C4.2.1.g. To what extent are shipowners liable if seafarers on their ships are covered by a state (public) system of compensation in the case of sickness or injury?

Standard A4.2.1, paragraph 6 of the MLC, 2006 allows national laws or regulations to also exempt the shipowner from liability to defray the expense of medical care and board and lodging and burial expenses insofar as such liability is assumed by the public authorities. Guideline B4.2.1, paragraph 2, recognizes that national laws or regulations may provide that a shipowner ceases to be liable to bear the costs of a sick or injured seafarer from the time at which that seafarer can claim medical benefits under a scheme of compulsory sickness insurance, compulsory accident insurance or workers’ compensation for accidents [see C4.2.1.f.].

Shipowners’ liability