Key takeaways
- ✓Minimum rest: 10 hours in any 24-hour period and 77 hours in any 7-day period.
- ✓Or, as the alternative limit: maximum 14 hours of work in any 24 hours and 72 hours in any 7 days.
- ✓Rest may be split into no more than two periods, one of them at least 6 hours long.
- ✓Minimum paid annual leave: 2.5 calendar days for each month of employment.
The two ways a flag state can set the limit
Standard A2.3 of the MLC lets each flag state choose either a maximum number of working hours or a minimum number of rest hours. Either way, the limits below are the floor that cannot be undercut.
| Limit | Per 24 hours | Per 7 days |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum hours of rest | 10 hours | 77 hours |
| Maximum hours of work (alternative) | 14 hours | 72 hours |
How rest can be split
Drills (muster, fire-fighting, lifeboat) should be held in a way that disturbs rest as little as possible. If you are on call and get called out during rest, you should get compensatory rest.
- •No more than two rest periods in 24 hours
- •One of them must be at least 6 hours long
- •No more than 14 hours between two consecutive rest periods
Records you are entitled to
The vessel must keep records of your daily hours of rest, and you are entitled to a copy endorsed by the master or a person authorised by the master. Keep your copies — they matter in any dispute about fatigue or overtime.
Annual leave
Under Standard A2.4, paid annual leave is at least 2.5 calendar days for each month of employment. Agreements to give up the minimum annual leave in exchange for money are generally not allowed, except in cases set by the competent authority.
Your Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA) should state your leave entitlement and how it is calculated.
If the rules are broken
- •Write down your actual hours and keep copies of the official records
- •Raise it with the master or head of department first
- •Use the on-board complaint procedure that the MLC requires
- •Contact the flag state, a port state inspector or your union if it is not resolved
On Maritime Delivery, assignments come with a written agreement and an assignment hub where both sides can see the plan and the voyage log — a clear record helps everyone keep to safe working hours.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum rest for seafarers under MLC 2006?+
At least 10 hours of rest in any 24-hour period and 77 hours in any 7-day period. Alternatively, a flag state can set a maximum of 14 hours of work in 24 hours and 72 hours in 7 days.
Can rest hours be split?+
Yes, into no more than two periods, one of which must be at least 6 hours long. The interval between two consecutive rest periods must not exceed 14 hours.
How much annual leave do seafarers get?+
Under MLC 2006, Standard A2.4, at least 2.5 calendar days of paid annual leave for each month of employment.
Can the 77-hour weekly rest be reduced?+
Only where national law or a registered collective agreement allows an exception. Some flag states, such as Norway, allow a temporary reduction of the weekly rest, but not of the 10-hour daily minimum.
Sources
Put it to work