Working at sea inherently involves heightened operational risks, which is why crew health protection is governed by strict international standards. The primary legal foundation is the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006), while the practical financial mechanism fulfilling the shipowner’s obligations is provided by Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Clubs.

Shipowner Obligations Under the MLC 2006 Convention

Under Regulation 4.2 of MLC 2006, the shipowner bears full financial liability for the consequences of illness, injury, or death occurring while a seafarer is under contract – from the moment they depart for the voyage until repatriation is complete:

• Comprehensive Medical Care: Coverage for all expenses related to emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medication, as well as board and lodging ashore until recovery or determination of permanent disability.
• Continued Wage Payments: Payment of full wages while on board, plus guaranteed sick pay following sign-off (typically for a minimum of 16 weeks from the onset of incapacity, subject to national law or collective bargaining agreements).
• Medical Repatriation: If a seafarer is unable to continue the voyage, the shipowner is required to organize and fund their safe return home.

The Role of P&I Clubs in Handling Claims

Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Clubs cover shipowners’ third-party liabilities, including those owed to the crew. In cases of serious injury or sudden illness, the claim process follows a structured procedure:

• Reporting and Documentation: The incident must be logged in the ship’s logbook alongside an official Standard Medical Report, after which the shipowner immediately notifies their P&I insurer.
• Coordination of Care: The P&I Club appoints a local correspondent at the nearest port to arrange the seafarer’s vessel disembarkation, admission to an approved medical facility, and oversight of ongoing treatment.
• Letters of Undertaking: The insurer issues direct Letters of Undertaking to the medical facility, ensuring the seafarer does not have to pay out-of-pocket for costly medical care abroad.

The charitable organization “Apostleship of the Sea” Stella Maris Ukraine is part of an international Catholic network providing support to people of the sea-seafarers, port workers, cadets, fishers, and their families. Our mission is to offer comprehensive assistance to these groups through a variety of programs and initiatives.