Seafarer Contract Red Flags Quiz — Protect Yourself UAE 2026

Q: Your contract includes this clause: "Employee agrees that any disputes arising from this agreement shall be resolved solely by arbitration in the flag state, and the employee waives the right to access courts in their country of residence." Is this:

ILLEGAL under MLC 2006 Standard A2.1. Seafarers cannot be forced to waive access to legal remedies in their country of residence or the flag state. MLC 2006 specifically prohibits clauses that remove or reduce seafarer legal rights. Any clause forcing arbitration as the ONLY option may be challenged.

Q: Contract clause: "Monthly basic salary: USD 640 for Able Bodied Seaman." Is this:

BORDERLINE RED FLAG. The ITF (International Transport Workers Federation) recommended minimum for an AB is USD 641/month. USD 640 is technically $1 below this threshold. While MLC 2006 doesn't prescribe an exact figure (it requires "fair" wages), ITF-affiliated union contracts enforce the USD 641 minimum. Many flag states now legislate this directly.

Q: Your UAE employer includes this clause: "Any medical treatment required must be obtained only at employer-approved clinics. Treatment at non-approved facilities will not be reimbursed." While you are employed, is this:

ILLEGAL IF it prevents EMERGENCY care. Employers can legitimately require approved providers for routine medical care. However, under MLC 2006 Regulation 4.1, seafarers MUST have access to immediate medical care in any emergency regardless of approval requirements. Any clause preventing emergency treatment access is illegal under MLC 2006.

Q: Contract clause: "This agreement may be terminated by the employer with 7 days notice for any reason during the probation period of 6 months, without compensation." Is this:

RED FLAG. While probation is legally acceptable, MLC 2006 Standard A2.1 requires adequate notice (typically 7 days minimum is actually acceptable). However, "for any reason" with no stated grounds and "without compensation" combined is problematic — particularly if used to dismiss seafarers after they complete difficult voyages but before full contract completion. Check flag state specific minimums.

Q: Your contract states: "All costs of repatriation from the vessel to your home country shall be borne by the employee, to be deducted from final salary." Is this:

ILLEGAL under MLC 2006 Regulation 2.5. Employers are REQUIRED to pay all repatriation costs at the end of the employment agreement — including transport, accommodation during transit, food, and wages until the seafarer reaches home. The only exception where seafarers may bear costs is if they are dismissed for serious misconduct. Signing this clause does not make it enforceable.


          
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Seafarer Contract Red Flags Quiz — Protect Yourself UAE 2026

Would You Sign This Contract? Most Seafarers Cannot Spot the Red Flags

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