Loading…
Manning agencies and operators sometimes require you to pay for STCW courses, type-specific endorsements (chemical tanker, gas tanker, ECDIS familiarisation), or 'sponsored' cadetship costs. Many of these charges violate ILO Convention 181 Article 7 (no fees to workers) and MLC 2006 Standard A1.4(5)(b). This topic covers identifying recoverable fees, the bond / training-recovery clauses that operators try to enforce, and recovery routes.
ILO Convention 181 (Private Employment Agencies), Article 7: 'Private employment agencies shall not charge directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, any fees or costs to workers.' MLC 2006 Standard A1.4(5)(b) (recruitment placement services free to seafarers). National manning-agency licensing: PH RA 11641 (DMW), IN MS Rules 2016, UA Maradmin licensing regime. Cadetship-sponsorship recovery clauses are enforceable only where genuine costs were incurred AND C181 is not implicated.
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.