What to Do When Seafarers Are Not Paid Their Wages

Seafarers are the backbone of global trade, operating some of the world’s largest vessels under challenging and often hazardous conditions. They spend months at sea, enduring unpredictable weather and, in some regions, the risk of piracy. Despite their vital role in keeping international commerce moving, seafarers frequently face delayed, unfair, or completely unpaid wages.

Without them, economies would stall, supply chains would break, and essential goods would not reach their destinations. Yet, many seafarers struggle to receive the wages they have rightfully earned.

If you are a seafarer facing unpaid wages, here’s what you need to know:

1. Check Your Employment Contract

Before leaving your home country, ensure you have a signed copy of your employment contract. Your contract should comply with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, which guarantees fair treatment and wage protection.

Best practices:
✔ Keep an original signed copy in your possession.
✔ Scan and store a digital copy using CamScanner, Dropbox, or Google Drive for easy access.

2. Do Not Be Intimidated

Some shipowners may attempt to delay or evade payment using tactics such as:

  • Making false promises of future payments.
  • Offering partial payments instead of the full amount owed.
  • Threatening seafarers who demand their wages.

Regardless of their tactics, you have the right to your full wages. If you have performed your work, you must be paid accordingly.

3. You Have Strong Legal Rights – Maritime Liens on Wages

Seafarers are protected by a powerful legal right known as the “Crew Wages – Maritime Lien.” This right allows seafarers, upon presenting sufficient evidence, to:
✔ Arrest the ship until wages are paid.
✔ Force the sale of the vessel in extreme cases.

Important: Even if there is no formal contract, you still have the right to your wages, even after the ship is sold.

4. Your Manning Agent May Not Always Help

Manning agencies do not always act in the best interests of seafarers. Many will avoid getting involved in wage disputes, even if you paid them a fee to secure your job.

Additionally, under the Maritime Labour Convention, it is illegal for agencies to charge seafarers a fee to secure employment. If you have paid such a fee, you should be aware that this practice is a violation of international standards.

5. Most Cases Can Be Settled with Minimal Intervention

Each year, over 1,500 cases of unpaid wages are reported globally, affecting entire crews as well as individual seafarers. Many of these disputes can be resolved without lengthy legal proceedings.

At Temple Stoke, we act on behalf of seafarers against shipowners, ensuring that:
✔ Contractual obligations are enforced.
✔ International and Flag State laws are followed.
✔ Your case is handled efficiently to secure your wages as quickly as possible.

Temple Stoke Can Help You Recover Your Unpaid Wages

Our experienced maritime lawyers specialize in seafarers’ rights and wage disputes. We provide confidential legal assistance to ensure you receive the wages you are owed.

📩 Need help? Contact us today for a free confidential consultation:
✉ Email: ccharles@templestoke.com

“Words may inspire, but only action creates change.” – Simon Sinek