Working Hours of Seafarers

Working Hours of Seafarers

The working hours of seafarers are regulated by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006.

According to the convention, the maximum hours of work for seafarers should not exceed:

  • 14 hours in any 24-hour period
  • 72 hours in any seven-day period
  • 14 days in any consecutive 28-day period

Seafarers must also be provided with a minimum of 10 hours of rest in any 24-hour period and a minimum of 77 hours of rest in any seven-day period.

However, these regulations may be adjusted under certain circumstances, such as in cases of emergencies, short-handed vessels, or in situations where safe operations require longer working hours.

It’s important to note that each country may have its own laws and regulations regarding seafarers’ working hours, but the MLC sets a global standard for minimum requirements.