C2.5.2.b. When are seafarers considered “abandoned”?

According to Standard A2.5.2, paragraph 2 of the MLC, 2006, a seafarer shall be deemed to have been abandoned where, in violation of the requirements of the Convention or the terms of the seafarers’ employment agreement, the shipowner: (a) fails to cover the cost of the seafarer’s repatriation; or (b) has left the seafarer without the necessary maintenance and support; or (c) has otherwise unilaterally severed their ties with the seafarer including failure to pay contractual wages for a period of at least two months. Necessary maintenance and support of seafarers shall include: adequate food, accommodation, drinking water supplies, essential fuel for survival on board the ship and necessary medical care (Standard A2.5.1, paragraph 5).

Repatriation