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MLC 2006 seafarers — the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 — is the international treaty that establishes minimum working and living standards for seafarers worldwide. Often called the “Seafarers’ Bill of Rights,” the MLC came into force in 2013 and is now ratified by countries representing over 90% of global shipping tonnage. Understanding your rights and the shipowner’s obligations under MLC 2006 is essential knowledge for every professional seafarer.

This guide explains the five core MLC titles, what the convention requires in practice, how compliance is enforced, and what seafarers should do if their rights are violated.

What Is MLC 2006?

The Maritime Labour Convention 2006 is an International Labour Organization (ILO) convention that consolidates nearly 70 previous maritime labour instruments into one comprehensive standard. It was adopted by the ILO in 2006 and entered into force on 20 August 2013. The convention applies to all ships of 500 GT or more engaged in international voyages and to most domestic-trading vessels in ratifying countries.

The MLC establishes minimum standards across five main areas: seafarer employment, conditions of service, accommodation, health and social protection, and compliance and enforcement. These are organised into five Titles within the convention.

The Five Titles of MLC 2006

Title 1: Minimum Requirements for Seafarers

Title 1 covers the basic eligibility conditions for seafarers: minimum age (16 years, 18 for work in hazardous areas or night work), medical fitness, training and qualifications, and the requirement for a seafarer employment agreement (SEA). Every seafarer must have a signed SEA before joining a vessel — this is a core MLC requirement.

Title 2: Conditions of Employment

Title 2 sets standards for wages, hours of work and rest, paid annual leave, repatriation, and the requirement for financial security in cases of abandonment or injury. Key requirements include: minimum wages (aligned with ITF/ILO guidelines), a maximum of 14 hours of work in any 24-hour period and 72 hours in any 7-day period, and guaranteed repatriation at the shipowner’s cost at the end of a contract.

Title 3: Accommodation, Recreational Facilities, Food and Catering

Title 3 defines minimum standards for crew accommodation, including cabin size, noise levels, ventilation, lighting, and access to recreational facilities. It also covers food quality and quantity, and the requirement for qualified cooks on vessels with more than 10 crew. Substandard accommodation is one of the most commonly cited MLC deficiencies during port state control inspections.

Title 4: Health Protection, Medical Care, and Social Security

Title 4 requires shipowners to provide on-board medical care at no cost to the seafarer, maintain a medicine chest and medical equipment in line with flag state requirements, and ensure seafarers are covered by social security. Seafarers who suffer injury or illness during a contract are entitled to medical treatment and sick pay for at least 16 weeks after repatriation.

Title 5: Compliance and Enforcement

Title 5 establishes the flag state and port state responsibilities for MLC compliance. Flag states must issue a Maritime Labour Certificate (MLC Certificate) and a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) to vessels of 500 GT or more in international trade. Port State Control officers can inspect any vessel in their port for MLC compliance and detain vessels with serious deficiencies.

“The MLC changed the game for seafarers globally,” says a maritime law specialist with 20 years of experience in seafarer welfare. “For the first time, there is an internationally enforceable framework that gives seafarers real recourse — not just aspirational guidelines.”

MLC 2006 and Port State Control

Port State Control officers in MLC-ratifying countries can board any vessel and inspect for MLC compliance. They check the MLC Certificate, the DMLC, crew agreements, wage records, hours of rest records, accommodation, and medical provisions. Vessels found in serious breach of MLC standards can be detained until deficiencies are rectified. For a broader PSC guide, see our Port State Control Inspections guide.

What to Do If Your MLC Rights Are Violated

If your employer is not meeting MLC obligations — non-payment of wages, substandard accommodation, refusal to repatriate, inadequate medical care — you have several avenues of recourse:

• File a complaint with the flag state authority of the vessel
• File a complaint with the port state when in port
• Contact your union (ITF affiliated unions have port representatives in most major ports)
• Contact the shipowner’s P&I Club, which provides financial security for MLC obligations
• Seek assistance from seafarer welfare organisations such as Mission to Seafarers or Sailors’ Society

Frequently Asked Questions

Does MLC 2006 apply to all ships?
The MLC applies to all ships of 500 GT or more engaged in international voyages, with certain exceptions for warships, naval auxiliaries, traditional vessels, and some fishing vessels. Many countries also apply MLC standards to domestic trading vessels above certain sizes through their national legislation.

What is the minimum wage under MLC 2006?
The MLC does not set a universal minimum wage but requires that wages meet the minimum basic wage for able seamen set by the ILO/ITF Joint Maritime Commission. This figure is reviewed periodically — currently around $658 USD per month for an AB — though most operators pay significantly above this minimum.

What is a Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA)?
An SEA is the written contract between a seafarer and shipowner (or crewing agency) required under MLC Title 1. It must specify the nature of employment, wages, leave entitlements, repatriation conditions, and termination provisions. A seafarer must have a signed copy of their SEA on board at all times.

How long can a seafarer serve before being repatriated?
MLC sets a maximum period of service on board without repatriation of 11 months. However, individual SEAs, ITF collective bargaining agreements, and flag state regulations often set shorter limits — commonly 6–9 months for merchant officers.

Is the MLC related to STCW?
MLC and STCW are separate international conventions. STCW governs training, certification, and watchkeeping standards, while the MLC governs labour rights, working conditions, and welfare. Both apply simultaneously to seafarers on international vessels. Officers must comply with both frameworks.

Conclusion

MLC 2006 is one of the most important pieces of international legislation affecting seafarers’ daily lives. Understanding its five titles — from minimum employment requirements to health protection and enforcement mechanisms — helps you recognise your rights and hold employers accountable when standards are not met.

Whether you are joining your first vessel or reviewing a new contract, understanding MLC 2006 protects your interests at sea. For your next maritime role with employers who uphold these standards, browse opportunities at Seaplify.