Seafarer Contracts : An Overview

Over the years, I've received many questions regarding seafarer employment details. Most of it is covered in the employment contracts. In this video, I give an overview of the usual inclusions in a seafarer's employment contract.
Of course, I can't go into details because there are a lot of factors to consider.
Chief MAKOi
Seaman Vlog

[@MJTAUTOMOTIVE]

One thing to add leaving for Greener Pastures, Is don't burn the bridges you had and the previous Company. This goes for all types of Jobs not just on board a ship. Always leave on good terms. because You never know what might happen in the future. You may have to go back to the same company. or Your old boss might become Your new boss down the road. Plus it is just the correct thing to do.

[@zzzz-ok7733]

💯👍

[@chickenmonger123]

Depends on how the burning is done, and why. It isn’t simply correct. The act of leaving itself is enough for some to consider the bridge burned. On your part. Other bridges are unsafe, or composed of something unethical. Like innocent flesh. It might be correct to burn such bridges. Not for nothing though. And leaving roads open gives room for unexpected good to find you, or you it.

[@stephenalexander6721]

Don't burn your bridges behind you. Don't burn your bridges ahead of you.

[@shauny2285]

And, be nice to your coworkers. You never know who might one day be your boss.

[@sannyassi73]

Bridge burning is so much fun though :(

[@johnregan2882]

Chief, Thank You! You would make an excellent "teacher" at whatever seafarer's school was ever lucky enough to have you sign on. KZbin "authors", like yourself, provide me the opportunity to travel the world and explore all the different careers I've never experienced. You are a blessing to those that seek to learn and experience all the wonders of our world. Again, Thank You!

[@edmondmangalino]

He was I think

[@13699111]

I agree with your comment very well said sir

[@rosariodavila7891]

Great video congratulations

[@lizj5740]

Chief Makoi has taught at the Philippines Merchant Marine Academy. He has a whole playlist on the PMMA: kzbin.info/aero/PLMOppBKhtQYquyLQWeR0VEagZUv0p6tzN.

[@patrioux5167]

Effectively, as chief engineer, he teaches his subordinates a lot, I would assume.

[@TheDaf95xf]

Good morning Chief MAKOi 😀 Fantastic video as always 👍🏻 Straight taking as always with some great information. RIP Queen Elizabeth 😢🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@torgeirbrandsnes1916]

Great vlog as always! I know in Norway when we ruled the waves there was to types of sailors. The first type jumped from ship to ship and different companies every single journey. Then you had the other type that stayed with eather the same company or ship or sometimes both, for years. Like you now working for MTM for a lot of year. You had sailors who worked for WWL for 30+ plus years. A friend of mine is a friend of the Captain of M/V Tønsberg. There are only half a dozen Norwegians left in int trade now. Sad, sad, sad. Be safe!

[@ianfraser7612]

Very interesting video as always and big thumbs up. Safe travels Cheif Makeoi

[@luketdrifter2100]

On the Great Lakes we were paid by the hour. As soon as you stepped on board you were paid for 56 hours (or whatever was left in the week) and anything after an 8 hour work day was over time. Companies are so short handed these days even hired as relief chances are you’ll stay on the same boat all season. Usually late March to end of January depending on ice.

[@Inspectorzinn2]

I suspect the Great Lakes boats/ships fall under US/Canada labor law because you can't register under a flag of convenience, so much less interesting. International ships are where the law/terms get interesting.

[@Fossillarson]

So I have chance to hide from my wife and keep the bills paid :)

[@privateer177666]

@@Fossillarson I’ve been married for 40 years now only because I’ve been underway for 20 years of it….. And the bills got paid.

[@Fossillarson]

@@privateer177666 lol that's awesome:)

[@calhouncarlos903]

I’m looking to get hired. What companies need people?

