requirements for safe manning and watchkeeping’.

Noise and vibration

Protective personal equipment (PPE)

A seafarer’s employer must give them suitable protective equipment if they’re performing dangerous tasks.

You can find further information in the code of safe working practices for merchant seafarers.

Living conditions

Seafarers’ living conditions are covered by Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) rules on crew accommodation.

Food and catering

Seafarers’ food and catering conditions are covered by MSN 1845 under MLC rules.

Health and safety

Employers of seafarers must follow health and safety rules and provide:

safe working places and environment

safe machinery and equipment

health and safety training, instruction, supervision and information

a health and safety policy

protective clothing and equipment where necessary

information for workers about the findings of their risk assessment

information on what qualifications any temporary workers must have

information about their activities and staff to the company

Risk assessments

Any vessel seafarers work onboard must have had a risk assessment carried out by their employer or the ship owner.

New or expectant mothers

It does not matter if they are pregnant at the time of the assessment or not.

told their employer they’re pregnant

given birth in the last 6 months

are breastfeeding

Additional dangers

Seafarers may face additional dangers when living onboard ships.

Petrol generators

Ships that use petrol generators must have a risk assessment carried out to make sure they provide:

sufficient power for accommodation and lighting

adequate ventilation

adequate alarms - for example, carbon monoxide alarms

Fumigating cargo spaces

If pesticides are on board a ship, employers must make sure:

adequate breathing aids are provided for seafarers checking fumigated cargo bulks

the ship’s destination port is told 24 hours in advance of receiving this cargo

properly trained personnel check the relevant cargo bulks at port

Illegal drugs

heavy fines

detention of a ship

imprisonment

the death penalty

Potentially dangerous cargo

If seafarers deal with certain toxic cargo or equipment on board ships, their employer must follow a number of specific requirements.

You can find further information on specialist ships in section 4 of the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen.

Health and medical care

Employers must protect their seafarers’ health by:

providing immunisations for certain infectious diseases

making sure hygiene measures are effective and minimise the risks of infection

making arrangements for infection control

having the right medical supplies

knowing the routes and destinations of their ships

Maritime Labour Convention

Exemptions

The MLC does not cover seafarers serving on the following boats:

ships navigating inland or sheltered waters subject to port regulations

fishing vessels

warships and naval auxiliaries

traditional ships, such as dhows

Minimum requirements

The MLC sets out minimum standards for seafarers to work on a ship, including:

minimum age

medical certification

training and qualifications

Age

The minimum age for seafarers will be 16. Night workers have to be 18 or over.

Exceptions can be allowed for:

training purposes

where the seafarer’s duties require it, as long as their health and safety is not affected

Medical certification

All seafarers must have the right medical certificate to work at sea before they can work on ships.

Training and qualifications

Under the MLC, seafarers will need to:

be trained and qualified to perform onboard duties

receive personal safety training

for training to conform to International Maritime Organisation standards

Find out more about seafarer training and qualifications.

Conditions of employment

Under the MLC, seafarers have minimum working rights covering:

employment agreements

wages

hours of rest

entitlement to leave

repatriation

compensation for a ship’s loss or foundering

manning levels

career and skills development

employment opportunities

Employment contracts

The convention makes sure contracts between seafarers and shipowner provide fair living and working conditions.

Contracts should be in English and include:

shipowner’s name and address

seafarer’s name, date and place of birth

place and date where agreement signed

conditions for the termination of agreement

health and social security protection benefits provided by shipowner

seafarer’s right to repatriation

Seafarers must also be:

allowed to read and consider contracts before signing them

given a record of their employment

given their own copy of their contract (the shipowner should also have a copy)

Wages

Under the MLC, seafarers’ wages must be:

paid regularly - for example, monthly

include monthly statements of accounts

allow seafarers to transfer part or all of their wages

keep currency conversion charges to reasonable limits

Hours of rest

Hours of rest must be at least:

10 hours in any 24 hour period

77 hours in any 7 day period

You can read Merchant Shipping Notice (MSN) 1848 (M) Amendment 3 MLC survey and certification of UK ships.

Holiday pay

Under the MLC, seafarers are entitled to paid leave calculated at 2.5 days per calendar month of employment.

Read more about holiday pay for seafarers in the Merchant Shipping Regulations 2002.

