Resources

Repatriation

A large number of seafarers contact us with issues relating to disputes over repatriation. According to the Maritime Labour Convention (2006), seafarers have the right to be repatriated at no cost to themselves in the following circumstances: 

• if the seafarer’s employment agreement expires while they are abroad; 
• when the seafarer’s employment agreement is terminated by the shipowner, or by the seafarer for justified reasons; and 
• when the seafarer is no longer able to carry out their duties under their employment agreement, or cannot be expected to carry them out in the circumstances. 

Contact SeafarerHelp if you have any concerns about your repatriation rights.

Resources

The following websites may be helpful for more information about repatriation rights and the MLC: 

• The right to be repatriated (Seafarers’ Rights International)
• Maritime Labour Convention (Seafarers’ Rights International)