Maritime Labour Convention and Safe Handling overview

Employment and maritime laws have become increasingly complex. For 50 years, we have helped yacht owners effectively manage their obligations in relation to all aspects of crew employment law.

The Maritime Labour Convention (2006) (MLC) provides comprehensive rights and protection at work for seafarers and forms the fourth pillar of international maritime regulation together with SOLAS, STCW and MARPOL. The MLC is often referred to as ‘The Seafarer’s Bill of Rights’ and it defines the requirements and conditions for the employment of crew on commercial yachts across five key areas:

Minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship
Conditions of employment
Accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering
Health protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection
Compliance and enforcement

Please refer to the frequently asked questions below for further information:

Praxis Crew Handbook

Our Crew Handbook not only answers the common questions but also provides tables and template forms for use by the captains and crew in our fleet.

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When did the Maritime Labour Convention come into force?

The MLC came into force on 20 August 2013, a year after reaching the required milestone of being ratified by 33% of the world’s gross tonnage and 30 countries. In January 2017, the first MLC amendments were launched.

Who does the MLC apply to?

The MLC applies to vessels ordinarily engaged in trade (commercial yachts) operating under the flag of a country that has ratified the MLC, or if the vessel is operating in the waters of a country that has ratified the MLC.
The Convention does not apply to ships that navigate exclusively in inland waters or waters within, or closely adjacent to, sheltered waters or areas where port regulations apply; ships engaged in fishing; ships of traditional build such as dhows and junks; warships or naval auxiliaries; or pleasure yachts (unless they choose to voluntarily comply with the convention).

What are our MLC credentials?

Praxis is audited annually by Lloyds Register and registered with the States of Guernsey to provide MLC-compliant employment and payroll services to any yacht requiring dedicated support.
These services can be provided to owners of yachts flagged in a wide range of jurisdictions. We have pre-approved Seafarer Employment Agreements (SEAs) for most flag states and can offer initial and ongoing MLC support if required.

What safe manning reviews, assessments and monitoring do we provide?

As part of our crew employment and payroll service, we undertake a full assessment of each yacht’s safe manning requirements and cross check these against the current qualifications held by the crew.
We will prepare a report for the owner, along with any recommendations to ensure all safe manning requirements are met.

What are my rights as a seafarer?

Each country ratifying the MLC must ensure its legislation meets or exceeds the minimum requirements set out in the text of the MLC. The maritime administration of each ratifying country will usually produce clear guidance and regulations for employers and seafarers to understand their rights under the MLC and flag state’s legislation.
An MLC compliant Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA) will detail the most common rights applicable to seafarers and employers.
Copies of the MLC text and other MLC related procedures and regulations must be made available for seafarers to read on-board. Copies may also be downloaded from our crew document library.

What are the MLC requirements?

The minimum age to work as a seafarer on board is 16 years, but employers may often insist on 18 years as a minimum age.
A valid medical fitness certificate must be held by the seafarer prior to joining the yacht.
All seafarers must receive a fully signed copy of their seafarer employment agreement.
Employment agencies and/or employment businesses must not charge the seafarer when placing or employing the seafarer.
Salaries and payslips must be received monthly, and wages can be sent to more than one bank account (reasonable bank charges may apply).
Seafarers must receive a minimum of 10 hours rest in a 24-hour period and 77 hours in a seven-day period.
Food and drinking water must be provided free of charge to seafarers.
Medical and essential dental care must be provided free of charge to seafarers, subject to the terms and conditions of their SEA.
Repatriation must be provided free of charge to seafarers, subject to the terms and conditions of their SEA.
Seafarers must receive financial compensation for sickness, injury or death occurring in connection with their employment or for unemployment due to loss of the vessel, subject to the terms and conditions stated in their SEA and the yacht’s insurance policy limits.

Contact our dedicated Yacht Services team and set sail with confidence

Key contacts

Bruce Maltwood

Director, Yacht Services

Guernsey

+44 238 212 6414

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Locations

Our Yacht Services are available from the following offices:

British Virgin Islands Guernsey Isle of Man Malta United Kingdom

Yacht Crew Management

Yacht Crew Employment and Payroll Solutions

We handle crew hiring and payroll for yacht owners, including screening employees and following the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).

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Yacht Crew Document Library

Your maritime documentation, simplified. With Praxis, you’re not just accessing a document library, you’re ensuring compliance, clarity and comprehensive support.

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Praxis Crew Handbook

Our Crew Handbook not only answers the common questions but also provides tables and template forms for use by the captains and crew in our fleet.

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Yacht Crew Recruitment

Our yacht crew recruitment solutions are designed to simplify and streamline your crew recruitment process.

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Maritime Labour Convention and Safe Handling overview

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