Who needs an SEA?
The MLC applies to seafarers on sea-going ships ordinarily engaged in commercial activities, as implemented by each flag state. Many commercially operated (charter) yachts are covered; privately used pleasure yachts often are not, and genuinely self-employed contractors are not required to have an SEA. Whether a particular yacht is covered depends on its flag, its size and how it is used — ask the captain or management company.
What an SEA must contain
Under Standard A2.1 of the MLC, an SEA must in all cases include:
- •Your full name, date of birth (or age) and birthplace
- •The shipowner’s name and address
- •Where and when the agreement was made
- •Your capacity (job) on board
- •Your wages, or how they are calculated
- •Paid annual leave, or how it is calculated
- •How and when the agreement ends, including notice
- •Health and social security protection provided by the shipowner
- •Your right to repatriation
- •A reference to any collective bargaining agreement that applies
Notice, copies and records
- •You must be able to review and take advice on the agreement before signing, and receive a signed original
- •The minimum notice period for early termination may not be shorter than seven days (set by national law)
- •You are entitled to a record of your employment on board — it may not comment on the quality of your work or your wages
How this fits deliveries and short jobs
Short delivery jobs are often done as self-employed contractors, which is outside the SEA requirement — but you still deserve clear written terms. On Maritime Delivery both sides accept the same pay, dates, route and cost split before the job starts, and you can open a draft Seafarer’s Employment Agreement from the assignment page when one is needed.
Sources
Put it to work