Crew Members’ Personal Effects on Board: Protection, Insurance, and Responsibility

1. What is Considered Seafarers’ Personal Property

Under international conventions, Crew Members’ Personal Effects refer to the seafarer’s belongings kept on board during service — clothing, documents, personal electronics, tools, and even limited cash or bank cards used personally.
Items belonging to the shipowner or provided for work (e.g., uniforms, safety gear, company tools) are not part of personal effects.

2. Legal Basis: MLC 2006 and ILO Provisions

MLC 2006 — Right to Compensation

According to Regulation A4.1, paragraphs 1(c) and B4.1.5, the shipowner is required to compensate for loss or damage of personal belongings if it occurs due to:

• shipwreck, fire, piracy, or war action,

• emergency actions ordered by the master, or

• evacuation of the ship for safety reasons.

However, MLC also clarifies that the shipowner is not liable for losses caused by the seafarer’s own negligence or misconduct (e.g., leaving valuables unattended or ignoring safety instructions).

3. Shipowner’s Responsibility and Insurance Coverage

3.1. Employer’s Obligations

Every shipowner must:

• include a clause on compensation for lost property in the Seafarer’s Employment Agreement (SEA),

• maintain a Crew Insurance Policy that includes a section “Personal Effects Cover”,

• record the seafarer’s personal items upon joining the vessel — especially under vessels entered in P&I Clubs (such as Gard, NorthStandard, Skuld, or West of England).

3.2. P&I Club Coverage

Most P&I (Protection and Indemnity) policies contain a standard Crew Effects Clause, which typically provides:

• a limit of USD 2,000–5,000 per seafarer,

• coverage for fire, flooding, piracy, theft, and accidents,

• reimbursement for lost documents and replacement costs of passports and certificates.

This ensures financial protection in the event of unforeseen incidents during service.

4. Role of Unions and the ITF

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and national maritime unions (such as NUMAST, AMOSUP, SEKO) insist that:

• every contract must include explicit reference to personal property compensation,

• ITF may represent crew interests in insurance claims after an accident or detention,

• shipowners cannot deduct wages to cover lost items without the seafarer’s written consent.

The ITF also monitors compliance with MLC 2006 and issues recommendations on minimum insurance levels to ensure fair protection for seafarers worldwide.

5. Claim and Compensation Procedure

1. The seafarer reports the loss or damage to the master immediately.

2. The master records the incident in the Official Log Book and issues a written statement.

3. The shipowner or P&I Club investigates and authorizes payment under the insurance policy.

4. In some jurisdictions (e.g., the UK, Malta, Canada), compensation levels are fixed by law — usually between EUR 1,000 and 4,000 per crew member.

If a company refuses to compensate, the seafarer can file a complaint through the flag state administration or an ITF inspector in the nearest port.

6. Exclusions from Liability

Compensation is not payable if:

• the loss resulted from the seafarer’s negligence;

• the lost items were of high value (e.g., gold, luxury electronics) and not declared upon embarkation;

• the property was lost ashore during unauthorized leave.

7. Modern Trends in Crew Property Insurance

Today, major P&I Clubs offer expanded protection under Crew Personal Effects Insurance, including:

• increased coverage up to USD 10,000 per seafarer;

• inclusion of personal laptops, smartphones, and tablets;

• Delayed Baggage Compensation for items lost during air travel or mobilization.

Between 2023 and 2025, the average insured compensation limit has increased by around 22%, reflecting the rising risks of piracy and regional conflicts across international waters.

8. Conclusion

Protecting seafarers’ personal property is an essential part of their social and contractual rights under MLC 2006, ILO, and ITF agreements.
Adhering to these standards ensures that every crew member remains financially secure and confident — even when unforeseen events occur at sea.

Core Principle: Every seafarer should be protected against financial loss in case of force majeure, and their personal belongings must be covered by insurance from the moment their contract begins.