[@mohdrazali7571]

Dear Chief Makoi. As experience sailing with my country Ship Flag MISC for coupler of year 25 year ago. A lot of sweet and chalenging as Engine crew very momorable for my entire life. I always watching, thinking & remember all you story and experience from cadet till you high rank as Chief Engineer and you explanation very good knowledge for new youngers as need to be a Soilor...keep always updated a good experience and explanation for Seafarer life...Thank you Chief Makoi...

[@jesusgonzalez3988]

Good day Chief! :D In my opinion nowaday the salaries have decreased quite a lot as same as conditions on board... A part of my family sailed in Norwegian companies when Spanish seafers were so present in the Merchant Navy in general... It isnt unethical to show salaries because it´s a shame that a company pay 300 dolars to a wiper for example... These companies must fall in shame for that. I guess we were at the same time in Tarragona when you had the reparation of a main engine hahahaha Cheers from Spain a 2nd eng.

[@stephenhope7319]

Always enjoy your videos, Chief. A lot of what you said makes me feel glad that I stayed in a Union for 33 years and am now retired with a pension and health care. Not needing, but eligible for social security and not taking 401k money either. Retired at 56 and cruising the world and happy. Love your videos Chief.

[@galewinds7696]

Thanks for posting chief, I'm glad you are back in a place to upload video, smooth sailing ⛵️

[@christopherbuckley94]

When my father was a small tanker captain for Mobil Oil, they would pay for all of his expenses to and from the ship. You might have to personally pay for airfare, etc, but you would then submit a reimbursement voucher and the would pay you by either check or direct deposit. He lived in Florida and would fly up to NJ. He was considered an employee and received health insurance, vacation pay, etc. Generally with holidays they would receive an extra days pay. Usually that means 12 hours. 6 hours on, 6 hours off, etc.

[@rodmacrae1596]

Hi Chief, I'm a Australian 🇦🇺 Seafarer & regardless of nationalities of other Seafarers i've sailed with with where all paid the same Wage/Salary,no such thing as Race or Inferiority on our coast.The Higher ranks are paid the highest.Unfortunately the F.O.C companies are a pack of greedy assholes,all the Oil & Gas companies care about is profit they make.More they make the companies still don't want to spend it...Scabs!.

[@nvragn]

Thanks Chief always a pleasure and very informative 👍🇨🇦 Stay safe

[@Dragon_rls]

Great video as always Chief. I really feel like I missed the boat “ no play on words intended “ on the whole merchant marine experience in my youth. My father was a M.M., but growing up in NYC, left few opportunities to join the merchant marines back in the 80s. Your videos are a nice consultation. Thank you for posting.

[@privateer177666]

I started my maritime career in Sea Scouts in Jersey City @ 14yrs old. Continued the love w/various assignments in the USCG as an MK3 and went commercial after my hitch. I❤’d NY way back when John Lindsey was Mayor. Today, not so much. Good Luck Brotherman.

[@Dragon_rls]

@@privateer177666 Thank you, and good luck to you also brother 👍

[@jp-um2fr]

Well Chief you are the only seafaring channel I watch and you never let me down. I do read a LOT of books on the old days of sail. I just wonder what the poor devils who have just been impressed and dragged aboard HMS ????? to quite possible die through scurvy, falling or a 32lb cannon ball might think. Thank God those days are over.

[@mikegleaden5096]

Thanks for another informative and knowledgeable film, Chief. I fully understand your reticence for discussing salaries. But we already know how seafarers are paid - the same way they always have been: a fraction of what your training, experience and dedication are worth, and a whole lot more than any shipowner/ship manager thinks you’re worth. ‘Twas ever thus!

