C1.1.a. If the national minimum age in a country is higher than 16, must it be reduced?

Regulation 1.1, paragraph 2 of the MLC, 2006 sets 16 years as the current minimum age for a person to work as a seafarer. If a country has a higher age then it already meets and exceeds the minimum age and would not need to adjust its minimum age. Night work for seafarers under the age of 18 must be prohibited (with some possible exceptions). It should be noted that for some activities or positions (e.g., hazardous work or work as a ship’s cook) the MLC, 2006 requires that seafarers be at least 18 years of age.

Minimum age