Seafarer working and living rights

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Conditions of employment

Seafarers’ employment contracts are covered by the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.

Working time regulations

All seafarers on seagoing ships are entitled to:

• a minimum of 10 hours’ rest in any 24 hour period
• 77 hours rest in any 7 day period
• at least 4 weeks’ paid annual leave

Read the Merchant Shipping Regulations 2002 for more information.

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