A seafarer's right to rest is not limited to daily rest hours onboard. MLC 2006 also sets minimum conditions for paid annual leave and shore leave.
Paid annual leave (Regulation 2.4)
Seafarers are entitled to at least 2.5 calendar days of paid annual leave for each month of employment. For example, a six-month contract gives a minimum of 15 calendar days. Leave should be paid and calculated according to the applicable rules.
Taking the leave
- Leave can be taken at the end of the contract or as stated in the contract.
- Agreements to forgo minimum annual leave are generally not permitted, except in cases specified by the competent authority.
- Periods of incapacity for work resulting from illness or injury are not counted as annual leave.
Shore leave
MLC recognises shore leave as important for seafarers' health and well-being and expects States to facilitate it. In practice it can be limited by visas, port security and ship schedules, but it should not be refused without justification.
Leave and return planning
Check the leave and return schedule in your contract. If practice does not match, request your rights in writing.
Tips
- Take a photo of the leave clause in your contract.
- Keep your own record of days worked and leave earned.
- In a dispute, use written records and the complaint procedure.
General information only; details vary with national law and collective agreements.