Regulation 2.2 of MLC 2006 guarantees that seafarers are paid regularly and in full.
Payment frequency
Wages must be paid at intervals of no more than one month and in accordance with the employment agreement. Long-unpaid wages are a serious warning sign.
Monthly account
Seafarers receive a monthly account showing basic wages, additional payments, deductions and any exchange rate used. Keep these documents. They are your best evidence in a dispute.
Deductions
Deductions from wages may be made if provided for by national law, a collective agreement or the contract. The reason and amount of each deduction should be clear. Charging seafarers recruitment fees is prohibited.
Sending money home (allotments)
Seafarers may ask to have part of their wages sent regularly to their families or other persons. The service charge must be reasonable and information on exchange rates must be available.
Overtime
The overtime terms and payments defined in the agreement should be written clearly. Keep your own records.
If you have a problem
- Keep your contract and monthly accounts.
- Apply in writing first to your superior and to the responsible department in the company.
- If unresolved, follow the complaint procedure; if needed, contact the flag State, the port State or seafarers' unions and welfare organisations.
This article is general information, not legal advice.