[@ronjurgs9799]

Your video was interesting. Before I retired several years ago, I was a seafarer myself. I had a chief’s license and a radio-electronics officer license as well. Fortunately, I belonged to a union, and they did a good job negotiating the contracts I worked with. Over the years I worked for many different companies and the pay would vary quite a bit. We always got a good health insurance plan and a pension plan as well. Any required training was always paid for by the union including travel and lodging. Travel to and from the ship was always paid for by the union and if I had a long overseas flight of more than 6 hours mostly the company would pay for a business class seat on the airplane. Usually, I worked about 90 days on then 90 days off and my vacation pay was always part of the check I received on signoff. I would always email my dispatcher about when I was ready to work again, and I would be put on the list for a job. For most of my working years getting a position on a ship wasn’t a problem. Sometimes the dispatcher would call me if some unusual short-term job showed up and I often took it. My last five years I always worked on the same ship traveling the same route opposite another seafarer that was in his last years before retirement too. Now I’m collecting my pension and stopped traveling and can just watch your KZbin videos. The seafarer’s life was fun for me and because of the pension plan managed by the union and financed by the companies I worked for my retirement is comfortable. Keep up the good work. Working on ships isn’t a very well known job but would only be a suitable one for about 20% of the workers out there.

[@xtrailstrada1369]

Retired OFW here...offshore Chevron Angola and Nigeria....28 days on / 28 days off....ingats Chief !

[@terencehawkes3933]

Very interesting information, Chief.

[@randyclyde4939]

Great to see another video, Chief! Very interesting set of information, thanks and be well and be safe!

[@davetaylor4741]

The World of big ships and merchant sailors is one of a kind. Through your videos and others us land bound folk get an insight into life at sea. And no doubt has inspired a few to join your ranks. I agree with you about not discussing specific wages. How long is a piece of string. I work construction and have done for over forty years. I can take a job that pays Carpenters so much per hour. Unfortunately on the building that experience is not often rewarded. If you are newly qualified you know little but can get the same pay. On site the older guys are the go to but at no benefit to them. I have often thought we should have interim testing and ranking systems. There are supervisor positions but now these require a separate license and are of limited number. At least your industry has more structure to it.

[@marth6271]

Thank you, chief for another informative, reasonable look inside the realm of seafarers. Oh- and entertaining!

[@Former_Highseasengineer]

Very informative. When I belonged to maritime union here in the USA, I worked for one company assigned to one vessel. We were considered permanent employees of the company and pay would be begin the day you traveled to the vessel. All travel arrangements were made for you. Based on our union contract we accrued vacation pay (leave) on a basis of 20 days for every 30 days worked. Our contracted time on board was minimum of 60 days and max of 90. Since we as officers were permanent employees we could work out our own schedules with our reliefs as long as it fell within the 60 to 90 day parameters.

[@entropyachieved750]

Another great video Chief, Hello from Australia

[@jonpt7]

Thanks for the informative video I really enjoy watching your videos. My grandfather was a 2nd refrigeraton mate on the President line in the 1940s my grandma made him quit because the war started. I have all his postcards from around the world,and a lot of beautiful things that he bought. Thanks again and I will look forward to more videos

[@lory2622]

Thanks Chief, for again answering questions that I didn’t even know I had.

[@jackiejanetm]

I always enjoy your explanations of things. Thanks Chief!

[@13squared2009]

Great to see a new video! Where are you in the world currently? Also, any chance Starlink is coming to your ship?

[@wcooksey4252]

Good vid, Chief. Thanks.

[@meinkapu9899]

You folks are the unsung heroes of our transportation system.

[@thomaswhite935]

Thank you Chief. I love your show.

[@robertgeorgewerner]

Great video and I really appreciate you sharing about your life. Chief my favorite part of every one of your videos though, is when you get that little twinkle in your eyes, your eyebrows raise up, and you get that mischievous little smile. Keep it up brother. I really appreciate it.

[@mitchellm.keithley3071]

Thanks Chief I greatly appreciate your content!

[@williamwilliam728]

As always the Chief gives us a detailed breakdown of life as a seafarer. And discussing money is not even remotely accurate because someone from the Philippines, whilst doing the same job, their living costs back home is way different than someone living in the UK. Seafarers make a very good living and it is a highly respected profession. Thanks, Chief. may the winds always be at your back... 🛳

[@geraldmiller5260]

Many mysteries were answered. Thank you!

