MLC 2006 requires ships to have on-board complaint procedures so seafarers can report breaches of the Convention fairly and quickly, without fear of victimisation.
What the procedure should look like
- Seafarers should first be able to raise the matter with their head of department or superior officer.
- If it is not resolved, the complaint can go up to the Master.
- Seafarers have the right to be accompanied or represented during the process.
- If it still cannot be resolved on board, it can be taken ashore to the shipowner and to the competent authorities, such as the flag State or port State.
Your protections
Victimisation of a seafarer for filing a complaint is prohibited. Every seafarer should receive a copy of the ship's on-board complaint procedure, including the contact details of the flag State authority.
Practical tips
- Keep it factual: dates, times, names, what happened.
- Put the complaint in writing and keep a copy.
- Use your rest-hour records and contract as evidence.
- If on-board channels fail, contact your union, a seafarers' welfare organisation or the port State control office at the next port.
This article is general information, not legal advice.