Repatriation

This gives seafarers the right to be returned to their home country:

when their employment contract ends or is cancelled

when they’re no longer able to carry out their duties

in the event of shipwreck

if their ship is bound for a war zone they have not agreed to go to

Accommodation and recreational facilities

Medical care

These cover seafarers’ rights to:

decent on board health protection facilities, including essential dental care

the right to visit qualified medical personnel while in port

access to a qualified medical doctor on ships carrying more than 100 people on international voyages lasting more than 3 days

where there is no doctor on board, there must be designated and able seafarer(s) to provide first aid and medical care

Shipowner’s liabilities

Under the MLC, if a seafarer suffers accident or disability because of their work the shipowner must provide where necessary:

assistance and medical care

repatriation

burial or cremation, if they die

The shipowner must have financial cover in case they are liable for compensation for long-term disability or illness.

Health and safety protection

Under the MLC, seafarers’ work environments on ships must:

have regular risk assessments of workplace hazards - for example, from machinery

take steps to prevent work accidents

have a system for reporting accidents and occupational diseases

Enforcement

Under the MLC, the MCA can withdraw a ship’s maritime labour certificate if seafarer living and working conditions are breached.

Complaints

Read MSN 1849 On-board complaints procedure and Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 487 Onshore complaints procedure.

Exceptions can be allowed for:

Seafarer working and living rights

Overview

All seafarers have working and living rights that include:

employment contracts

accommodation

food and medical care

A seafarer is anyone who works on board a seagoing ship, including:

master and crew

self-employed contractors

shopkeepers and hairdressers

entertainers

A seagoing ship is any vessel:

on an international voyage or from a foreign port

on a domestic journey from the UK coast

more than 500 gross tonnes

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 came into force on 7 August 2014. It replaced all existing laws on seafarers’ rights.

Working conditions

There are minimum requirements seafarers must meet to work at sea.

Minimum age

The minimum age for seafarers is 16, although this is 18 if the work involves any:

night work

hazardous tasks

Hazardous tasks

Manual tasks on a ship can be hazardous if not done properly, like:

lifting

hauling

mooring

towing

Employers of seafarers must ensure their staff:

know how to operate any equipment correctly

are aware of safety procedures

have access to protective personal equipment if needed

Medical certification for seafarers

Anyone in charge of a ship must have an ENG1 seafarer medical certificate.

Certificates of competency

Some seafarers will need a certificate of competency before they can carry out certain duties.

Conditions of employment

Seafarers’ employment contracts are covered by the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.

Working time regulations

All seafarers on seagoing ships are entitled to:

a minimum of 10 hours’ rest in any 24 hour period

77 hours rest in any 7 day period

at least 4 weeks’ paid annual leave

Read the Merchant Shipping Regulations 2002 for more information.

The 'human element'

Factors which affect the human element include:

recruitment and selection policies and methods

crew competence, training and experience

conditions of service, motivation and morale

design, construction and ergonomics

standards of build and certification

maintenance

stress and fatigue

security

living and working conditions

manning levels and hours of work

management policies

safety management systems

operational systems

organisational and safety culture

culture of continuous improvement and workforce engagement

For more information read ‘The human element: a guide to human behaviour in the shipping industry’.

Safe working practices

All UK ships must carry copies of the ‘Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen’, unless it’s a fishing boat or pleasure vessel.

Safe manning of ships

Employers must ensure their ships have enough properly trained and certificated officers so that it can operate safely at all times.

There must also be sufficient food on board for the number of seafarers serving.

Read more in ‘Merchant Shipping Notice 1868 (M) UK requirements for safe manning and watchkeeping’.

Noise and vibration

Protective personal equipment (PPE)

A seafarer’s employer must give them suitable protective equipment if they’re performing dangerous tasks.

You can find further information in the code of safe working practices for merchant seafarers.

Living conditions

Seafarers’ living conditions are covered by Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) rules on crew accommodation.

Food and catering

Seafarers’ food and catering conditions are covered by MSN 1845 under MLC rules.

Health and safety

Employers of seafarers must follow health and safety rules and provide:

safe working places and environment

safe machinery and equipment

health and safety training, instruction, supervision and information

a health and safety policy

protective clothing and equipment where necessary

information for workers about the findings of their risk assessment

information on what qualifications any temporary workers must have

information about their activities and staff to the company

Risk assessments

Any vessel seafarers work onboard must have had a risk assessment carried out by their employer or the ship owner.

