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Sign-off & repatriation

When your contract ends, when you complete the maximum service period, or when you exercise the right to terminate, the shipowner is responsible for repatriating you home at no cost — including travel, accommodation in transit, food, and pay until arrival. This is one of MLC 2006's strongest protections (Regulation 2.5) and is backed by mandatory financial security on every flag.

Step-by-step

  1. Give written notice of intent to sign off within the contract terms, normally 30 days before contract expiry, and request the Master countersigns.
  2. Request a final wage statement covering basic, overtime, leave accrual, allotments paid, and any deductions. Cross-check against your timesheets.
  3. Confirm the destination of repatriation (your stated home, place of recruitment, or other agreed place) and that the company books the flight, not you.
  4. Refuse to sign any release of claims ("quittance", "final receipt") until all wages have actually been paid in full.
  5. Collect: signed-off SEA, sea-time testimonial, Discharge Book entry, copies of any incident reports, medical records relevant to the contract.
  6. If repatriation is delayed: contact the ITF inspector at the port; the flag state can be made financially liable through its MLC financial-security mechanism.

Evidence to save

What NOT to sign

Legal basis

MLC 2006 Regulation 2.5 (right to repatriation), Standard A2.5.1 (entitlements), Standard A2.5.2 (financial security). Maximum continuous service before mandatory repatriation: 11 months under MLC. Recovery of unpaid repatriation costs through the flag state.

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.