Your work agreement (contract)

Fishers · Know your rights

Before you go to sea, you should have a written agreement that you understand and that you have signed.

What you should get

• A written work agreement, signed by you and the vessel owner (or their authorised representative), that you can understand (ILO C188, Art. 16 and 20).
• A chance to read it and get advice before you sign (C188, Art. 17).
• Your own copy. A copy must also be carried on board (C188, Art. 18).
• From 1 January 2028, on vessels covered by WCPFC CMM 2024-04: a written contract, in a form and language that helps you understand it, agreed before the fishing trip starts and signed by you and the owner or operator (CMM 2024-04, para. 7c).

Check for

• Your name, the vessel name and registration number, and the owner's name and address
• Start date and how long the agreement lasts
• Your job on board
• How your pay or share is worked out, and how often you are paid
• Rest periods, leave, repatriation, health cover and how to complain

What you can do

• Never sign a blank page or a contract in a language you cannot read. Ask for a translation or for someone you trust to explain it.
• Take a photo of every page and keep it on your phone and with your family.

Sources: ILO C188 Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (NORMLEX) · WCPFC CMM 2024-04 Crew Labour Standards (measure page) · CMM 2024-04 full text, incl. Attachment 1 — crew agreement particulars

This card is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by country and by the vessel's flag. Information checked 2 October 2026. For help, see piowr.org/fishers and piowr.org/tools/find-help.

Pacific Institute of Workplace Relations · Fair Conditions At Work · piowr.org