Under MLC 2006, every seafarer must have a written and understandable Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA) signed before joining. You should receive a copy.
Checklist
- Parties: check that your name and the employer's name are correct.
- Position and rank: does the contract match what the advertisement promised?
- Wages: basic wage, overtime, additional payments and payment period should be clear. Wages must be paid at intervals of no more than a month.
- Duration: contract length, extension and termination terms.
- Annual leave: minimum 2.5 calendar days per month of employment.
- Repatriation: who pays, and in which circumstances does the right arise?
- Health and social protection: insurance, and rights in case of illness or injury.
- Collective bargaining agreement: if one applies, it should be referred to.
Red flags
Stop if you are asked to sign a blank or incomplete paper, to travel without seeing the contract, or to pay "fees first". A genuine employer does not charge you for recruitment.
If you are unsure, show the document to a person you trust or to a maritime lawyer before you sign.