[@jakster1952]

Thanks Chief, you have answered many of my questions. You do an excellent job and are most professional, I continue to follow your journeys at sea. Blessing to you, be safe and keep up this great content. Aloha!

[@davidgreen40]

Chief, Please do a segment on passenger travel on merchant vessels. Thanks. DG

[@joenichols3901]

I'm a banker but this is pretty cool. Awesome to see industries like this have competent leaders out there to spread the word on it.

[@dereksellars]

Thanks, Chief Look forward to more videos. Hurry up LOL, take care.

[@TheBlibo]

Great vid chief as always very informative. As a young man I used to dream of being a seafarer but life tends to sort out who dose what now I can only imagine what I might have missed, can't grumble I have done loads of other stuff but I can still be a little envious of the new lad (apprentice)that gets to work under you he will have a great and fair mentor keep up the good work

[@richardgiles2484]

really interesting and admire your views on salary information

[@kiljoysvnzr0]

I had always wondered about shipboard life and those who make a living from it. Thanks for sharing with us all Chief, safe voyages to you and your shipmates!

[@karlorotao5785]

binge watching all your previous videos chief and I saw your jacket for KZbin Nextup. Of all other content creators, yours has the most educational when it comes to Sea farers, I'm not part of the industry , but you explain things that's easy to understand. Waiting for your future contents !

[@petewilliams7425]

Very well explained Chief,spot on,happy sailing.

[@augustinboyd9626]

Missed seeing you and your videos, you always put out a good video and entertaining with your crew mates..

[@mrackerm5879]

Chief, I really enjoy your videos. They are very well done and you have a magnificent voice for narration.

[@hhazelhoff1363]

Just wondering why these companies don’t try to rotate the same crews on the same ships. You would thing that having a intimate understanding-of a specific vessel would have lots of benefits. Great video,

[@arielleblond6201]

This sort of job could gives you access to bad deals in the back of your company. You could transport drugs and share profits with your companions into the ship. When people leave the board all the time it's much more complicated, you see?

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

Excellent episode Chief !!!

[@aonshark2517]

this was an excellent and well spoke out episode, thank you.

[@mohammadmian2536]

Chief thank you you are a gentleman you pick your topic wisely. In on the question of bounce for extended contract. Back in 1970s for Pakistani seamen if you stay beyond twelve months of your contract you would get 25% above your salary up to fifteen months then 50% up to eighteen months and so on. I’m sure I’m right about this as I aged my be my memory is wrong but that’s what I remember.

[@bandaraindy5815]

Very well explained. So simple English even anyone could understand. Thank you chief, God bless you and your family. Wishing from Sri Lanka.

[@timothycollette8263]

Great video! I have always dreamed of working on a big ship. Very informative! Thanks for sharing!

[@LimestoneCoastCustoms]

Interesting indeed! Though I'm not a ship guy, I still find your topics (of basically your life) very informative, of course having an interest in most engineering (& things associated with it) certainly helps. I do have a mate who is very much like me (pretty handy with fabrication & repairs) who works on ships as the go to "Mr. Fix It" guy, it certainly give me an insight into his life aboard too! Cheers from Oz !!

[@RohitYadav-ld2yy]

Thank you chief ur so humble mentor for the seafarer 🙏love from India

[@tod2992]

Very informative and well explained.

[@johnkelley9877]

That was really an interesting topic Chief! Thanks for sharing this.

[@RailFanRob]

Awesome content as always Chief!!

[@amosjames7827]

Please chief, can you make a video of how seafarers receive medical attention on the way And seafarers medical privileges in general. Thanks, from a number one Fan

[@leehuntsman4586]

Safe travels my friend. I enjoy and forward to your videos

[@LoneWelshDruid]

I used to be involved in offshore crew movements and often the terminal operator did not have access to the vessel. What exactly goes happens when a tanker for instance comes alongside, sometimes its an hour or more to get the "umbilical's" connected! This was true for on signers and off signers.

