Yacht owners must comprehend and abide by the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC) regarding crew management in order to guarantee the seamless running of the vessel. One of the most important factors is the appropriate distribution of yearly leave, which is not only required by law but also influences crew morale, well-being, and performance in general.
Annual Leave Requirements for Yacht Crew
Under the MLC, yacht crew members are entitled to a minimum of 2.5 days of paid annual leave per month, equating to 30 days per year. It’s important to note that this leave is separate from public or customary holidays, which should not be deducted from the crew’s annual leave entitlement.
For yacht owners, understanding the flag state’s regulations where the vessel is registered is essential. Flag states often have additional public holidays, and these holidays can vary significantly. For instance:
Bermuda – 10 days
Cayman Islands – 8 days
Marshall Islands – 5 days
UK – 8 days
Malta – 14 days
British Virgin Islands – 13 days
Isle of Man – 10 days
Gibraltar – 10 days
Jamaica – 10 days
For a yacht flagged in Jamaica, for example, the crew would receive 40 days of paid leave annually, combining the MLC minimum with the Jamaican public holidays.
Ensuring Compliance for Seamless Operations
Managing the crew’s leave entitlements appropriately is essential to upholding excellent standards on a yacht. This entails maintaining precise records of their yearly leave and making sure the laws of the particular flag state are abided by. By doing this, the yacht owner will not only fulfil legal obligations but also foster an atmosphere where crew members feel appreciated and respected.
When planning a yacht’s operational schedule, it is important to be mindful of the timing of crew leave. The MLC stipulates that crew members should, in principle, take leave in a place where they have a substantial connection, typically their home country. This helps maintain crew satisfaction and ensures they are well-rested and ready to perform at their best when back on board.
Avoiding Potential Issues
Understanding the nuances of the MLC can help prevent common issues that arise regarding crew leave:
Compensatory leave: Such leave of any kind, under conditions as determined by the competent authority or through the appropriate machinery in each country, should also not be deducted from leave entitlement.
Leave and Shore Leave: Shore leave, granted to crew members while the yacht is docked, is separate from annual leave. This is important for the well-being of your crew and should not be deducted from their leave entitlement.
Health and Well-being: If a crew member falls ill or is injured, this time off cannot be counted as annual leave. Ensuring proper medical care and fair treatment during these periods is critical to maintaining a motivated crew.
Strategic Leave Management
Yacht owners benefit from a happy and well-managed crew, which directly impacts the vessel’s performance and overall enjoyment on board. Proactively managing crew leave in line with MLC standards, and ensuring that all entitlements are respected, helps foster loyalty and reduces staff turnover. By maintaining accurate records and staying informed of flag state regulations, a yacht owner will safeguard the smooth operation of the yacht, allowing all involved to focus on enjoying their time at sea.
In conclusion, while the MLC sets a baseline for crew entitlements, as a yacht owner, going beyond mere compliance by ensuring fair and transparent leave management can enhance the crew’s performance and contribute to the overall success of the yachting experience.
Vassallo Associates can advise on all aspects of yacht ownership and required compliance. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.