New or expectant mothers

It does not matter if they are pregnant at the time of the assessment or not.

told their employer they’re pregnant

given birth in the last 6 months

are breastfeeding

Additional dangers

Seafarers may face additional dangers when living onboard ships.

Petrol generators

Ships that use petrol generators must have a risk assessment carried out to make sure they provide:

sufficient power for accommodation and lighting

adequate ventilation

adequate alarms - for example, carbon monoxide alarms

Fumigating cargo spaces

If pesticides are on board a ship, employers must make sure:

adequate breathing aids are provided for seafarers checking fumigated cargo bulks

the ship’s destination port is told 24 hours in advance of receiving this cargo

properly trained personnel check the relevant cargo bulks at port

Illegal drugs

heavy fines

detention of a ship

imprisonment

the death penalty

Potentially dangerous cargo

If seafarers deal with certain toxic cargo or equipment on board ships, their employer must follow a number of specific requirements.

You can find further information on specialist ships in section 4 of the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen.

Health and medical care

Employers must protect their seafarers’ health by:

providing immunisations for certain infectious diseases

making sure hygiene measures are effective and minimise the risks of infection

making arrangements for infection control

having the right medical supplies

knowing the routes and destinations of their ships

Maritime Labour Convention

Exemptions

The MLC does not cover seafarers serving on the following boats:

ships navigating inland or sheltered waters subject to port regulations

fishing vessels

warships and naval auxiliaries

traditional ships, such as dhows

Minimum requirements

The MLC sets out minimum standards for seafarers to work on a ship, including:

minimum age

medical certification

training and qualifications

Age

The minimum age for seafarers will be 16. Night workers have to be 18 or over.

Exceptions can be allowed for:

training purposes

where the seafarer’s duties require it, as long as their health and safety is not affected

Medical certification

All seafarers must have the right medical certificate to work at sea before they can work on ships.

Training and qualifications

Under the MLC, seafarers will need to:

be trained and qualified to perform onboard duties

receive personal safety training

for training to conform to International Maritime Organisation standards

Find out more about seafarer training and qualifications.

Conditions of employment

Under the MLC, seafarers have minimum working rights covering:

employment agreements

wages

hours of rest

entitlement to leave

repatriation

compensation for a ship’s loss or foundering

manning levels

career and skills development

employment opportunities

Employment contracts

The convention makes sure contracts between seafarers and shipowner provide fair living and working conditions.

Contracts should be in English and include:

shipowner’s name and address

seafarer’s name, date and place of birth

place and date where agreement signed

conditions for the termination of agreement

health and social security protection benefits provided by shipowner

seafarer’s right to repatriation

Seafarers must also be:

allowed to read and consider contracts before signing them

given a record of their employment

given their own copy of their contract (the shipowner should also have a copy)

Wages

Under the MLC, seafarers’ wages must be:

paid regularly - for example, monthly

include monthly statements of accounts

allow seafarers to transfer part or all of their wages

keep currency conversion charges to reasonable limits

Hours of rest

Hours of rest must be at least:

10 hours in any 24 hour period

77 hours in any 7 day period

You can read Merchant Shipping Notice (MSN) 1848 (M) Amendment 3 MLC survey and certification of UK ships.

Holiday pay

Under the MLC, seafarers are entitled to paid leave calculated at 2.5 days per calendar month of employment.

Read more about holiday pay for seafarers in the Merchant Shipping Regulations 2002.

Repatriation

This gives seafarers the right to be returned to their home country:

when their employment contract ends or is cancelled

when they’re no longer able to carry out their duties

in the event of shipwreck

if their ship is bound for a war zone they have not agreed to go to

Accommodation and recreational facilities

Medical care

These cover seafarers’ rights to:

decent on board health protection facilities, including essential dental care

the right to visit qualified medical personnel while in port

access to a qualified medical doctor on ships carrying more than 100 people on international voyages lasting more than 3 days

where there is no doctor on board, there must be designated and able seafarer(s) to provide first aid and medical care

Shipowner’s liabilities

Under the MLC, if a seafarer suffers accident or disability because of their work the shipowner must provide where necessary:

assistance and medical care

repatriation

burial or cremation, if they die

The shipowner must have financial cover in case they are liable for compensation for long-term disability or illness.

