This marine insight is to give guide about seafarers job contract, 5 things to check before signing any contract. Be it offshore or merchant ship, you need to be well informed about these things.
Remember a good contract means, a peace of mind at offshore. And a bad one? Regret in the middle of nowhere. A Seafarer’s Job Contract, also known as a Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA), is a written agreement between a seafarer and a shipowner. Most of the time, the ship manager signs the contract on behalf of shipowner.
On the SEA the employer outlining the terms and conditions of employment. Also, the contract is crucial for ensuring the rights and responsibilities of both parties are clearly defined, especially given the unique nature of maritime job. The contract reflects the condition layout by Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), among others. Before signing your contract see below checklist for your reference.
Here are 5 things every seafarer must check before signing job contract:
- Contract Duration & Joining Details
• Know your exact period onboard
• Who pays for travel? Visa? Medical?
• What happens if the contract is cut short?
- Salary Breakdown & Currency
• Fixed vs. overtime? Bonuses?
• Is it USD, EUR, AED, or local?
• When is salary paid — and how?
- Insurance & Repatriation
• Does it cover injury, illness, death?
• What about during travel or shore leave?
• Who handles repatriation?
Also Learn more on 10 Recommended Maritime Jobs Recruitment websites 2025
- Dispute Resolution / Jurisdiction
• Which country’s laws apply?
• Which court will handle conflicts?
• Is your company registered where your rights are protected?
- Signatures & Copy
• Never leave without a signed original or digital copy
• Keep backups — always.
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