Maritime Labour Convention

This guidance document provides practical information for shipowners, masters, and seafarers on MLC certification, inspection requirements, seafarer employment agreements, working and rest hours, complaints procedures, health and safety standards, and other key obligations. The document includes model forms, tools, and policy templates to assist with compliance and support the welfare of seafarers on Cook Islands-flagged vessels.

Download the MLC Guidance Document.pdf

Download Model Forms and Tools referred to in the MLC Guidance

• Record of Employment.pdf
• Table of Shipboard Working Arrangements.pdf
• Working and Rest Hour Tool.xlsx
• Medical Report Form.pdf
• MLC Complaint Form.pdf

Online Forms

• DMLC Part II Application Form
• MLC Complaint Form
• MLC Exemptions Request Form

For faster and more efficient processing please use the online forms

MLC Complaints

Seafarers serving on Cook Islands-flagged vessels have the right to raise complaints about breaches of the Maritime Labour Convention without fear of retaliation. Issues should first be raised and resolved onboard, using the ship’s complaint procedure. If unresolved, a complaint may be submitted to the shipowner, master, port authorities, or directly to Maritime Cook Islands at mlc@maritimecookislands.com. All complaints are handled confidentially and must be recorded, with fair and timely follow-up.

For further details please refer to our MLC Guidance Document

To submit a formal complaint please complete our MLC Complaint form 

Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance – Part II (DMLC II)

The DMLC Part II is completed by the MLC shipowner or their representative. It sets out the shipowner’s measures to ensure ongoing compliance with Cook Islands’ national requirements under the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. The document must address each of the 16 areas in DMLC Part I and describe how compliance will be maintained and continuously improved. Once submitted, the DMLC II is reviewed by Maritime Cook Islands as part of the MLC inspection and certification process.

For further details please refer to our MLC Guidance Document

Submit your DMLC II Application online for faster processing

Seafarer Employment Agreements (SEA)

All seafarers working on Cook Islands-flagged ships must have a written, signed and legally Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA). The SEA must clearly state wages, working hours and rest periods, entitlements to leave and repatriation, health and social security protection, and termination provisions. 

SEAs must be signed by both the shipowner (or representative) and the seafarer, with both parties receiving an original. Seafarers must be given the chance to review and seek advice on their SEA before signing, ensuring their rights and responsibilities are fully understood.

Disclaimer

The SEA model form has been prepared to reflect the requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as implemented by Maritime Cook Islands. It is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Shipowners and seafarers are strongly advised to seek independent legal advice in their own jurisdiction to ensure that the terms and conditions of employment comply with all applicable national laws and contractual obligations.

For further details please refer to our MLC Guidance document 

Download a copy of the SEA Model Form