SEA & MLC Documentation: A Pre-Joining Review
Reviewed 27 October 2026 · NavSure Maritime Consultancy
Practical checks for seafarer employment agreement and supporting records.
Start with a clear agreement
MLC, 2006 addresses employment agreements, wages, leave, repatriation and other working conditions. Before joining, review the applicable SEA with the seafarer and check that its terms are clear. Where a collective bargaining agreement applies, identify the correct agreement and the relevant schedule rather than copying rates from another vessel or year.
Cross-check the particulars
Compare the seafarer’s name and identifying details, rank, vessel and employer information across the working documents. Review the wage components, contract period and applicable benefits. This practical cross-check supports document consistency; the full requirements depend on flag, national law, applicable CBA and the current official instructions.
Keep a controlled record
Maintain the signed agreement and supporting records with appropriate access controls. Keep a version trail when terms change. Record unresolved questions and obtain clarification before relying on a template. A generic form should not be presented as proof that every applicable MLC or national requirement has been satisfied.
Official reference
ILO — Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 ↗
Independent consultancy guidance. Check the latest official instructions for your case. NavSure is not a government body or affiliated with DG Shipping / DGMA.