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Joining a ship

Joining a ship — "signing on" — is the moment your Seafarers' Employment Agreement (SEA) takes effect and you become subject to the Master's authority and to the rules of the flag state. It is also the last point at which you can confirm in writing that the contract, the wage, the ship, and the rotation are what you were promised. Take that opportunity seriously: once you sign on and the vessel sails, your leverage drops sharply.

Step-by-step

  1. Before travelling: confirm in writing the vessel name, IMO, flag, port of joining, joining date, contract length, gross wage, and the principal (the actual shipowner, not just the manning agency).
  2. Verify the manning agency's licence with the home-country regulator (DMW for the Philippines, DG Shipping for India, etc.) and confirm no placement fee has been charged.
  3. Check your STCW certificates, GMDSS (if applicable), medical certificate (ENG-1 or equivalent), seaman's book, and visa for the joining country are valid for the full contract.
  4. On joining, request and read the SEA in full before signing. Confirm wage, leave accrual, repatriation clauses, applicable CBA, and overtime terms.
  5. Photograph the MLC-DMLC Part II posted in the messroom — it names the financial-security insurer for unpaid wages and repatriation.
  6. Familiarisation: complete the ship-specific safety familiarisation within 24 hours, identify your muster station, lifeboat, and Designated Person Ashore (DPA) contact details.

Evidence to save

What NOT to sign

Legal basis

MLC 2006 Title 1 (minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship), Regulation 2.1 (Seafarers' Employment Agreement), Regulation 1.4 (recruitment and placement), STCW Regulation I/14 (responsibilities of companies). The SEA must be signed by both parties, copied to the seafarer, and lodged with the flag state register.

Primary sources

Related terms

Organisations that can help

Disclaimer. General information only — not legal advice. Rules vary by flag state, port state, vessel type, applicable CBA, and contract. For specific cases, contact ITF, ISWAN, your union, or a maritime lawyer.