Answer
A Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA) is the legally binding employment contract required under MLC 2006, Title 2 (Regulation 2.1) for every seafarer working on board a commercial vessel.
- Key Legal Requirements:
- Must be signed by both the seafarer and the shipowner (or an authorized shipowner representative).
- The seafarer must be given an opportunity to examine and seek advice on the agreement before signing.
- The seafarer must retain an original signed copy, and another copy must be available on board for Flag/Port State inspection.
- Must be written in English for vessels on international voyages.
- Mandatory Contents of an SEA:
- Identity: Seafarer’s full name, date of birth, and birthplace.
- Shipowner: Name and official address of the shipowner.
- Capacity: Rank or position on board (e.g., Chief Engineer).
- Remuneration: Basic wage, overtime calculation rate, and payment frequency.
- Paid Annual Leave: Minimum 2.5 calendar days per month of employment.
- Termination Conditions: Notice period requirements (must not be shorter for the shipowner than for the seafarer).
- Social Security & Repatriation: Health protection benefits and repatriation rights under MLC Regulation 2.5.