Preparing Yacht Employment Policies for the 2027 MLC Changes

The expected 2027 entry into force of the 2025 MLC amendments gives yacht employers time to improve policies and training. Preparation should focus on practical behaviour, reporting and crew access to support.

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. Review violence and harassment provisions.

Any exception should have a reason, an approval and a date for review rather than remaining an informal arrangement.

2. Check shore leave and repatriation processes.

Managers should test the process with a recent crew file to confirm that the written procedure is being followed in practice.

3. Plan fair treatment escalation routes.

Where several parties are involved, one person should remain accountable for coordinating the answer and closing the action.

4. Confirm current onboard medical guidance.

A material change in flag, employer, residence, role or operating pattern should trigger a fresh review instead of an automatic carry over.

A practical action plan

• Assign a policy owner.
• Consult flag guidance.
• Train managers.
• Communicate changes before implementation.

The process should remain usable during leave, crew rotation or a change of manager; critical knowledge cannot depend on one inbox.

What good management looks like

The transition is an opportunity to strengthen everyday crew management. Policies should be tested against real scenarios, not only reviewed as documents.

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 Maritime Organization, 2025 MLC amendments.