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Illegal pay deductions

Wages are protected by MLC 2006 Standard A2.2: payment must be in full, in legal tender, and at intervals not exceeding one month. Lawful deductions are limited (income tax where applicable, social-security contributions where applicable, allotments authorised by you, properly-documented loans against wages). Anything else — including 'training fees', 'agency fees', 'visa fees', or unilateral charges for damaged stores or ship's property — is unlawful. ILO Convention 173 (Protection of Workers' Claims) reinforces this. Keep every wage account; demand corrections in writing.

Step-by-step

  1. Demand a wage account showing gross wages, each deduction line-itemised, and net wages — required at each pay period under MLC Standard A2.2(2).
  2. Identify each deduction. Lawful: income tax, social security, court-ordered child support, your authorised allotment payments. Unlawful in most jurisdictions: agency / training fees back-charged, deduction for crew uniform or PPE, deduction for routine equipment damage without due process.
  3. Refuse to sign the wage account if it shows deductions you have not authorised. Add a written endorsement: 'Signed under protest as to deductions of [amount/items]'.
  4. If deductions persist, escalate via the on-board complaint procedure (MLC A5.1.5). Then, if no remedy, contact the manning agency's licensing authority and the ITF Inspectorate.
  5. Recover unlawful deductions through the labour court of your home jurisdiction within the limitation period. Wage claims rank as preferential maritime liens against the vessel under MLC Reg. 2.2 and the 1993 Geneva Convention on Maritime Liens.
  6. Where the deduction includes a 'recruitment fee' charged by the manning agency: this violates ILO Convention 181 (Private Employment Agencies) which prohibits charging fees to workers, and violates MLC Standard A1.4(5)(b).

Evidence to save

What NOT to sign

Legal basis

MLC 2006 Reg. 2.2 (wages) and Standard A2.2 (regular and full payment). ILO Convention 173 (Protection of Workers' Claims). ILO Convention 181 (Private Employment Agencies, Article 7 — no fees to workers). National labour codes set wage protection standards specific to each jurisdiction.

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.