MLC Candidate Guidance

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​At YS Talent, we’re committed to ensuring every seafarer we work with is protected, informed, and supported under the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC). Below is some key guidance to help you understand your rights and our responsibilities.

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Understanding the Seafarers’ Employment Agreement (SEA)

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Before signing any Seafarers’ Employment Agreement (SEA), you have the right to review it thoroughly. The SEA is a vital document that outlines your working and living conditions onboard. While there is no one standard format, all SEAs must comply with applicable national laws and must not offer less than the minimum protections provided by MLC 2006.

Where applicable, SEAs may also include details of any relevant Collective Bargaining Agreement. We strongly encourage you to ensure all parts of your SEA are clear, complete, and acceptable to you before signing. For more information please click here. Please see SEA example template here.

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If the yacht does not fall under MLC (or sails under a flag that has not ratified MLC), we still advise that you carefully review the employment terms on offer and ensure you're comfortable with them. A full list of ratifying flag states can be found online. Please follow this link to see flag states that have currently ratified MLC 2006. 

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Your Rights and Protections

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YS Talent is committed to acting in your best interest throughout the recruitment process:

• No Fees Charged to You: We never charge candidates any fees—before, during, or after the recruitment process.

• Financial Due Diligence: We will make reasonable checks to ensure our clients are financially able to meet their obligations to you.

• Insurance: You should be provided with adequate personal insurance by your employer for the duration of your contract. If not, we can point you toward reputable providers—though we do not endorse any specific insurer.

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Prohibition of Blacklisting and Fair Employment Practices for Seafarers

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YS Talent strictly prohibits the use of any means, mechanisms, or blacklists that are intended to prevent or deter qualified seafarers from gaining employment. We are committed to fair and transparent recruitment processes and uphold the principles of non-discrimination, equal opportunity, and ethical treatment of all candidates.

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Support and Safeguarding

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• Complaints and Grievances: If you have any concerns while onboard, follow the yacht’s onboard complaints procedure. You may also contact the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) at mlc@mcga.gov.uk or by mail:
  MCA, 105 Commercial Rd, Southampton, SO15 1EG
  If your complaint relates to our service, please contact us directly using the details below.

• Complaint Procedure: We aim to resolve all complaints fairly and promptly. Complaints should be raised within 10 days of the incident, though we understand there may be exceptions. You can contact us verbally or in writing - if verbal, we will confirm your complaint in writing. We aim to respond within 4 weeks. If the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome, they have the right to escalate the issue. We advise all seafarers that unresolved complaints can be referred to the MCA at mlc@mcga.gov.uk , and as an agency, we also forward any unresolved complaints to the MCA in accordance with MLC requirements.

• Emergency Contact: For urgent matters, please contact Lauren Seymour. 

• Protection of Your Privacy: If a family member or next of kin contacts us with a concern, we will verify their relationship before passing on any information. Your privacy and safety are our priority.

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Ethical Recruitment

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• We do not work with candidates under the age of 16 (or 18 for chef roles).

• We do not discriminate on any basis and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

• We never engage in any practice that would blacklist or unfairly prevent candidates from gaining employment.

Your Responsibility

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By registering with YS Talent, you confirm that all the information you provide—experience, qualifications, training, and medical status—is accurate. You agree to keep your documentation updated and provide copies to your employer or their representatives upon request.

Want to view our MLC Certificate?
Please email us at lauren@ys-talent.com, and we’d be happy to provide it.