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What to check in your contract before the voyage: 7 points
Contracts are read before signing, not after. Here are seven points worth a careful look — most problems start with one of them.
The checklist
- Basic wage and pay structure. What exactly is guaranteed per month, what sits in the base and what counts as allowances (overtime, leave pay). Compare the contract figure with what was promised at the interview.
- Contract term and extension rules. Can the company extend unilaterally, for how long and on what conditions.
- Repatriation. Who pays your way home — both in the normal case and if the contract is interrupted. This right is anchored in MLC 2006.
- Medical coverage. What is covered during the voyage and after sign-off due to illness or injury, and which documents you will need.
- Payment arrangements. Where and how often wages arrive, and whether any deductions or transfer fees apply.
- Early termination terms. What happens if you want to sign off early — and what happens if the company wants you to.
- Who your legal employer is. The company named in the contract may differ from the crewing agency or the manager. In a dispute, your claims go to the legal employer.
In doubt — ask before you sign
Send us the contract before signing — we'll review it and tell you what to watch for. Free for union members: write to us.