Every seafarer employed on a vessel to which the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Minimum Requirements for Seafarers etc.) Regulations 2014 (“the MLC Minimum Requirements Regulations”) apply must have a legally enforceable Seafarer Employment Agreement (an “SEA”).

An SEA must include the minimum information specified in the MLC Minimum Requirements Regulations, set out at Annex 1 to this Notice. The notice period for termination of an SEA must be at least seven days, and must not be shorter for the shipowner than for the seafarer. 

An SEA may consist of more than one document; for example, it may include a Collective Bargaining Agreement. If an SEA is not in English, an English translation must be provided on board the ship. A recommended model format for an SEA for an employed seafarer is provided at Annex 2 to this MGN, if required.

The format is not mandatory however all the required information must be included in any alternative form of Seafarer Employment Agreement. When a seafarer’s work on a ship comes to an end, the seafarer must be provided with a record of their service on board the ship.

Ships not subject to the MLC Minimum Requirement Regulations will remain subject to the provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Crew Agreements, Lists of Crew and Discharge of Seamen) Regulations 1991. MGN 474 (M) sets out the requirements for such ships.

For more information regarding your SEA (Seafarers’ Employment Agreement) please click on the link below.

Maritime Labour Convention, 2006: Seafarers’ Employment Agreements