A Flag of Convenience (FOC) vessel is one that flies the flag of a country other than the country of ownership. It is attractive to shipowners who care more about their bottom line than the welfare of their seafarers, because it can save them money.
Double bookkeeping is an unlawful accounting system in which seafarers are forced to sign two different sets of contracts and/or wage accounts.
Abandonment happens when shipowners refuse to accept their responsibilities to support the crews on their vessels.
The ILO sets international labour standards through key international agreements.
The MLC covers all vessels and applies to all seafarers. But you must be at least 16 and have a medical certificate to work on a ship.
The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC), otherwise known as the Seafarers’ Bill of Rights, incorporates and builds on sixty eight existing maritime labour conventions and recommendations, as well as more general fundamental principles, to ensure decent working and living conditions for all seafarers.
Your wage rates will depend on whether you are serving on a national flag vessel or a ship covered by an ITF agreement.
Being a member of trade union can mean the difference between getting the medical help you need when you break a bone or suffering for a lifetime without proper treatment.
In countries where the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 has been ratified, crewing agencies offering recruitment services must not charge you for finding you work.
Setting internationally recognised labour standards to protect the rights of workers
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is the UN agency that sets internationally recognised labour standards to protect the rights of workers.