Health and safety protection

Under the MLC, seafarers’ work environments on ships must:

have regular risk assessments of workplace hazards - for example, from machinery

take steps to prevent work accidents

have a system for reporting accidents and occupational diseases

Enforcement

Under the MLC, the MCA can withdraw a ship’s maritime labour certificate if seafarer living and working conditions are breached.

Complaints

Read MSN 1849 On-board complaints procedure and Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 487 Onshore complaints procedure.

where the seafarer’s duties require it, as long as their health and safety is not affected

Seafarer working and living rights

Overview

All seafarers have working and living rights that include:

employment contracts

accommodation

food and medical care

A seafarer is anyone who works on board a seagoing ship, including:

master and crew

self-employed contractors

shopkeepers and hairdressers

entertainers

A seagoing ship is any vessel:

on an international voyage or from a foreign port

on a domestic journey from the UK coast

more than 500 gross tonnes

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 came into force on 7 August 2014. It replaced all existing laws on seafarers’ rights.

Working conditions

There are minimum requirements seafarers must meet to work at sea.

Minimum age

The minimum age for seafarers is 16, although this is 18 if the work involves any:

night work

hazardous tasks

Hazardous tasks

Manual tasks on a ship can be hazardous if not done properly, like:

lifting

hauling

mooring

towing

Employers of seafarers must ensure their staff:

know how to operate any equipment correctly

are aware of safety procedures

have access to protective personal equipment if needed

Medical certification for seafarers

Anyone in charge of a ship must have an ENG1 seafarer medical certificate.

Certificates of competency

Some seafarers will need a certificate of competency before they can carry out certain duties.

Conditions of employment

Seafarers’ employment contracts are covered by the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.

Working time regulations

All seafarers on seagoing ships are entitled to:

a minimum of 10 hours’ rest in any 24 hour period

77 hours rest in any 7 day period

at least 4 weeks’ paid annual leave

Read the Merchant Shipping Regulations 2002 for more information.

The 'human element'

Factors which affect the human element include:

recruitment and selection policies and methods

crew competence, training and experience

conditions of service, motivation and morale

design, construction and ergonomics

standards of build and certification

maintenance

stress and fatigue

security

living and working conditions

manning levels and hours of work

management policies

safety management systems

operational systems

organisational and safety culture

culture of continuous improvement and workforce engagement

For more information read ‘The human element: a guide to human behaviour in the shipping industry’.

Safe working practices

All UK ships must carry copies of the ‘Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen’, unless it’s a fishing boat or pleasure vessel.

Safe manning of ships

Employers must ensure their ships have enough properly trained and certificated officers so that it can operate safely at all times.

There must also be sufficient food on board for the number of seafarers serving.

Read more in ‘Merchant Shipping Notice 1868 (M) UK requirements for safe manning and watchkeeping’.

Noise and vibration

Protective personal equipment (PPE)

A seafarer’s employer must give them suitable protective equipment if they’re performing dangerous tasks.

You can find further information in the code of safe working practices for merchant seafarers.

Living conditions

Seafarers’ living conditions are covered by Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) rules on crew accommodation.

Food and catering

Seafarers’ food and catering conditions are covered by MSN 1845 under MLC rules.

Health and safety

Employers of seafarers must follow health and safety rules and provide:

safe working places and environment

safe machinery and equipment

health and safety training, instruction, supervision and information

a health and safety policy

protective clothing and equipment where necessary

information for workers about the findings of their risk assessment

information on what qualifications any temporary workers must have

information about their activities and staff to the company

Risk assessments

Any vessel seafarers work onboard must have had a risk assessment carried out by their employer or the ship owner.

New or expectant mothers

It does not matter if they are pregnant at the time of the assessment or not.

told their employer they’re pregnant

given birth in the last 6 months

are breastfeeding

Additional dangers

Seafarers may face additional dangers when living onboard ships.

