Joining a ship is an exciting moment for every seafarer. Before sailing, most people focus on documents, medicals, certificates, visas and travel arrangements. But there is one important thing that many seafarers forget to learn about—their rights.
Knowing your rights does not mean creating problems with your company. It means understanding what you are entitled to as a professional seafarer. When you know your rights, you can protect your health, safety, salary and dignity while working at sea.
Life at sea is different from working on land. Seafarers spend months away from home, work in different weather conditions and handle demanding responsibilities every day. This is why international maritime rules protect seafarers in many important areas.
The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006 is often called the “Bill of Rights” for seafarers because it covers employment, wages, accommodation, food, medical care, repatriation, working hours and complaint procedures. These rules help ensure fair treatment for seafarers around the world.
Every seafarer has the right to work in a safe environment, receive agreed wages, get proper food and accommodation, receive medical care when required and work under a valid employment agreement.
Seafarers also have the right to fair treatment, protection from discrimination, regulated working hours, adequate rest and access to official complaint procedures if something goes wrong. These rights are meant to protect every seafarer, regardless of rank or nationality.
A ship is not only a workplace. It is also a seafarer’s home for several months. Every crew member has the right to live in safe, clean and healthy conditions while onboard.
The accommodation should be clean, properly maintained and suitable for living. Basic facilities such as clean drinking water, proper sanitation, ventilation and a comfortable resting place are part of a seafarer’s rights, not extra benefits.
Seafarers have the right to receive nutritious food and safe drinking water throughout their contract. Good food is important because crew members perform physically demanding work and need proper nutrition.
Food should be prepared hygienically and supplied regularly during the voyage. Drinking water should be clean and safe for consumption. Poor-quality food or water can affect both health and the safe operation of the vessel.
Every seafarer has the right to receive medical care if they become sick or injured while serving onboard. Medical support should not depend on a person’s nationality, rank or department.
If further treatment is required, the company and the ship should follow the applicable procedures to ensure the seafarer receives proper medical attention. Health protection is a basic right under international maritime labour standards.
A seafarer should never be forced to continue working if their medical condition could become worse or create a danger for themselves or others onboard.
When a crew member becomes seriously ill or injured, the condition should be reported properly and appropriate medical care should be arranged. Protecting a seafarer’s health also protects the safety of the entire ship.
Every seafarer has the right to work freely without threats, pressure or exploitation. No one should be forced to work against their will or be denied payment for work already performed.
Freedom from forced labour is one of the basic principles recognised under international labour standards. A seafarer should never feel trapped because of threats, document withholding or unfair pressure.
Ships bring together people from different countries, cultures and religions. Every crew member deserves respect and equal treatment while working onboard.
No seafarer should face discrimination because of nationality, race, religion, gender or personal background. Professional behaviour should always be based on ability, discipline and teamwork rather than personal differences.
Yes. A seafarer has the right to join a trade union of their choice and seek representation whenever required.
A company should not stop a seafarer from contacting or joining a recognised union. Trade unions play an important role in protecting wages, working conditions and the welfare of seafarers.
Working at sea can be physically and mentally demanding. That is why international rules require minimum hours of rest to help reduce fatigue and improve safety onboard.
DG Shipping’s guidance states that a seafarer should receive at least 10 hours of rest in every 24-hour period. These hours may be divided into no more than two periods, with one period lasting at least six continuous hours.
Every ship should maintain records of work and rest hours for its crew. These records help show whether the required rest hours are being followed.
The records should be signed by both the Master and the seafarer. Proper records protect both the company and the crew if questions arise about working hours or fatigue during inspections.
Before signing, every seafarer should carefully read the employment agreement. The contract explains important details such as salary, contract period, overtime, leave, medical cover and repatriation.
Never sign a contract without understanding its terms. Keep a signed copy safely because it may become important if there is any disagreement or dispute during or after the contract.
If a seafarer believes their rights are not being respected, they should first report the matter through the proper company procedures. Many issues can be solved through communication if raised early.
If the problem continues, the seafarer may use the official grievance procedures provided under maritime regulations. Keeping written records and supporting documents will make it easier to explain the situation.
Every seafarer should keep copies of important documents such as the employment agreement, CDC, passport, wage slips, joining letter, medical reports and important emails.
It is also helpful to save digital copies in a secure location. Good record keeping protects the seafarer if they need to explain a problem or file an official complaint in the future.
Every seafarer should keep copies of important documents such as the employment agreement, CDC, passport, wage slips, joining letter, medical reports and important emails.
It is also helpful to save digital copies in a secure location. Good record keeping protects the seafarer if they need to explain a problem or file an official complaint in the future.
Knowing your rights is just as important as knowing your job onboard. Safe accommodation, proper food, medical care, fair wages, regulated rest hours and respectful treatment are not special favours—they are rights every seafarer should understand before joining a ship.
You can also use the Sailor Pro App to safely store your important maritime documents, receive certificate expiry reminders and keep your career records organised. A well-informed seafarer is always better prepared for a safe and successful career at sea.
A seafarer has rights related to safe working conditions, fair wages, medical care, proper accommodation, food, rest hours and protection from discrimination.
A seafarer should receive at least 10 hours of rest in every 24 hours as per the applicable maritime rules.
No. A seafarer should receive proper medical attention and should not be forced to work if doing so could worsen their condition or create a safety risk.
Ships should provide medical care and arrange further treatment when necessary according to the applicable maritime requirements.
Yes. Poor living conditions, food quality or accommodation issues can be raised through the proper onboard and official complaint procedures.
Yes. Seafarers have the right to join a recognised trade union and seek representation.
The matter should first be raised with the company. If it is not resolved, the seafarer may use the appropriate grievance procedure and keep all supporting documents.
A signed contract helps protect the seafarer if there is a disagreement about salary, contract terms or other employment conditions.
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