Seafarer working and living rights
Living conditions
Seafarers’ living conditions are covered by Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) rules on crew accommodation.
Food and catering
Seafarers’ food and catering conditions are covered by MSN 1845 under MLC rules.
Health and safety
Employers of seafarers must follow health and safety rules and provide:
- safe working places and environment
- safe machinery and equipment
- health and safety training, instruction, supervision and information
- a health and safety policy
- protective clothing and equipment where necessary
- information for workers about the findings of their risk assessment
- information on what qualifications any temporary workers must have
- information about their activities and staff to the company
Risk assessments
Any vessel where seafarers work onboard must have had a risk assessment carried out by their employer or the ship owner.
New or expectant mothers
Where women of childbearing age are employed as seafarers, a risk assessment must take place of any potential hazard likely to affect a new or expectant mother.
It does not matter if they are pregnant at the time of the assessment or not.
If a risk is found that cannot be removed, a new or expectant mother working as a seafarer can be suspended on full pay providing one of the following applies:
- they’ve told their employer they’re pregnant
- they’ve given birth in the last 6 months
- they’re breastfeeding
For more information on health and safety rules for new and expectant mothers, contact the Seafarer Safety and Health Branch of the Maritime and Coastguard Authority (MCA).
Seafarer Safety & Health Branch
02380 329 247
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