Seafarer Employment Agreements (SEA)

What yacht crew should know before joining a vessel

A Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA) sets out the terms and conditions under which a seafarer works onboard a vessel.

Where the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) requirements apply, every seafarer must have a legally enforceable SEA.

Before you sign

You should be given sufficient opportunity to read and understand your SEA before signing it and, if you wish, seek advice on its terms.

Your agreement should clearly set out the required terms and conditions of your employment, including details such as:

• your position onboard
• wages and how they will be paid
• paid annual leave entitlement
• notice and termination arrangements
• health and social security provisions where applicable
• repatriation entitlement
• any applicable collective bargaining agreement

The exact requirements will depend upon the vessel, its Flag State and the individual employment arrangements.

Both the seafarer and shipowner should retain a signed copy of the SEA.

Recruitment through Cara Lees Yacht Crew

As an MCA-certified Recruitment and Placement Service, Cara Lees Yacht Crew is committed to promoting fair, transparent and MLC-compliant recruitment practices.

Candidates should understand the terms and conditions of their employment before joining a vessel and should never feel pressured to sign an agreement they have not had sufficient opportunity to review.

We encourage all crew placed through CLYC to retain copies of their employment documentation for their own records.

Official MCA guidance

• MGN 477 (M) Amendment 5 – Maritime Labour Convention 2006: Seafarers’ Employment Agreements
• MGN 475 (M) Amendment 2 – Maritime Labour Convention 2006: Recruitment and Placement
• MLC 2006 – Regulations, Guidance and Information

These links open the official pages on GOV.UK.

Important

This information is provided as general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements may vary according to the vessel’s Flag State, operation and individual employment arrangements. Seafarers and employers should refer to the applicable Flag State requirements and seek appropriate professional advice where necessary.

Captains, yacht managers and employers: see what we need from you on our hire crew page.