[@chuckthomas8176]

Awesome clip Chief , thanks 😊..

[@slingerssecretlaboratory]

Always good content Chief

[@ron827]

Very professional all the way and I would consider it a privilege to work with you but I am a landlubber. :-)

[@brendanlangord1687]

Great information. While your job description is very different from mine the basic flow of it is strangely similar (I work in live entertainment and travel the world setting up, running shows and taking them down and moving on to the next city). The contracts, when we are payed from, the travel and hotels. Also the day to day jobs, and finding time for maintenance and up keep of equipment. Thank you for sharing all the this.

[@WayIntoAdventures]

Lol a funny thing is…you talked about other seafarers on KZbin…I thought you were the only one! Well, you are the only one we subscribe to. You have such an interesting job! Nice job on the drone too, we only just got one and it is a nice thing to add to videos. The only one we really uses it on a lot so far is our Skeleton Coast video. It’s a little scary flying it over water isn’t it? Nice video and we will be waiting for the next!

[@jonphereiversonsantos6680]

Chief please make a video about how to starting a Engine, and boiler. For us students, THANK YOU CHIEF!!!!!

[@arielleblond6201]

In France we try to brake the secret of the salaries. Because at last it's bad for workers and good for companies only.

[@el_carbonara]

thanks so much chief, helps me understand a lot better

[@finternational2633]

Hallo Pare, this was really nice vlog. This is challenging topic - but I really like this one! Kiitos, Danke, Tack, Salamat and Thanks.

[@onocoffee]

The contracts start and end with the passing through of Philippine Immigration? That's great, but it makes me think that there must have been a lot of abuse of OFW Seafarers that led to the creation of that law. Another informative video, Chief!

[@jameslanning8405]

If your contract is only for 6 months, then 'Leave,' isn't really a concern, is it? I guess there's leave for being hurt, or a medical procedure. Maybe. It's good to see you getting your new ship whipped into shape! New paint and repairs, she'll shine soon! Have a great life Chief, be safe, and always, God bless!

[@eliasl.6902]

What do you mean ?

[@dimesonhiseyes9134]

@@eliasl.6902 Pretty sure OP is talking about vacation leave or other non medical time off. That when you are on a ship for 6 months you aren't worried about those types of leave

[@ke6gwf]

"leave" is the time period between the end of one contract and the beginning of the next one lol

[@jameslanning8405]

@@ke6gwf That might spell out "Permanent Leave!"

[@ivorgotten2368]

@James Lanning. Of course 'Leave' is a concern. When onboard ship you work 7 days a week, and there is nowhere to go during your time off. So after 6 months of 7 days a week, you need a rest, and to be with your family etc. Typically your contracted rate of pay would include xx.xx per hour and you would accrue 'Leave Pay' at say 10 days per month served. So after 6 months you would accrue 60 days of leave. On leaving the ship after 6 months, your final pay would be 8 months, in order to cover the 60 days leave you have earned. Then as your 60 days off was coming to an end, you would contact the company again (or another company) for another posting. Source: 18 years as AB in UK Merchant Navy.

[@waynecory5314]

Chief, I really admire you! Just noticed you have a star that appears, occasionally, next to your right (starboard) eyebrow when you make certain expressions. Just noticed after watching most of your video's - can only be seen in certain lighting conditions, but it is there & very obvious. Must be a good sign!

[@AndrewTa530]

Chief, big fan. How about a video on your path to becoming a Chief Engineer or as we say in the Navy "CHENG".

[@Jerekre]

Chief Makoi made a video of that a while back, see the link below m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/np_Ni6R-irV7nqs

[@charles5259]

Appreciate the explanation

[@FLGurl]

I very much appreciate your videos. I am learning so much about this subject. Although I could not do this type of work due to age, and more importantly gender, I like to learn. You are a great instructor with vast knowledge. Thank you so much.

