MLC 2006 Compliance Checklist for Yacht Owners

The Maritime Labour Convention provides an international framework for seafarers’ working and living conditions. Yacht owners should translate applicable requirements into practical employment, payroll and onboard controls.

For owners, family offices, captains and management companies, the objective is practical control. The process should be understandable to the crew, visible to authorised shore based managers and supported by records that can be retrieved when a question, review or inspection arises.

What yacht managers should review

1. Check employment agreements and crew access to copies.

The responsible team should document the current position, identify missing evidence and assign ownership of the next action.

2. Review payment, leave and repatriation arrangements.

This should be checked against signed agreements, the vessel’s real operation and the instructions of the relevant authority or adviser.

3. Maintain medical, qualification and hours records.

Crew communication is part of the control: affected people should understand the rule, timing and route for questions.

4. Provide an accessible complaints process.

The conclusion should be recorded so that another authorised manager can understand it without relying on verbal history.

A practical action plan

• Map applicable flag requirements.
• Assign an owner for each control.
• Review evidence periodically.
• Correct recurring gaps at process level.

A simple tracker with a responsible person, target date and evidence column is usually sufficient to maintain visibility.

What good management looks like

A checklist supports consistency but does not replace vessel specific advice. Requirements should always be confirmed for the yacht, flag and employment structure.

Chess & M supports internationally operating yachts with crew employment, payroll, HR administration, social security coordination and compliance follow up. To discuss a tailored solution for your vessel or fleet, contact the Chess & M team.

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal, tax, medical or flag State advice. Requirements should be confirmed for the relevant vessel, employer, seafarer and jurisdiction.

Reference: International Labour Organization, Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.