Seafarers on Malta‑flagged vessels must be employed under a formal, legally compliant agreement and enjoy a range of statutory rights. Recent legislative updates have further strengthened protections, bringing Maltese maritime practice in line with global standards.
1. Mandatory Employment Contract
Pre‑boarding medical certification
Before engagement, seafarers must submit a medical fitness certificate to the vessel’s master.
Key contract terms
Under Maltese law, the master must sign a written employment contract with each crew member. The agreement must include: place and date of signing; seafarer’s identity, birthplace, date of birth; vessel name; role and voyage details; crew composition; wages; leave entitlements; and termination provisions. It must be drafted in a clear, approved form and signed by the master before the seafarer.
Legal enforceability
Contracts must at least meet minimum legal standards—any clauses less favourable than statutory rights are void. Seafarers must receive fair terms and are legally permitted to join trade unions and invoke collective bargaining agreements.
2. Compensation & Working Hours
Wage timing
Wages are payable before or at the end of employment, regardless of freight earnings.
Hours of work
• Full-time seafarers: up to 40 hours per week (48 hours for watchmen).
• Part-time work is permitted. Adequate daily rest is required, especially if working over 6.5 hours.
3. Leave & Sick Pay
Holiday entitlement
• Full-time seafarers: up to 40 hours per week (48 hours for watchmen).
• Part-time work is permitted.
•Adequate daily rest is required, especially if working over 6.5 hours
Sick leave
• After six months’ employment: up to 15 days per year on full pay, adjusted for social security sickness benefits.
Special leave
• 2 days’ bereavement leave;
• 3 days marriage leave;
• 2 days after the birth of a child;
• Up to 10 days annually for certificate‑related study;
• Jury service leave for Maltese residents on full pay.
• One year paid injury leave (adjusted for social security injury benefits)
4. Social Security & Welfare
Social security coverage
Malta’s social security law applies to seafarers aboard Maltese‑flagged vessels. EU regulations now require contributions for crew from EU/EEA countries regardless of residence, ensuring entitlements like sickness, unemployment, pension, family, maternity, and invalidity benefits.
5. Recent Labour Reforms (2025)
Effective early 2025, Malta enacted amendments to the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) Rules to further enhance seafarer rights:
• Financial safeguards: Owners/recruiters must hold insurance or security to cover losses from recruitment failures or breach of contract.
• Guaranteed wages: Pay is secured independent of freight revenue.
• Health & safety: Clean, nutritious meals; properly sized PPE; and measures to prevent injury or exposure included.
• On‑board welfare: Recreational facilities, social spaces, reasonable ship‑to‑shore communication (telephone and internet) required.
• Incident reporting: Seafarer deaths must be recorded and reported promptly.
These changes demonstrate Malta’s commitment to proactive alignment with both national and international standards.
6. Freedom of Association
Seafarers have the legal right to join trade unions, which can negotiate better terms and enforce compliance. If owners fail to uphold contractual or statutory rights, unions may prompt inspections or pursue legal remedies.
7. Areas for Improvement & Oversight
While statutory protections are strong, certain aspects—such as wage definitions and recruitment fee transparency—require further clarity. Seafarers are entitled to a minimum basic wage, which is periodically set. However, comprehensive clarification on overtime, allowances, bonuses, and social security contributions can help reduce ambiguity.
Final Thoughts
Malta’s legal framework affords seafarers on its flagged vessels substantial protections—from mandatory contracts and rest periods to leave, social security, and enhanced safety and welfare provisions. Recent reforms underscore the nation’s commitment to upholding the spirit of the Maritime Labour Convention and global labour rights standards.
Remaining gaps, such as clearer wage regulation and transparency on recruitment practices, may benefit from ongoing union oversight and enhanced regulatory guidance. Nonetheless, seafarers working under the Maltese flag currently operate within a robust legal environment that is more favourable than in many other jurisdictions.
For legal advice or assistance with seafarers’ employment agreements, compliance audits, or dispute resolution, please contact our maritime law team.