Petrol generators

Ships that use petrol generators must have a risk assessment carried out to make sure they provide:

sufficient power for accommodation and lighting

adequate ventilation

adequate alarms - for example, carbon monoxide alarms

Fumigating cargo spaces

If pesticides are on board a ship, employers must make sure:

adequate breathing aids are provided for seafarers checking fumigated cargo bulks

the ship’s destination port is told 24 hours in advance of receiving this cargo

properly trained personnel check the relevant cargo bulks at port

Illegal drugs

The unauthorised presence of drugs on board a ship can have serious legal implications for seafarers and employers, potentially resulting in:

heavy fines

detention of a ship

imprisonment

the death penalty

Potentially dangerous cargo

If seafarers deal with certain toxic cargo or equipment on board ships, their employer must follow a number of specific requirements.

You can find further information on specialist ships in section 4 of the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen.

Health and medical care

Employers must protect their seafarers’ health by:

providing immunisations for certain infectious diseases

making sure hygiene measures are effective and minimise the risks of infection

making arrangements for infection control

having the right medical supplies

knowing the routes and destinations of their ships

Maritime Labour Convention

Exemptions

The MLC does not cover seafarers serving on the following boats:

ships navigating inland or sheltered waters subject to port regulations

fishing vessels

warships and naval auxiliaries

traditional ships, such as dhows

Minimum requirements

The MLC sets out minimum standards for seafarers to work on a ship, including:

minimum age

medical certification

training and qualifications

Age

The minimum age for seafarers will be 16. Night workers have to be 18 or over.

Exceptions can be allowed for:

training purposes

where the seafarer’s duties require it, as long as their health and safety is not affected

Medical certification

All seafarers must have the right medical certificate to work at sea before they can work on ships.

Training and qualifications

Under the MLC, seafarers will need to:

be trained and qualified to perform onboard duties

receive personal safety training

for training to conform to International Maritime Organisation standards

Find out more about seafarer training and qualifications.

Conditions of employment

Under the MLC, seafarers have minimum working rights covering:

employment agreements

wages

hours of rest

entitlement to leave

repatriation

compensation for a ship’s loss or foundering

manning levels

career and skills development

employment opportunities

Employment contracts

The convention makes sure contracts between seafarers and shipowner provide fair living and working conditions.

Contracts should be in English and include:

shipowner’s name and address

seafarer’s name, date and place of birth

place and date where agreement signed

conditions for the termination of agreement

health and social security protection benefits provided by shipowner

seafarer’s right to repatriation

Seafarers must also be:

allowed to read and consider contracts before signing them

given a record of their employment

given their own copy of their contract (the shipowner should also have a copy)

Wages

Under the MLC, seafarers’ wages must be:

paid regularly - for example, monthly

include monthly statements of accounts

allow seafarers to transfer part or all of their wages

keep currency conversion charges to reasonable limits

Hours of rest

Hours of rest must be at least:

10 hours in any 24 hour period

77 hours in any 7 day period

You can read Merchant Shipping Notice (MSN) 1848 (M) Amendment 3 MLC survey and certification of UK ships.

Holiday pay

Under the MLC, seafarers are entitled to paid leave calculated at 2.5 days per calendar month of employment.

Read more about holiday pay for seafarers in the Merchant Shipping Regulations 2002.

Repatriation

This gives seafarers the right to be returned to their home country:

when their employment contract ends or is cancelled

when they’re no longer able to carry out their duties

in the event of shipwreck

if their ship is bound for a war zone they have not agreed to go to

Accommodation and recreational facilities

Medical care

These cover seafarers’ rights to:

decent on board health protection facilities, including essential dental care

the right to visit qualified medical personnel while in port

access to a qualified medical doctor on ships carrying more than 100 people on international voyages lasting more than 3 days

where there is no doctor on board, there must be designated and able seafarer(s) to provide first aid and medical care

Shipowner’s liabilities

Under the MLC, if a seafarer suffers accident or disability because of their work the shipowner must provide where necessary:

assistance and medical care

repatriation

burial or cremation, if they die

The shipowner must have financial cover in case they are liable for compensation for long-term disability or illness.

Health and safety protection

Under the MLC, seafarers’ work environments on ships must:

have regular risk assessments of workplace hazards - for example, from machinery

take steps to prevent work accidents

have a system for reporting accidents and occupational diseases

Enforcement

Under the MLC, the MCA can withdraw a ship’s maritime labour certificate if seafarer living and working conditions are breached.

Complaints

Read MSN 1849 On-board complaints procedure and Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 487 Onshore complaints procedure.