MLC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MLC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following is a seafarer's MLC right? → a bonus from extra task
2. Under MLC 2006, what must happen if a seafarer is required to work during a scheduled rest period for an emergency drill? → The master must ensure adequate compensatory rest is provided
3. Under MLC 2006, the Maritime Labour Certificate must be accompanied by what document? → A Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) Parts I and II
4. Under MLC 2006, what is the role of a 'recognised organisation' (RO) in relation to the Maritime Labour Certificate? → It may conduct inspections and issue certificates on behalf of the flag state
5. Which of the following is explicitly prohibited under MLC 2006 Standard A1.4 with respect to seafarer recruitment practices? → Maintaining a blacklist of seafarers that prevents their employment
6. Under MLC 2006, the minimum floor area per person in a single-occupancy cabin on a ship of 3,000 GT and above must be at least: → 7.5 square metres
7. What must a SEA specify regarding repatriation under MLC 2006? → The conditions entitling a seafarer to repatriation
8. The broad term for the contents of the MLC 2006 is? → seafarers’ bill of rights
9. What is the minimum age requirement for seafarer recruitment under MLC 2006 Regulation 1.1? → 16 years
10. Under MLC 2006, can a seafarer waive minimum notice period rights under a SEA? → No, minimum rights cannot be waived
11. Which MLC 2006 Standard requires that seafarers be given a document recording their employment on board? → Standard A2.1
12. Under MLC 2006, what is the maximum hours of work for a seafarer in any 24-hour period? → 14 hours
13. Under MLC 2006, can a seafarer's wages be attached (garnished) while the ship is in port? → Only to the extent permitted by national law
14. Under MLC 2006, how long is a provisional Maritime Labour Certificate valid? → Six months
15. Under MLC 2006, wage account statements must be provided to seafarers at what frequency? → At least monthly
16. Under MLC 2006, seafarer accommodation must be inspected by whom before a ship is certificated? → The flag state competent authority
17. Under MLC 2006, what record must the master keep regarding wages paid on board? → A record of wages paid, including any deductions, signed by the seafarer
18. Under MLC 2006 Standard A1.4, what is the rule regarding fees or charges levied on seafarers by recruitment and placement services? → No fees or charges for recruitment or placement shall be borne by seafarers
19. Under MLC 2006, the SEA record of employment must NOT contain any statement about: → Quality of work or wages earned
20. Under MLC 2006, what is the minimum advance notice a shipowner must give a seafarer to terminate a SEA? → A period not less than minimum notice set in national law or the SEA
21. Under MLC 2006, what is the purpose of the financial security requirement related to seafarer wages (2014 amendments)? → To guarantee unpaid wages and repatriation costs when a shipowner abandons seafarers
22. Under MLC 2006, what is required on ships of 500 GT or more on international voyages regarding medical equipment? → A properly equipped medicine chest and medical equipment
23. Under MLC 2006, who is responsible for maintaining the ship's medicine chest and medical equipment? → The master, or a designated officer trained in first aid
24. Under MLC 2006, which certificate must ships of 500 GT or more engaged on international voyages carry to demonstrate MLC compliance? → Maritime Labour Certificate (MLC)
25. Under MLC 2006, watchkeeping seafarers on anchor watch are subject to which specific rule? → Rest period requirements may be relaxed by the competent authority
26. Under MLC 2006, hours of work and rest records signed by whom are considered valid? → The master and the seafarer
27. Under MLC 2006, who bears the cost of repatriation if a seafarer is stranded due to shipowner insolvency? → The flag state
28. Under MLC 2006, records of seafarers' daily hours of work or rest must be kept for at least how long? → At least the period specified by the competent authority, not less than one year
29. Under MLC 2006, which principle governs the treatment of foreign-flagged ships by port states? → No more favourable treatment than ships flying the port state's own flag
30. Which of the following must a competent authority do when monitoring private recruitment and placement services under MLC 2006? → Establish a system for regular monitoring and investigation of complaints