SEAFARER WORKING AND LIVING RIGHTS

All seafarers are entitled to essential working and living rights that ensure their welfare and dignity while at sea. These rights include:

- Employment contracts: Clear agreements outlining job responsibilities, wages, and working conditions.
‍
- Accommodation and Food: Adequate living quarters and access to meals during their time on board.

- Medical care: Access to necessary medical services and support for health-related issues.

A seafarer is defined as any individual working on a seagoing vessel, which includes:

- Masters and Crew: The ship's captain and operational staff.
‍
- Accommodation and Food: Adequate living quarters and access to meals during their time on board.

- Medical care: Access to necessary medical services and support for health-related issues.

A seagoing ship is classified as any vessel that meets the following criteria:

- Engages in international voyages or travels from a foreign port.

- Undertakes domestic journeys from the UK coast.

- Has a gross tonnage of over 500.
The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, which came into effect on August 7, 2014, establishes comprehensive rights and protections for seafarers. This convention replaced all previous legislation concerning seafarers' rights, ensuring a unified and robust framework for their working conditions.
Click here to read more on the GOVUK website.