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For the family at home, a seafarer's income arrives as a monthly allotment — a fixed or percentage-based transfer from the ship's payroll to a designated bank account. Understanding how the allotment system works, when to expect money, what exchange rate exposure looks like, and what to do when a payment does not arrive on time are all practical skills that make the financial side of a seafaring household easier to manage. This page is the family-side companion to the seafarer's own guide at money management at sea.
The allotment is the portion of a seafarer's monthly wage that is designated for transfer to a named recipient — usually a spouse, parent, or household account. It is set on an allotment authorisation form completed on joining day. Under MLC 2006 Standard A2.2(4), the allotment must be transmitted without excessive charges, and any fee must be disclosed in writing. Key facts:
USD-denominated allotments are converted to local currency either by the company before remittance (at a rate they set) or by the receiving bank. In either case, the exchange rate on the day of conversion determines the local-currency value of the transfer. Approaches that reduce the impact of unfavourable rates:
Seafarer contracts end in a lump-sum sign-off payment — the balance of wages, leave pay accrual, and any onboard savings. Knowing roughly when this is due (the expected sign-off date) allows the family to plan for it rather than absorb it as an unexpected windfall. Common uses of sign-off money: debt reduction, home repairs, school fees, emergency fund. Treating it as income for a specific purpose, agreed in advance, is more effective than spending it reactively.
If the seafarer's contract is extended — which happens — the sign-off date shifts. Build a buffer of one to two months' household expenses as a float, so that an extension does not create a financial crisis at home.
Late allotments are common and usually have a technical explanation — a banking holiday, a correspondent bank delay, or a processing error. Most resolve within three to five business days of the expected date without any action. If the payment has not arrived by day five:
The practical requirement is that the family member at home can access funds for household needs — bills, groceries, childcare, emergencies — without depending on the seafarer being reachable. A joint account with both partners as signatories satisfies this. A separate account in the family member's name with the allotment paid directly into it also works. The right structure depends on individual circumstances; what matters is that access is not contingent on ship-to-shore communication at a critical moment.
When does the monthly allotment typically arrive?
Most company allotment systems remit on the 7th of the month for the prior calendar month's wages. Actual receipt depends on the banking corridor — domestic bank transfers may arrive the same day; international wire transfers can take 3–5 business days. Ask the manning agency for the exact remittance schedule and the bank intermediary route before the contract starts, so you know the expected receipt window.
What if the allotment is late or does not arrive?
Wait three to five business days past the expected date before escalating — international wire delays are common and usually resolve without action. If it has not arrived by day five, contact the manning agency in writing (email, so you have a record) and ask for confirmation of the remittance date and reference number. If the agency cannot confirm it was sent, escalate to the company accounts department directly. Persistent non-payment is an MLC breach — contact the ITF or your national maritime union. See /rights/unpaid-wages for the full escalation path.
Should we have a joint account or separate accounts?
There is no single answer. Joint accounts simplify household bill payments and give both partners visibility of finances. Separate accounts with a standing transfer from the seafarer's account to the household account offer clearer personal financial boundaries. Many seafaring couples use a hybrid: a joint household account for bills and shared expenses, with each partner maintaining a personal account. The key practical requirement is that the person at home can access funds for household emergencies without depending on the seafarer being reachable.
How do exchange rate changes affect the household budget?
Most seafarer wages are denominated in US dollars (USD). If your household spending currency is PHP, INR, IDR, or another currency that can fluctuate against the USD, exchange rate movements during a contract materially affect your real income. A 5–8% USD weakening over a six-month contract is not unusual. The most practical response is to budget conservatively — use a slightly pessimistic exchange rate when planning monthly household expenses — and treat any favourable rate movement as a surplus to save, not to spend forward.
Disclaimer. General practical information only — not financial or legal advice. Remittance timing, bank fees, and exchange rates change regularly. For wage disputes, contact the ITF or your national maritime union.