[@lizj5740]

Florida Gurl, apparently you haven't watched Madeliene Leine, who has worked onboard ships for many years. Check out her KZbin channel to learn about her experience. (Age: I have no solution for that. It seems every day, everyone gets older. 😊) She is taking a break from shipping at present, but her previous videos about seafaring are interesting.

[@FLGurl]

@@lizj5740 Thank you! 👍

[@torben8622]

This was a very interesting topic you discussed here! In norway (where I work), everyone gets 3x times the salary per day they have to stay extra

[@davidcardin3271]

I love seeing your videos. My anak is getting on the ship these week

[@patrickhalsey4000]

thanks for the vid, good as always, and interesting!

[@GojoRamsay888]

Chief sana po magkaroon din po kayo ng video about dun sa mga na repat due to medical reasons especially yung mga napauwi under contract. Maraming Salamat po 🙏

[@hornetscales8274]

Can't claim to know about merchant ships, but if there's one thing I learned in the Marine Corps, it's that you can't be afraid of work if you plan to do anything associated with ships, and I learned that quickly with only 3 weeks of sea time under my belt. I mean, I worked hard because that was my job, but the man I was sent to work for was there when I showed up and stayed at least an hour later than my average [13 hours per] day. IN PORT!!! This man OWNED that part of the ship, and he was a mere E5. Those who put to sea have my respect, military or otherwise: There's no place for slacking.

[@gregoryforstner9213]

I really enjoy your videos!

[@ezrakipkoech1425]

This is eye opening 💯

[@Gerstberger]

hey my daughter wants to know more about the command structure on a ship. like what would happen if captain was incapacitated? love your vids chief gl

[@lahirupramodperera9048]

Thank you chief

[@ChefOntoy]

I totally agree with you Chief. Salary should not be and will never be a topic that should be discussed in public or even with anyone else except with your wifey (maybe). I really hate it when someone is asking you how much do you earn for a living. That is none of their business.

[@aa-kv2pq]

This is also company dependent as third and second mate I often got a choice of ship and also had flexible leave if I asked to come back early or stay on leave longer it would usually be accommodated but I worked for a small company

[@capt.marloncataquis]

Great Video Sir. Thank You!

[@paullandreville5394]

Another educational video Chief. I'm thinking a new AB would want and experienced sailor to look at your first contract. The small print is what bites you in the ass. Good ethics too. Pay is not a public topic when many factors enter into the equation.

[@berhanusisay3588]

An interesting topic as usual.

[@haydzm6651]

Very informative and well explained👋

[@joshuajesseduero5389]

Always keep safe chief

[@123abs100]

Good day chief, i really adore your videos. Its educational and entertaining. My request is, could you make a video on engine room resource management and leadership qualities. I am an aspiring engineer. Thanks.

[@alainaarrhodge5900]

Thanks Chief!

[@privateer177666]

Nice job Chief.

[@jeffbangkok]

Good evening from Samchuk Thailand

[@ohasis8331]

That was quite interesting - the video was over and I was still engaged.

[@zephirus4483]

thanks for the video, it was very informative! Could you do a video on generators and electricity management aboard a ship? I think it would be a very interesting subject. I always wondered why cargo ships would need to produce thousands of KW of electricity, when and how, and how generators are setup and fueled!

[@antnewbon2673]

Chief you have a good sail.

[@rherman9085]

Great video Chief! Salaries: I think if you discussed ranges in general terms, that might be okay. However, any real details is nobody's business. That's like asking or wanting to know how much you make or asking a farmer how much land he has. Not only is that crass but plain wrong. I do have a question I was hoping you would have delved deeper on. Extended stay: I know in your case, you had a Covid situation where you went way beyond your contract & further, outsider the scope, maybe by a couple of months. Does that change things or is the situation the same? Also, What IF? What is a Seafarer wants to extend or just do another tour or contract on that ship without leaving? That is probably unheard of but what if? Great video. Always treat to see your next posting. Thank you!

[@DrJoeJoeHands]

Thank you