Marine Advisory: 17/2026 - Resolution of Seafarers’ Complaints Onboard Liberian Flagged Vessels

b) Maritime Labor Convention, as amended

Dear Masters/Crew:

The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to encourage seafarers to contact the Liberian Administration directly, when a complaint cannot be resolved at the lowest level possible on board in accordance with Standard A5.1.5.2 of the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC 2006), as amended.

The Liberian Administration is committed to ensuring that seafarers who serve onboard Liberian flagged ships have decent working and living conditions, a safe and secure workplace, and fair employment.

Onboard Complaints

This Administration recommends using your ship’s onboard complaint procedure before contacting the Administration. All seafarers must have a copy of the onboard complaint procedure on the ship.

In the event a complaint cannot be resolved onboard at the lowest level possible, seafarers should contact the Administration directly by telephone (during office hours: +1 (703) 790- 3434, after hours: +1 (703) 963-6216) or email MLComplaints@liscr.com.

When a complaint is received, the Administration will:

1. Undertake an initial investigation;
2. Check whether the onboard complaints procedure has been considered by the seafarer;
3. Promote resolution of the complaint at shipboard level, if appropriate;
4. Keep the identity of the complainant confidential, if the complaint is of a general nature affecting specific working and living conditions onboard the ship;
5. If the complaint isn't resolved, a visit to the vessel to carry out an MLC inspection will be considered.

Seafarers may also use the online complaints form to complain directly to the Administration. The online complaints form can be accessed through this link: https://www.liscr.com/maritime/mlc-seafarerscomplaints-form

Any questions or for more information related to this Marine Advisory, please contact the MLC Department at MLC@liscr.com or telephone +1 (703) 790-3434.

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