Repatriation refused or delayed — escalation chain

Contract ended (or due to end), the owner is refusing or delaying repatriation. MLC Regulation 2.5 + Standard A2.5.1 give you the right.

Immediate action (do this first)

1. Demand repatriation in writing from the Master and the agent. Keep the message.
2. Call ISWAN SeafarerHelp: +44 800 012 1004 + the ITF inspector at the current port.
3. Notify your home-country embassy in writing.
4. If 2+ months unpaid wages too: treat as abandonment (see /emergency-help/abandonment).

Evidence to save

• Original SEA showing the contract end date.
• Discharge book endorsement (or its absence) at the date contract ended.
• Every written demand for repatriation (dated).
• Every refusal or delay justification from the owner / agent.
• Names + ranks of crew witnesses.
• Photo of the financial-security certificate (MLC A2.5.2).

Escalation chain

1. ISWAN SeafarerHelp + ITF inspector
2. Flag-state seafarer-complaint channel
3. Home-country embassy / consulate — Embassy can press the foreign authority + arrange emergency travel documents.
4. Port State Control (MLC A5.2.2) — Onshore complaint at the port the vessel is in.
5. IMO/ILO Joint Database on Abandonment — If repatriation refusal lasts 60+ days or wage arrears trigger.

Do NOT

• Don't sign a 'mutual termination' without ITF or embassy review — it can strip the financial-security claim.
• Don't desert the vessel without ITF coordination — leaving unilaterally can give the owner grounds to refuse onward claims.
• Don't accept partial repatriation (one leg only) without written commitment for the full journey home.

Sample message (copy + adapt)

To the Master + manning agent: My Seafarer Employment Agreement dated [date] ended on [contract end date]. Under MLC 2006 Regulation 2.5 + Standard A2.5.1 the shipowner is responsible for my repatriation at no cost. I request immediate travel arrangements and a written timeline within 48 hours. Copy: ISWAN, ITF inspector at [port], home-country embassy.

Last verified 13 days ago